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A New Life: Aiden’s Story

Aiden’s life was changed forever when he received bone anchored hearing aids at Nemours Children’s Health. Born with  hearing loss, Aiden has worn hearing aids since he was just 5 months old. His family moved to the area when he was 5 years old, and it was at this time that he started receiving treatment at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida. Recently, during his junior year of high school, Aiden underwent surgeries with Dr. Cedric Pritchett for bone anchored hearing aids on both ears. “My audiologist was doing an audiogram and said, ‘Hey, maybe this isn’t working. Have you ever considered doing Osia implants?’” shares Aiden. “In essence, it was a shot to hear better, so I leapt on it.” Being his first surgery, Aiden recalls the initial apprehension he felt beforehand, saying, “I’m not going to lie, I was scared out of my mind.” However, he found the procedure to […]

A diverse group of doctors are indoors in a medical clinic. They are standing in a group and smiling for the camera.

Who Are Resident Doctors? Understanding Their Role in Your Child’s Care

Picture this: You’re in the emergency room for your child who accidentally swallowed a quarter. After you are put in a room, the members of your care team introduce themselves as your nurse and your resident doctor. They tell you that your child will be taken back for an X-ray. While your child is having the X-ray and you have a moment to think, you wonder to yourself, “Wait, what kind of doctor?”  The resident doctor comes back to update you that the X-ray did not show any coins or other objects swallowed. You breathe a sigh of relief knowing that your child is going to be fine, but you take this opportunity to ask your care team, “So what is a resident doctor?” What is a Resident Doctor? A resident doctor, also just called a resident or a resident physician, is someone who has completed both college and medical […]

Finding Hope in Every Moment: Crew’s Story

Crew’s journey with Nemours Children’s Health began when he was just 9 months old. After being hospitalized for a seizure, his family met Dr. Sheth, a neurologist at Nemours Children’s Health, Jacksonville. “Dr. Sheth listened to everything I told him and watched videos I had captured of Crew’s seizures,” his mom recalled. “He instantly requested genetic testing, which gave us his diagnosis of Dravet syndrome.” Dr. Sheth’s quick thinking made all the difference. “It was so critical because there are many anti-seizure drugs that can worsen seizures in children with Dravet syndrome. Because it is a rare syndrome, many children get diagnosed later in life, but we are so very thankful that the Nemours Children’s team was able to give us an early diagnosis so we could treat it appropriately.” Before finding the right treatment, life for Crew’s family was filled with uncertainty and fear. “Crew was seizing almost weekly, and we […]

A Journey of Strength and Resilience: Anzlie’s Story

At just 14 years old, Anzlie has faced significant challenges, yet she remains determined and strong. A first-year high school student, Anzlie has a passion for animals, even raising chickens in her backyard. She is an athlete and a dedicated student in the International Baccalaureate program, balancing academics with volleyball and CrossFit. Anzlie also manages both Type 1 diabetes and scoliosis, two conditions that require continuous care.   Anzlie’s journey with Type 1 diabetes began shortly after she finished first grade. Her mother noticed that Anzlie was excessively thirsty and had lost weight, prompting them to consult a doctor. The diagnosis was confirmed, and they were quickly referred to Nemours Children’s Health, where Dr. Larry Fox and a supportive endocrinology team helped them learn to manage the condition. Anzlie quickly adapted to monitoring her blood sugar and adjusting insulin.   Despite the challenges of diabetes, Anzlie embraced an active lifestyle. She participated […]

Teenager with type 1 diabetes using an app to check his sugar level at home while working on homework

Managing Depression in Children with Type 1 Diabetes

Managing a chronic condition like Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is never easy, especially for children and adolescents. It requires constant attention to blood sugar levels, insulin administration, and carbohydrate intake, among many other factors. But there is a lesser known obstacle to this condition that often goes overlooked: mental health struggles, specifically, depression. Alexandra Monzon, PhD, a clinical pediatric psychologist with Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida, is working to provide targeted mental health interventions for children with T1D. Why Depression is More Common in Kids with Type 1 Diabetes Dr. Monzon explained that T1D is stressful for young patients due to its demanding and constant nature — it requires patients to “be their own pancreas.” The continuous effort to regulate blood sugar through diet and insulin shots can lead to patients being overwhelmed, anxious, and depressed. Dr. Monzon noted that symptoms can overlap and intensify in patients with Type 1 diabetes […]

Callen’s Journey: A Heart Full of Strength

When Callen was first diagnosed and needed heart surgery, his family faced one of the most frightening times of their lives. But through it all, Nemours Children’s Health stood by their side. “Looking back now, I am so grateful we were lucky enough to get him transported by air ambulance to Nemours Children’s,” Callen’s mother Amber shared. “It was a scary time for all of us, but they really did go above and beyond in every way possible to make sure my son received the best care. We wouldn’t have wanted to end up anywhere else.” Callen continues his care at the Nemours Children’s Pensacola, Florida, location every six months. Even though the family now lives in Alabama, they don’t hesitate to make the drive. “It’s still 100% worth it for the care he receives at Nemours Children’s,” Amber explained. From urgent surgeries to everyday follow-ups, the team has remained […]

Elliott’s Story

Elliott’s journey with Nemours Children’s Health began when he was just 2 years old. On May 30, 2024, his family received the life-changing diagnosis of CLN2 disease. “We found out from genetic testing on May 30, 2024 I believe,” said his dad, Nathan. “I was assuming the school was under-feeding my son. I was upset at everyone until I figured out what was causing seizures.” At first, Elliott received his infusions at a different provider in Gainesville, Florida. Eventually, his care returned to Nemours Children’s when the hospital began offering Brineura®, the only FDA-approved treatment for CLN2. Nemours Children’s is the only pediatric hospital in Central Florida offering this life changing therapy. “People said to come here,” Nathan recalled. “The Nemours Children’s team has always been top notch. Very kind people here. Their teams seem to have much better resources and location for me. I’m forever indebted to the team. […]

Overcoming Obstacles: Anel’s Story

At 17, elite soccer player, Anel, faced a daunting diagnosis of a torn acetabular labrum and femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), threatening his athletic dreams. For Anel, the first signs of trouble appeared during a significant growth spurt. “I initially had pain back in 2022 when I had a growth spurt and never thought anything of it,” Anel shares. Though he dismissed it, the pain persisted, and after months of intermittent issues, his athletic trainer at Jacksonville FC recommended he seek further medical attention. It was then that Anel was referred to Nemours Children’s Health, Jacksonville. When Anel started receiving treatment from Sports Medicine Director, Dr. Stephanie Pearce and Caitlin Schlosser, MHA, ATC, OTC, they quickly realized the severity of his condition. “They immediately found out the problem with an MRI scan, and we proceeded with a treatment plan,” Anel explains. The first approach was to try a less invasive method, a […]

Image of newborn who is the 300th birth in the Nemours Children's Health Advanced Delivery Unit in Delaware.

300 Births and Counting: Inside the Nemours Advanced Delivery Unit

The advanced delivery unit (ADU) at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware recently reached a major milestone — welcoming 300 babies into this world! Expectant parents can take comfort in the comprehensive multidisciplinary care model of the Nemours Advanced Delivery Program, which is designed for babies diagnosed with medical conditions before birth that require a post-delivery intensive care unit stay. This planning ensures that newborns’ medical needs are met, allowing access to nationally renowned pediatric specialists and providing families with necessary support and guidance during a critical time. The story of baby Ricky’s family illustrates the program’s benefits, as they chose to plan his arrival at the Nemours Children’s ADU after he was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect (CHD) before birth. When a Family Learns Their Baby Needs Extra Care Most commonly, families learn their unborn baby will need specialized care during a routine prenatal ultrasound. Ultrasounds during pregnancy are often […]

Pediatric cancer patient bonding with family in nature showcasing the importance of emotional support during care.

Emotional Support Matters for Families Facing a Pediatric Cancer Diagnosis

Nemours Children’s Health cancer research shows parents and providers may disagree on how to prioritize support The Emotional Side of Childhood Cancer Care When a child is diagnosed with cancer, parents and care teams share the same goal: making sure the child gets the best care possible. But pediatric cancer care goes beyond treatment. Children and families facing a cancer diagnosis often need psychosocial resources like mental and emotional support. New cancer research from Nemours Children’s Health shows that while both parents and healthcare providers agree that these resources are important, they don’t always agree on which ones should come first. Inside the Research: Exploring Priorities in Family Support In 2015, experts and cancer advocates, including Nemours Children’s researchers, published the first Standards for the Psychosocial Care of Children with Cancer and their Families. These guidelines define best practices for this area of pediatric oncology care and how to best […]

Care that Inspires: Owen’s Story

When 8-year-old Owen was bitten by a dog, his lower lip was nearly torn off, turning a peaceful evening into a night of uncertainty. With his parents out for a date night, a family member rushed him to the local emergency room, but it was clear that the extent of Owen’s injuries required specialized care. Shortly after, Owen was swiftly transferred to Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware. His mother, Alicia, recalls their first encounter with the Nemours Children’s, “We started in the emergency department at Nemours, and everyone was so great with him,” she says. The immediate care and the compassionate approach of the care team provided the family with a sense of reassurance during a highly stressful time. “We got admitted that night with a plan of having surgery the next day,” says Alicia. It was then that they met Dr. Caterson, Division Chief of Plastic Surgery. “He was phenomenal. […]

Young pregnant woman lying on sofa at home, looking at the ultrasound scan photo of her baby.

Planning for Pregnancy: What to Know About Health and Risk Factors

The decision to become pregnant is a significant life choice. By working with healthcare experts in advance, you can increase your chances of a successful pregnancy and a positive outcome. If you’re planning to conceive, consider scheduling a preconception consultation with your healthcare provider several months to a year before attempting to get pregnant. This allows time to implement any necessary lifestyle adjustments or prenatal testing they recommend. If you have concerns or anticipate a high-risk pregnancy, talk to your doctor to see if they recommend consulting a maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialist for any extra guidance and care. What is Preconception Care? Preconception care is taking proactive steps to optimize your health before getting pregnant, which evidence suggests can significantly impact the possibility of a healthy pregnancy. In fact, as the clinical evidence continues to support this idea, the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics has developed an online preconception […]

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