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At 20 weeks into her pregnancy, Valerie, Alena’s mom, received concerning news during a routine ultrasound: the long bones in Alena’s body weren’t measuring as they should. This unexpected finding led to a series of discussions with medical professionals. Two months after Alena’s birth, the diagnosis of Femoral Hypoplasia with Unusual Facies Syndrome (FHUFS) was confirmed. This rare genetic disorder is characterized by underdeveloped femurs, growth restrictions, and distinctive facial features. Alena’s journey with this syndrome has been a complex one, involving a variety of adaptive tools and treatments. “I use a walker, wheelchair, crutches, leg braces, and have a lift in my left shoe,” Alena explains. In an effort to address her growing needs, Alena and her family sought out orthopedic expertise. Alena’s case was referred to Dr. Shawn Standard, a specialist in pediatric orthopedics, who was based in Baltimore at the time. “We started receiving treatment from Dr. […]

Makyla’s mom, Myisha, was told during a routine ultrasound that her daughter would be born with a rare and complex condition known as Chondrodysplasia punctata and Conradi-Hunermann. This genetic disorder affects bone and cartilage development, leading to a variety of physical and medical issues. As Makyla grew, her spine began to curve more and more, making it difficult for her to walk long distances without struggling to breathe. “Her spine’s curvature also put pressure on her organs, making it hard for them to function properly,” says Myisha. In 2018, after years of seeking the best possible care, Myisha received a recommendation from another health organization to bring Makyla to Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida. Nemours Children’s, known for its expertise in treating complex pediatric cases, was the ray of hope they had been searching for. The hospital’s multidisciplinary approach and specialized care offered a new path forward for Makyla. Walking through […]

Flu season is hitting hard this year, with flu‑related hospitalizations already ranking among the highest seen at this point in the season in more than a decade. For anyone, that’s concerning — but for women who are pregnant, even a mild fever or sore throat can raise understandable worry. Pregnancy changes the way the body responds to infections, and questions like “What can I safely take for a fever while pregnant?” become part of everyday decision‑making. Fortunately, there are proven, safe ways to reduce the risk of severe illness. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends the inactivated flu vaccine at any stage of pregnancy, and Nemours maternal‑fetal medicine experts emphasize that receiving the flu shot is far safer than experiencing the flu itself while expecting. With clear guidance and evidence‑based recommendations, health care teams aim to help expecting parents feel informed, supported, and confident as they navigate […]

At Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware, families like Ali’s find comprehensive care for scoliosis. Her family’s story is one of resilience and hope, and their experience provides valuable insights for other kids and parents facing similar challenges. Ali’s Experience with Scoliosis Ali was diagnosed with scoliosis during a visit to her primary care office. Scoliosis is a condition where the vertebrae form a curved line instead of being straight, which can cause health problems. Her growth chart stalled and then reversed, prompting X-rays. After a bad experience at another facility, the family turned to Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware for a second opinion where they found a warm and welcoming environment. There, Dr. Suken Shah directly engaged with Ali, understanding her experience and exploring treatment options. Ali tried bracing and underwent an intensive physical therapy plan; however, her spinal curve continued to progress. At her second visit, Dr. Shah recommended she move […]

As the new full-time Athletic Trainer for Lakeland High School, Annaleza Jones, ATC, brings a wealth of experience and a passion for sports. The summer between her sophomore and junior year of high school, Annaleza seized an opportunity that would solidify her career path. “I went to a week-long Sports Medicine camp at Ball State University and fell in love with athletic training,” she shares. “I went back to my high school athletic trainer and started helping him in between sports seasons.” She found a sense of fulfillment in helping others, “Being able to stay involved with sports and help others is the best and I have no clue what else I would do if I wasn’t an athletic trainer.” After high school, Annaleza attended Manchester University in Indiana, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training in 2012. she continued her education at California University of Pennsylvania, […]

There is so much information constantly flowing into families’ lives about the state of the world, with daily news headlines that have the potential to create distress. Children hear about what’s going on in the world through social media, friends, or adult conversations. But news headlines aren’t always about news; they’re often about what will get the most attention, ranging from uplifting stories to scary events. It’s important that you leave the door open to have conversations with your child about trending news and social media — and other things they may hear about the news. Starting a Discussion About a Current Event It’s often best to start with finding out what your child already knows. You can ask your kids questions to see if they know about a current event. For school-age kids and teens, you can also ask what they have heard at school or on social media. Try […]