5-Year-Old with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Advocates for Pediatric Care on Capitol Hill
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Five-year-old Evvy Wigington, who was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy at birth, visited the U.S. Capitol with her mother Brittany as part of the Children’s Hospital Association’s Family Advocacy Day. The event aims to connect lawmakers with patients of children’s hospitals to build support for pediatric care policies. The Wigington family, who rely on Medicaid to help cover their medical costs, met with every member of the Arkansas congressional delegation during their time on Capitol Hill.
Young Advocate for Pediatric Healthcare: Capitol Hill Visit
5-year-old Evvy Wigington, diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy at birth, recently visited the U.S. Capitol. Evvy, a symbol of something bigger than herself, showcased the importance of pediatric healthcare.
Born in Fayetteville, Evvy was diagnosed during her newborn screenings. Through Arkansas Children’s Hospital, she began a gene therapy infusion at 8 months old. Doctors predicted she’d be unable to walk, talk, or breathe independently. Evvy defied this by running around Capitol Hill.
Evvy and her mother, Brittany Wigington, joined the Children’s Hospital Association’s Family Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C. This annual event encourages lawmakers to increase support for children’s hospital policies and pediatric healthcare in general.
As a patient of Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Evvy has had numerous appointments at the Northwest Arkansas campus and in Little Rock. Additionally, her younger sister, Lainey, receives treatment for cystic fibrosis there.
While the Wigingtons have private health insurance, Brittany highlighted the crucial role of Medicaid. The program, she said, often covers remaining expenses, enabling them to continue their daughters’ treatments and therapies. She emphasized, “We cannot lose it.”
During their advocacy visit, the Wigingtons met with the Arkansas congressional delegation. U.S. Rep. French Hill, an ex-board member of the hospital, praised the hospital’s work. He said, “It’s exciting… babies will be able to run, walk, and play without a debilitating spinal disease.”
U.S. Rep. Steve Womack also lauded Arkansas Children’s Hospital for providing exceptional healthcare in Northwest Arkansas. “You don’t have to be a parent… to fully appreciate what we have in our region,” said Womack.
After lobbying for better pediatric healthcare, the Wigingtons planned to visit the National Zoo and the National Children’s Museum before returning to Arkansas.
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