Dr. Phil Pizzo, chief of the National Cancer Institute’s pediatric branch, meets Carmala Walgren, wife of Rep. Doug Walgren (D-PA), through a National Institutes of Health Clinical Center patient. She learned from Dr. Pizzo about the need for a children’s home at NIH. With the help of fellow congressional spouse Debbie Dingell, wife of Rep. John Dingell (D-MI), congressional leadership, Chris Downey, wife of Rep. Tom Downey (D-NY), and private donations—along with a major grant from Merck—construction on The Inn begins shortly thereafter.

President George H.W. Bush and first lady Barbara Bush, Health and Human Services Secretary Louis Sullivan, and Merck Chairman/CEO Dr. Roy Vagelos preside over a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of The Children’s Inn, capable of serving 37 families at a time.

President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton visited the families staying at The Inn.

As the HIV/AIDS crisis continues, children at The Inn participate in initial research at the NIH to test lamivudine and ritonavir for pediatric HIV/AIDS, resulting in FDA approval for use in children.

As a young child, Hydeia stays at The Inn while undergoing treatment for AIDS. With her TV appearance with Magic Johnson, Hydeia becomes a symbol of children living with AIDS and the importance of finding effective treatments for the devastating disease. Today, Hydeia continues to be an AIDS activist.