First Lady Spends Third Valentine’s Day at Inn

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First lady Melania Trump returned on Feb. 14 to the Children’s Inn at NIH to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

Photo:  Chia-Chi Charlie Chang

First lady Melania Trump celebrated her third Valentine’s Day on Feb. 14 with youngsters staying at the Children’s Inn at NIH. Over the past year, she has also invited inn families to participate in the White House’s annual Easter Egg Roll, Christmas tree-lighting ceremony, Halloween celebration and the 1-year anniversary of her Be Best campaign.

Trump receives flowers from Thais Fernandez Carranza, 8, of Lima, Peru. Carranza, who has Proteus syndrome, is participating in a clinical study at NIH.

Photo:  Chia-Chi Charlie Chang

“We are so honored that the first lady has chosen to spend Valentine’s Day with the children and families of the Children’s Inn once again this year,” said Jennie Lucca, inn CEO. “We look forward to her visit every year. Mrs. Trump’s visit not only brings a delightful experience for our families but also awareness to the much-needed medical research happening at NIH that’s helping the seriously ill children we serve every day.”

The first lady joined a group of children participating in activities such as cookie decorating, card- and wreath-making, painting canvas bags, and more. Trump also exchanged Valentine’s Day cards with the children and made brief remarks, encouraging the children to stay strong.

“The first lady was very, very, very sweet,” said Elly, 7, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, whose brother is participating in an NIH clinical trial. “She asked how my brother was feeling. I taught her how to do the heart craft.”