Celebrating 20 Years of Family Advocacy Day

Celebrating 20 Years of Family Advocacy Day

Learn how the experience impacted former child advocates.
Family Advocacy Day

Children’s Hospital Association is celebrating the 20th year of its marquee event, Family Advocacy Day (FAD). Every summer, pediatric patients and their loved ones travel to Washington D.C., where they meet with federal lawmakers. Together with children’s hospitals, we elevate their voices and advocate for important pediatric health care issues.

In 2025, advocates will engage with policymakers to influence change on:

Below, find stories of child advocates who participated in FAD over the years and learn how the experience shaped their lives.

About Children's Hospital Association

Children’s Hospital Association is the national voice of more than 200 children’s hospitals, advancing child health through innovation in the quality, cost, and delivery of care.

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Celebrating 20 Years: A Tradition of Fearless Voices for Children’s Health

Two decades of putting faces to policies during Family Advocacy Day has made life-changing impacts for children’s health.

From Advocacy to Action: How One Family’s Experience Inspired a Nonprofit

Energized by Family Advocacy Day, the Hines family created a support group for caregivers like them.

Katie Doderer's Story Challenges Medicaid Stereotypes

From advocating on Capitol Hill to teaching in a Title 1 school, a pediatric patient with a rare disorder continues to make a difference.

Darth Vader Advocates for Children's Health

The tiny Darth Vader in the Super Bowl commercial now uses his superpowers to advocate for pediatric health care.

Amplifying a Message of Acceptance

Peter Dankelson, a motivational speaker and musician, met with members of Congress during Family Advocacy Day in 2008.

The Immeasurable Impact of Personal Connection

Fifteen years later, parents still have fond memories of sharing their son’s story with lawmakers.