East Montgomery Times

On February 22, 2025, the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) hosted its annual event, Cheers for CHOP, at The Fillmore. The event was presented by Calvin Schmidt and family and successfully raised over $745,000 to support rare disease research at CHOP. These funds will aid in advancing the hospital's efforts to provide more precise and personalized care for patients with complex medical conditions.

Cheers for CHOP is now in its eleventh year and continues to attract philanthropic young influencers from the area. Hundreds of donors, clinicians, and friends of CHOP gathered for an evening that featured live entertainment, cocktails, food, dancing, and a silent auction. Among the auction items were Jalen Hurts’ Game Worn My Cause My Cleats designed by CHOP patients. Since it began, the event has raised over $6 million for various clinical areas at CHOP.

Monica Taylor Lotty, Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia stated: “Advancing treatments for rare diseases not only transforms lives but also drives critical innovations in medicine. With the right focus, investment, and collaboration, we can accelerate breakthroughs that give children and their families the hope and solutions they desperately need.”

In the United States, a rare disease affects fewer than 200,000 people. On average it takes six years and 12 specialists to diagnose such diseases properly. Despite these challenges, CHOP remains committed to treating some of the most complex cases due to its experience with rare conditions.

For more information about Cheers for CHOP or to support their initiatives visit cheersfor.chop.edu or chop.edu/giving.