Meet Our All-Stars

Strong-willed and Resilient in the Face of a Rare GI Disorder

Meet Gracyn, a seven-year-old born with a condition so rare that only about 100 kids in the U.S. are diagnosed with it each year. Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO) means that the nerves and muscles in Gracyn’s intestines don’t work properly, preventing food, fluids and air from moving through her body. Although she has been hospitalized more than 20 times, Gracyn remains a spirited and spunky personality. Read more about Gracyn’s complex and remarkable care journey, as well as the challenges she continues to face.

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Gracyn G. | 2024 All-Star

Facing the Future with Positivity and Laughter

Meet Jackson, an eleven-year-old who loves slapstick comedy, funny books, cars and trains. Jackson was born with metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD), a rare genetic condition that affects the central and peripheral nervous system. MLD causes a progressive decline in motor and cognitive functions, so Jackson and his family face a future filled with many unknowns. Read Jackson’s story and discover how he and his parents keep their focus set on hope, acceptance and positivity.

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Jackson C. | 2024 All-Star

A quick wit and an infectious laugh

Meet Declan, a six-year-old who doesn’t let a rare congenital condition dim his sense of humor or keep him from hitting new milestones. Declan was born with a small hole in his heart, known as a ventricular septal defect, and Dandy Walker syndrome. Fewer than 50,000 people in the United States have Dandy Walker syndrome, which affects the part of the brain that controls movement and balance. Read Declan’s story to learn how he and his family are overcoming the challenges of a rare illness.

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Declan L. | 2024 All-Star

Explore Our Impact

Hand holding a baby's hand.

7,310

Babies received critical care in 14 NICUs we staff in Connecticut and New York.

A child receives an exam in the Emergency Department.

60,815

Patient visits to the Emergency Department.

Patient and doctor in an exam room with masks on.

137,737

Every child who came through our doors last year received expert, compassionate care.

Our Mission

At Connecticut Children’s Foundation, our mission is to support the health system. By bringing together patient families, donors, community members, philanthropic partners and others to raise the financial resources needed to invest in people, research, technology and state-of-the-art equipment, we can support Connecticut Children’s in providing the care our children need and deserve.

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Doctor with infant