The Future Nurses Club of Hammonton High School visited The Child Hospital of Philadelphia (aka CHOP) last Thursday to tour the hospital and visit the lab of Dr. Stephen Douglass, a renowned HIV researcher. The group was accompanied by Alesia Shute, author of the book who Everything’s Okay about her battle against childhood cancer. Shute has a room named in her honor after donating to the hospital; their work has special meaning to her given her own live experiences.  

According to the CHOP website, Douglass’s laboratory is actively involved in research in “cellular immunology and its relationship to the immunopathogenesis of HIV. He has extensive experience in cellular and humoral immunologic studies, including studies of AIDS infection and of primary immunodeficiencies.

Those who attended were impressed by the facilities.

“CHOP was really eco-friendly and kid friendly as well. The waiting rooms had games and stuff for the kids to play while waiting for their appointment,” said senior Megan Reynolds.

“Dr.Douglas spoke a lot about vaccinations and the importance of them,” said Sara Peretti.

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CHOP is one of the top children’s hospitals in the country.