Meet Molly: A Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Champion

A few years ago, when Molly was 9, she started having challenges in school—even before March 2020 and the subsequent disruption due to COVID-19. She was behind in reading and had trouble getting along with her peers, managing her emotions and paying attention.

After these issues arose, Molly was diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety. "The immediate effect on our family after Molly's diagnosis was relief," says Andrea, Molly's mother. "We knew what was going on and had a path and professionals to assist us."

Molly, a Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
champion, is participating in Family Advocacy
Day 2023.

The pandemic was difficult for Molly. "We isolated but she didn't have a close-knit group of friends to stay in contact with," says Andrea. "She was lonely and sad."

School work also proved challenging in combination with the ADHD diagnosis, requiring extended periods of focusing on a computer screen. It took Molly more time than her siblings to adjust to going out of the house again. "We, as a family, learned a long time ago that diagnoses don't change what is happening, they help us find the best way to live with what we are already experiencing," says Andrea.

Molly started taking daily medications to help with her ADHD and anxiety. She sees her provider at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) about once every three months for regular checkups. Molly also regularly sees a therapist outside of CHOP. Molly's parents struggled to find a therapist who accepts insurance, while also managing expensive copays.

Since receiving consistent care and medication, Molly's confidence has improved. "She has friends at school and is back to her bubbly, funny self," says Andrea. "She is doing better in school, too."

Molly and her parents still have some work to do with her reading fluency, but overall, Molly is doing great. She enjoys swimming, practicing her art and building Legos.