Family Advocacy Day 2025: Families and Children’s Hospitals Call on Congress to Prioritize Kids’ Health

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Starting today, Children’s Hospital Association (CHA) is hosting 60 young patients and their families in the nation’s capital as part of its annual Family Advocacy Day (FAD). This year, CHA is celebrating the 20th anniversary of FAD, where families from 61 children’s hospitals and 31 states and Washington, D.C. will speak directly with lawmakers, share powerful personal stories and urge Congressional action to protect and strengthen children’s health care.

This year’s theme, Team CHA, emphasizes the power of families, hospitals, and policymakers working together. In addition to policy meetings, participating children will take part in interactive, uplifting activities throughout the week to celebrate their strength and courage.

Some of the patient advocates who will share their stories include:

• Christian, age 9, Boston Children’s Hospital
• Naheim and Neveah, ages 13 and 7, Nemours Children’s Hospital Delaware
• Bella, age 16, UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital
• Dean, age 3, Arkansas Children’s Hospital
• Mia, age 14, UH Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital
• Uly, age 4, Children’s National Hospital
• Thomas, age 4, Dell Children’s Hospital

These children — and dozens more — will meet with members of Congress to advocate for stronger federal support for Medicaid, which covers nearly half of U.S. children; solutions to address the youth mental health crisis; and investments in the pediatric health care workforce including doctors, nurses, and specialists.

“Family Advocacy Day is about action,” said Matthew Cook, president and CEO of CHA. “It’s about introducing lawmakers to children and families who are impacted by federal policy decisions—whether it’s Medicaid access, mental health funding for kids and youth, or health care workforce shortages that threaten the ability to receive care. These kids are the face of what’s at stake.”

Throughout the week, patients will have the opportunity to participate in fun, engaging, and interactive activities such as a science fair presented by children’s hospitals, “Made Popsicles” on the Hill, and puppy play time with trained therapy dogs.

For more information about the event, please reach out to Elleni Almandrez and Addy Toevs.

Additional quotes from our Family Advocacy Day partners

“Team IMPACT is thrilled to have our student-athlete fellows once again take part in Children's Hospital Association's Family Advocacy Day. Team IMPACT's college athletes represent the next generation of leaders, and we are proud to see them use their voices to advocate for children in our local children's hospitals. We are grateful to CHA for our ongoing partnership and for giving our student-athletes this platform.” – Josh Walker, Team IMPACT Executive Director, Mid-Atlantic

“Our founder, first lady Barbara Bush, was not only a champion for literacy, but also a passionate advocate for pediatric patients and their families, who held a special place in her heart. We’re proud to support participating families by providing new books and educational materials that offer opportunities for parents, caregivers, and children to experience the joy of reading and learning together.” – Andrew Roberts, President, Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy

“Partnering with CHA throughout the year, together we bring the healing power of play to children in hospitals nationwide when they need it most. By donating toys and games from our corporate partners within the toy industry, we are proud to support the CHA Family Advocacy Day and bring comfort and joy to the participating children and their families.” – Pamela Mastrota, Executive Director, The Toy Foundation

“Nestlé Purina PetCare believes pets and people are better together, especially during difficult times. Purina is helping to lead the charge to address the youth mental health crisis by harnessing the power of pets. The opportunity to come together with Children's Hospital Association for Family Advocacy Day helps spread the word about the incredible work happening at children's hospitals and the healing power of pets in someone's life.” – Meg Villarreal, Director of Government Affairs, Nestle Purina PetCare

“Pet Partners is honored to join Purina and Children’s Hospital for Family Advocacy Day 2025, supporting families through the healing power of the human-animal bond. We’re proud to champion the lifechanging work of children’s hospitals nationwide: places like Seattle Children’s, St. Jude, and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, where our therapy animal teams have brought comfort and connection for years.” – C. Annie Peters, Pet Partners President & CEO

“We’re so honored to collaborate with Children’s Hospital Association for its Family Advocacy Day to support raising awareness about the vital care provided by children’s hospitals across the country. Child life teams and healthcare providers rely on Starlight to provide play-based programs that support pediatric patients throughout their medical journey. It’s through partnerships like this that we can continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families when they need it most.”– Adam Garone, CEO of Starlight Children’s Foundation

“With Bee Mindful, our team at Cohen Children's Medical Center ensures that all of our patients receive exceptional attention, allowing them to feel supported and at ease during their treatment. Our dedicated team is committed to creating a nurturing environment where every individual can experience the highest standard of care and compassion.” – Sharon Goodman and Jennifer Simonetti, Co-creators, BEE MINDFUL program, Cohen Children's Medical Center, Northwell Health