Celebrating 20 Years of 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:
- The workforce shortage of doctors and other health care professionals trained to meet the unique health care needs of children.
- The prevention of proposals that could jeopardize children’s access to care.
- The vital role Medicaid and CHIP play in families’ lives, providing health insurance to nearly half of all children in the U.S.
- The mental, emotional, and behavioral health emergency facing children and teens.
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.
