Hearts & hope: First Lady visits children in NIH clinical trials ahead of Valentine’s Day

First Lady Melania Trump participated in Valentine’s Day festivities at The Children’s Inn at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) with kids, families, and NIH staff involved in clinical trials.

The first lady was greeted by an 11-year-old girl, who gave her a bouquet of flowers to start the event.

“It’s a celebration day,” she said as she joined children at a craft table.

“I’m glad to be here. It’s my fourth time here,” she added.

During the event, Melania Trump made arts and crafts with children, as well as spoke with them about their interests.

“I like music,” one boy told her, while another told her he enjoys playing video games.

They asked her about her interests and she told them she likes to exercise, as well as go skiing.

“I don’t play chess, but I know a queen when I see one,” one boy told her at the event.

The first lady also talked to parents about about their experiences at NIH, as well as met with staff members involved in clinical research and pediatric care.

The Children’s Inn offers lodging, meals, educational programming and recreational activities at no cost to families, allowing them to focus on treatment and research participation. The NIH Clinical Center, located on the agency’s Bethesda campus in Maryland, is the nation’s largest hospital dedicated exclusively to clinical research.

The Children’s Inn at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland, is a nonprofit residence for children and families participating in NIH clinical research. It provides free housing, meals, education support, recreation, and counseling so families can focus on treatment and trials.

Many of the children staying there have rare or life-threatening illnesses and have traveled from across the U.S. and around the world.

The first lady has frequently highlighted children’s well-being during public engagements, including previous visits to hospitals and pediatric facilities.

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