When Marissa noticed her 5-year-old son, Brooks, limping in late 2023, she didn’t think too much of it at first. His pediatrician assumed it might be “growing pains,” but when the pain persisted into the new year, Marissa’s concern grew.
After a pediatrician visit in January 2024, Marissa’s intuition led her to push for an X-ray. Having experienced Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease as a child herself, she recognized the signs. Still, his doctors had reassured Marissa it wasn’t genetic. That same day, an X-ray confirmed Brooks had Perthes in his right hip, a disease that changes the hip joint and the way bone grows at the top of the thighbone.
“I was seen at Nemours as a child and had amazing care, so I immediately knew we wanted to take him there,” says Marissa. A few days later, Brooks had an appointment with Dr. Mihir Thacker, an orthopedic specialist at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware.
Marissa was nervous for that first appointment due to her own traumatic experience with Perthes as a child. She didn’t want her son to face similar challenges. However, she was pleasantly surprised to learn that the bracing she had as a child was not considered more beneficial than rest and therapy. “Dr. Thacker was so calm, caring, and talked us through the diagnosis,” shares Marissa. “His calm demeanor is exactly what we needed during this time.” Dr. Thacker’s approach to treatment brought a sense of relief to the family by ensuring that Brooks was on a path tailored to his needs.
For Brooks, the diagnosis meant big changes in his daily life. High-impact activities like running, jumping, and playing sports were no longer options. This was a tough adjustment for such an active child. Despite limitations, Brooks has stayed active with activities like swimming, biking, and walking.
At Nemours Children’s, Brooks receives physical therapy from Mary and Nicole, two members of the rehabilitation team. “We’ve done both land and water therapy so far. They have made therapy fun for Brooks, and he actually looks forward to going,” Marissa says.
In addition to physical therapy, Brooks has undergone several tests, including a sedated MRI. Marissa remembers how supportive the Child Life team was during those moments. They helped Brooks stay comfortable by turning down lights for his sensory needs and providing activities to keep him engaged.
The care Brooks has received at Nemours has made a lasting impact. “Dr. Thacker and his entire team are wonderful. They always take so much time with us, are willing to answer any questions, and really seem to get to know their patients,” says Marissa. At Brooks’ first appointment, Dr. Thacker noticed his Eagles shirt and had one of his assistants bring him a football to play with, adding a personal touch to a standard visit.
While their journey isn’t quite over, Brooks and his family are taking things step by step. “We see Dr. Thacker every three months for X-rays and then we discuss treatment for the following 3 months,” says Marissa. “Taking it in small chunks is less overwhelming than thinking about everything that could happen down the road. Right now, the focus is on keeping Brooks’ range of motion through physical therapy, daily exercises, and staying active with low-impact activities.”
Recently, Brooks and his brother celebrated their birthdays by organizing a fundraiser for Nemours Orthopedics. They set a goal to raise $500 but were thrilled to exceed it, raising over $1,000. It was a meaningful way for them to show their gratitude and make a positive impact on the hospital that has been so crucial to Brooks’ care.
Looking to the future, Brooks’ family remains hopeful. “We’re about nine months in, so we know we still have a way to go,” shares Marissa. “Most recently, Brooks had surgery with Dr. Thacker in October and then spent 6 weeks in a petri cast, totally non-weight bearing. He got it removed 2 weeks ago and now has a brace to wear at night. Currently, he is being fitted for a new brace and also has PT twice a week as he learns to walk.”
As Brooks and his family continue their journey, they have the expert care and dedication of Nemours Children’s Health to support them, every step of the way.
