“At the 20-week ultrasound, I learned about his skeletal dysplasia,” Brittany recalls. “And at the 33-week Vistara blood test, I learned about his OI diagnosis.” These moments marked the beginning of Cruz’s journey, but they also sparked Brittany’s search for the best care possible for her son.
It was during her 35th week of pregnancy that Brittany discovered the Advanced Delivery Program (ADP) at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware, thanks to a recommendation on the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Community Facebook page. “Their care, communication, and knowledge gave us extreme confidence in the ADP Team,” says Brittany. “They had a plan, relayed it to us, listened to our concerns, and had experience delivering OI babies.”
The support Brittany received from the medical staff at Nemours Children’s during the delivery process was nothing short of extraordinary. “They showed compassion during every step,” Brittany emphasizes. “They helped keep me calm by talking about my 2-year-old daughter and held my hand until my fiancé came in.”
Following Cruz’s arrival, the care and assistance provided by the Advanced Delivery Program continued to exceed expectations. Dr. Chou and Dr. McCrosson, along with the entire team, handled Cruz with precision and gentleness, ensuring minimal fractures and a successful C-section.
Throughout Cruz’s journey, a multidisciplinary team of providers has been instrumental in his care. “Everyone has been phenomenal,” says Brittany. “They are knowledgeable, compassionate, and honest. They defer to the teams who can answer our questions and never leave us in the dark. The nurses are amazing. Brett and Anissa are the kindest people who make me feel comforted that Cruz is not alone when I am at Ronald McDonald House with my daughter. Both Cruz’s father and I are so thankful for the entire team for caring for me and Cruz and helping us learn to care for him. Shannon in social work was also so helpful in getting us here. The OI team—Andrea Schelhaas, Dr. Ricki Carroll, and Sarah Little, to name a few—were so supportive and knowledgeable every step of the way.”
Looking ahead, Cruz’s family is focused on the future with optimism. “Our plans are to keep close contact with Nemours as well as find specialists in our area,” says Brittany. With a long-term care plan in motion, Nemours continues to support Brittany in navigating the path forward for Cruz’s health needs.
When asked about advice for other parents facing similar challenges, Brittany says, “Keep looking for the best care for your kid and then find Nemours. They will do all they can to take the best care for you and your child. They know how important your child is to your family and they put your child first.” As Brittany and Cruz move onward, they do so with confidence, knowing they have a dedicated team by their side every step of the way.
