Dear Friend,
Hope is more than a feeling; it is the spark that turns challenges into possibilities and fear into determination. At Kennedy Krieger Institute, hope is the thread that connects every story of healing and every step toward progress. And that hope begins with you.
Every year, thousands of donors, volunteers, and corporate partners choose to support the children, teens, and adults we serve. Your belief in what is possible drives our mission and lifts families seeking answers, strength, and a way forward. This gratitude report honors you—our community of caring supporters whose generosity makes every breakthrough, milestone, and moment of bravery possible.
The theme of this year’s report—“Thanks to You, Kennedy Krieger Is Where Hope Happens”—speaks to the profound impact you have on every person who enters our doors. Nearly 30,000 patients, students, and families turned to Kennedy Krieger last year for specialized care and education tailored to their needs. Because of your support, they found a place where expertise meets compassion, where perseverance meets possibility, and where every individual is encouraged to reach for their brightest future.
Throughout this publication, we present stories about individuals, families, corporations, and organizations who share in our commitment to transforming lives. Many have witnessed the power of Kennedy Krieger firsthand—some as members of our professional team. They know what it means when a child takes a first step after months of therapy, when a student discovers a new way to learn, or when a family finally finds hope after feeling lost. Their stories are reminders that progress doesn’t happen overnight—it’s built up, one act of kindness, one hour volunteered, and one gift at a time.
Hope happens here because you make it happen. Thank you for believing in the limitless potential of those we serve, and for helping us create a bright and hopeful future.
With gratitude,
Bradley L. Schlaggar, MD, PhD
President and Chief Executive Officer
The Zanvyl Krieger Faculty Endowed Chair
Kennedy Krieger Institute