Washington, DC—First Lady Michelle Obama visited patients and staff at Children’s National Medical Center today. The tradition of First Lady visits dates back more than 60 years. Accompanying the First Lady today, was the family dog, Bo. Mrs. Obama toured the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, where she met patients and families, as well as doctors, nurses, and other Children’s National staff.
Following her tour, Mrs. Obama arrived in the hospital’s Atrium, where she was greeted by many patients, families, board members, and staff. In keeping with holiday tradition, Mrs. Obama read the classic The Night Before Christmas. Once she finished, children asked the First Lady questions about her holiday traditions and if she will be surfing this year. The children’s choir from the Christian Family Montessori School provided musical entertainment.
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During her visit, Mrs. Obama was escorted by two patients, Jordyn Akuoko, 5, and AJ Murray, 5. Jordyn received treatment for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus; AJ was observed by the Children’s National Fetal and Translational Medicine Program and was admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit when he was born, he is currently seen by other Children’s divisions, including Hematology and Oncology.
“As an advocate for children’s health, we embrace Mrs. Obama as a partner in helping kids live healthy lifetimes,” said Kurt D. Newman, MD, CEO and President of Children’s National. “I am so grateful that she took the time to bring such joy to our patients and staff.”
“With some of the sickest children in our Cardiac ICU who won’t be able to go home for the holidays, having a special visitor like Mrs. Obama is an incredible treat for our patients, their families, and our staff,” said Senior Vice President of the Center for Hospital-Based Specialties, David Wessel, MD, who greeted the First Lady in the Cardiac ICU.
Children’s National Medical Center is located less than four miles from the White House and is the exclusive provider of pediatric care in the Washington Metropolitan area. Children’s National is home to the region’s only Cardiac ICU dedicated to neonates, infants, children, and adults with acquired and congenital heart disease. The 26-bed, state-of-the-art unit combines the most advanced care and research technologies, with a design that is centered around families and healing.
Contact: Emily Hartman or Emily Dammeyer at 202-476-4500