In 1999, after witnessing the dire needs of children requiring medical care abroad, Dr. Julian Metts, an orthodontist and member of the South Richmond Rotary, envisioned the International Hospital for Children (IHC), laying the groundwork for a global initiative right from Richmond, VA. This vision materialized in 2001 with the foundation of the IHC by the South Richmond Rotary Club, marking the beginning of a significant journey in pediatric healthcare. Richmond became the established home for our first office and has since housed the headquarters of our organization, which evolved into World Pediatric Project, and now known as World Pediatrics. The commitment of our first staff member and eventual first CEO, Susan Rickman, and the support of the Richmond community have been instrumental in our growth and our ability to facilitate critical medical care for children worldwide, starting with the first U.S. referral case at Henrico Doctors’ Hospital. Richmond's generosity and support have been pivotal, enabling us to expand and continue our mission of providing life-saving medical interventions for children in need.