At just 2 years old, Isabella was diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis, a rare and life-threatening condition that began in her back and later spread to her right leg. The aggressive nature of the disease required intensive medical intervention. Physicians at multiple hospitals had to perform surgeries to remove infected muscle and tissue, a process that was both physically and emotionally taxing for Isabella and her family.
Following the surgeries, Isabella was placed in a medically induced coma for two months to give her body the best chance to heal and fight off the infection. When she finally emerged from the coma, the next phase of her journey began. She was transferred to a third hospital, where she underwent physical rehabilitation and skin grafting to repair the extensive damage to her back and leg. Despite the challenges, Isabella’s resilience and determination shone through, and she made significant progress in her recovery.
However, her medical journey was far from over. At the age of 5, Isabella developed scoliosis, a condition that caused her spine to curve abnormally. This new challenge was a result of the muscle and tissue loss in her back. As she grew, the curvature became more pronounced, and it was clear that intervention would be necessary to prevent further complications. By the time Isabella was 15, her doctors recommended a spinal fusion surgery to stabilize her spine and prevent the scoliosis from worsening. However, due to the minimal skin remaining on her back from previous reconstructive surgeries, she first needed tissue expanders placed to ensure there would be enough skin for the fusion procedure.
Her family, determined to find the best possible care for the complexity and uniqueness of Isabella’s case, began researching top hospitals and surgeons across the country. Orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Peter Gabos, and plastic surgeon, Dr. Rhoda Powell emerged as leading experts in the field, and the family went to meet with them. From the moment they stepped into Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware, Isabella and her family knew they had found the right team to trust with her surgery.
After the placement and removal of tissue expanders, Isabella underwent a 20-hour posterior spinal fusion surgery performed by Dr. Gabos, with the assistance of Dr. Powell and general surgeon, Dr. Kirk Reichard in July of 2019. The surgery was a monumental step in her treatment, and the results were nothing short of remarkable. Her spinal curve, which had been 62 degrees, was reduced to 18 degrees—the lowest it had been since her diagnosis at age 5. The personalized treatment plan that the Nemours team had developed for her was tailored to her specific needs and lifestyle, ensuring that the surgery would have the best possible outcome.
“All of the physicians taking care of me were absolutely amazing,” shares Isabella. “However, the bedside manner of Dr. Gabos was phenomenal! He made sure to really take the time to explain everything in detail to my family and I, and he put our minds at ease as much as possible. He is the reason we chose Nemours. Also, the nursing care I received was overall great! One nurse that really stood out to us was a nurse named Annie on one of the normal floors. She was so caring and sweet and is the main reason I decided to become a nurse.”
From the first consultation to the last follow-up, Isabella’s experience with the Nemours team was characterized by unwavering support and cutting-edge care. She had a great experience with recovery and has managed to maintain an active lifestyle. She is still able to go to the gym regularly, a testament to her resilience and the effectiveness of the Nemours team’s post-operative care.
After years of hard work and dedication, Isabella has just graduated from nursing school, a significant milestone in her journey. Starting next month, Isabella will embark on her career as a registered nurse in a pediatric intensive care unit. This role is particularly meaningful to her, as it allows her to combine her passion for healthcare with her deep understanding of the challenges families face when dealing with serious medical conditions. Isabella’s decision to pursue a career in nursing was largely inspired by her time at Nemours. Witnessing the dedication and expertise of the Nemours staff, she was motivated to become a part of a similar team, where she could make a difference in the lives of others.
With a wealth of experience behind her, Isabella offers this advice to others navigating complex medical conditions, “To any patient who is going through this, it is okay to be scared and have anxious thoughts going into surgery. However, you can push through and use your experiences to give back in the same way!”
Isabella’s experience has not only shaped her physically but has instilled in her a desire to help others. Her story is a reminder that every challenge, no matter how difficult, can push us to grow in ways we never expected.
