p h i l a m e d s o c .org Feature continued A LIFELONG RELATIONSHIP Though the Rodriguez family returned home after Roberto's birth, their relationship with the Center had just begun. They have returned to Philadelphia nearly every year since to attend the Center's annual Fetal Family Reunion. The reunion is a special gathering for former CHOP patients who either underwent fetal surgery to treat conditions before birth, or needed specialized care before, or surgery immediately after birth. Families who have gone through similar struggles can interact with each other and reconnect with their physicians, surgeons and nurses. Roberto and his family have seen the reunion grow from 10 families in 1996 to more than 2,000 people from nearly 20 states. "It's phenomenal to come back and see all of the kids running around, the result of all the good things CHOP is doing," Felicia says. "Now you can barely fit everybody in one photo frame." In March 2013, Roberto threw out the first pitch of the Phillies spring training game at the Florida Fetal Family Reunion. 12 Philadelphia Medicine : Spring 2018https://philamedsoc.org/