![blue graphic](https://childrensinn.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/blue-block-tall-990x396.png)
![blue graphic](https://childrensinn.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/blue-block-tall-912x608.png)
The Children's Inn at NIH Timeline
The Early Years
1980s
OUR HOME
Envisioning The Children’s Inn
![Envisioning the Inn](https://childrensinn.org/wp-content/uploads/1980/01/image-asset-1.jpg)
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.
1990
OUR HOME
President Bush and First Lady Celebrate The Children’s Inn Opening
![George Bush Ribbon Cutting](https://childrensinn.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/GeorgeBush_RibbonCutting1.png)
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.
1994 and 1995
OUR INN FAMILY
President Clinton and First Lady Visit The Inn
![President Clinton and First Lady Visit The Inn](https://childrensinn.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/clintons.jpg)
President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton visited the families staying at The Inn.
1996-1998
MEDICAL ADVANCEMENT
Making HIV/AIDS a Treatable Disease
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.
1996-1998
OUR INN FAMILY
Meet Hydeia
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.