WASHINGTON - A recent donation could revolutionize the way some of the sickest children are treated at one of the nation's premiere pediatrics hospitals.

ABC 7 has learned of a $150 million donation to the National Children's' Medical Center, and why a Persian Gulf nation is giving it.

In one of the largest donations ever made in the D.C.-area, the children's medical center will receive the gift over the next five years. It comes from the government of Abu Dhabi and will be used to build a new facility call The Sheik Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation.

For four years, Doctor Peter Holbrook's been waiting for this day. "It is not just a gift, it's a catalyst to spark innovation to benefit children worldwide," he said.

Doctors hope it will dramatically improve surgery for children by making procedures more precise, less evasive and pain-free. Doctors say they may even be able to pinpoint where a patient needs surgery before the operation or even avoid it.

"We can harness the body's own immune system to fight the disease we would otherwise have to cut out," Holbrooke said. "It is just a fantastic opportunity. Not just for this institution, but for the kids not just here, but for the world as well. Every child who comes through the door will benefit from that."

Philanthropist Joseph Robert helped make the deal happen. For him and his family, the hospital has special meaning; his son underwent a nine hour surgery here 10 years ago. "When I walked in to that post operating room I thought it will be a month before he walks out of this place, but one week later he was up on his feet," he said.

Robert says in addition to breaking down the barriers of pediatric medicine, the generous gift will also reduce the trauma children and their parents face when illness strikes.

Currently, the hospital performs about 15,000 pediatric surgeries a year. The hospital is expected to add around $100 million of its own money for doctors' salaries, new operating theaters and other expenses, which brings the total amount committed to the project to more than $250 million.

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