HHS Leaders Experience the Extraordinary Care at The Children’s Inn
When top health officials stepped into The Children’s Inn at NIH, they witnessed firsthand the compassionate support that transforms medical journeys for families facing their greatest challenges.
On Wednesday, December 17, Admiral Brian Christine, M.D.—Assistant Secretary for Health and Head of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps—led a distinguished delegation from the Department of Health and Human Services to The Children’s Inn at NIH. Joined by National Cancer Institute Director Anthony Letai, M.D., Ph.D., the group came to experience what makes The Inn a beacon of hope for families navigating complex medical treatments.
More Than Lodging—A Lifeline of Support
L-R: National Cancer Institute Director Anthony Letai, M.D., Ph.D.; The Children’s Inn at NIH CEO Jennie Lucca; Admiral Brian Christine, M.D.; Inn resident Jesse, holding photo of son Elliot
The delegation’s visit illuminated the comprehensive care that defines The Inn’s mission. They met Jesse, whose 11-year-old son Elliot is receiving specialized care in The Inn’s isolation accommodations while preparing for surgery at the NIH Clinical Center. Elliot has Von Hippel-Lindau Disease, a rare genetic multi-system disorder that causes tumors throughout the body and increases the risk of certain types of cancer.
Jesse’s connection to The Inn runs deep. He shares his son’s diagnosis and stayed at The Inn himself as a teenager decades ago. This full-circle moment powerfully demonstrates The Inn’s multigenerational impact, providing the same compassionate sanctuary for Jesse’s son that once supported him.
Admiral Christine honored Elliot’s courage by presenting him with a personal challenge coin—a touching gesture of recognition and encouragement for a young patient fighting a formidable disease.
Creating Joy Amid Medical Challenges
Admiral Brian Christine, M.D., meets with residents at The Children’s Inn at NIH
The delegation then joined families in The Inn’s community kitchen for a heartwarming holiday cookie-decorating activity. Organized by The Inn’s dedicated programming team, this gathering showcased how The Inn creates precious family moments even during the most difficult medical journeys. These thoughtfully planned activities are far more than entertainment—they’re an essential part of The Inn’s holistic approach to family care, providing respite, connection, and joy when families need it most.
Even the Mascot Understands the Mission
National Cancer Institute Director Anthony Letai, M.D., Ph.D., with Lieutenant Commander Abigail
The delegation included a special four-legged visitor: Lieutenant Commander Abigail, a Labrador retriever who serves as the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps’ mascot and facility dog at the NIH Clinical Center. Trained by Warrior Canine Connection, LCDR Abigail mingled with families—and The Inn’s beloved therapy dog, Zilly—demonstrating yet another way The Inn brings comfort to children and families.
LCDR Abigail made her debut as the first-ever Public Health Service mascot at The Children’s Inn in July 2023, a fitting choice that underscores The Inn’s importance in the nation’s pediatric healthcare landscape. At the Clinical Center, her primary role involves offering therapeutic care, fostering a sense of unity, and aiding in public health communications.
The Inn’s Promise: No Family Faces These Journeys Alone
This visit from HHS leadership highlighted what families staying at The Inn experience every day: comprehensive support that goes far beyond providing a place to sleep. From specialized isolation care for immunocompromised children to engaging activities that preserve childhood joy, from multigenerational connections to the comfort of therapy animals—The Children’s Inn ensures that no family walks their medical journey alone.
For families like Jesse and Elliot’s, The Inn transforms what could be an isolating medical ordeal into a supported journey filled with dignity, care, and moments of genuine happiness.
