WASHINGTON – First Lady Melania Trump Visited Children’s National Health System in Washington, D.C., today to spread holiday cheer to patients, families and staff members.
Mrs. Trump began her visit by touring the Center for Neuroscience and Behavioral Medicine, where she greeted patients and their families, as well as doctors, nurses and other Children’s National team members. As one of the top pediatric neurology and neurosurgery programs in the country according to U.S. News & World Report, the center is home to more than 100 neuroscience and behavioral medicine experts with expertise in every pediatric neurologic and behavioral health condition.
“We’ve hosted every First Lady since Bess Truman and were pleased to welcome First Lady Melania Trump to Children’s National for the holiday season,” says Kurt Newman, M.D., President and CEO of Children’s National. “I’m very thankful for the joy and comfort Mrs. Trump brought to so many of our patients and families today.”
Escorted by two patients, Alena Sydnor, 25, and Damian Contreras, 7, Mrs. Trump arrived in the hospital’s Main Atrium where she read her favorite holiday book, The Polar Express, and shared some of her most memorable holiday traditions. Patients in the audience also had the opportunity to ask her questions about how the first family will spend their holiday in the White House. The British International School of Washington Choir, The Georgetown Saxatones, the Metropolitan School of the Arts dance students and Reggie Rice, the “Super Magic Man,” provided entertainment.
“Being treated to a visit from First Lady Melania Trump is a wonderful surprise, particularly for our patients and families who won’t be able to celebrate the holidays at home this season,” Kathy Gorman, M.S.N., R.N., F.A.A.N., Executive Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Operating Officer at Children’s National.
The tradition of First Lady visits to Children’s National dates back more than 60 years to First Lady Bess Truman. Mrs. Trump most recently visited Children’s National to celebrate the opening of the Bunny Mellon Healing Garden, which is dedicated to the First Ladies of the United States.
Children’s National is located less than four miles away from the White House and, in addition to being named as a 2017 Leapfrog Group Top Hospital, is also one of the top 10 pediatric hospitals in the country and top pediatric hospital in neonatology per the 2017-18 U.S. News & World Report Best Children’s Hospitals rankings.
Contact: Simone Hunter | (202) 476-4500