Before she was even born, Charlotte was diagnosed with Congenital Femoral Deficiency and Fibular Hemimelia, a rare condition that would shape her life in ways her family could never have anticipated.
Congenital leg length discrepancies are when patients have legs that are different lengths. Femoral deficiency is characterized by a short or missing thighbone and fibular hemimelia by a short or missing fibula.
“It was an incredibly emotional and uncertain time for us,” her mother, Melissa, recalls. The news was both a shock and a call to action. As soon as they received the diagnosis, her family was determined to understand the condition and find the best possible care for Charlotte. “We knew this would be a lifelong series of surgeries, rehabilitation, and specialized care,” her father, Brian, recalls.
“There was a lot of anxiety and fear about what her future would look like and whether she would be able to live a full, active life,” shares Melissa. “Limb lengthening is highly specialized, and we knew how important it was to have someone with the skill and experience to do it well. The uncertainty was exhausting at times—but finding someone we could trust made all the difference. We met with many doctors but never felt fully confident until we connected with Dr. Shawn Standard.”
As a family from Canada, the decision to travel to Florida for Charlotte’s care was not taken lightly. “We had long followed Dr. Standard’s work and were continually impressed by both his expertise and his compassionate approach to care,” says Brian. “When we heard he had joined Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida, we knew it was the right place for Charlotte. It felt like everything had aligned—world-class care, a facility close to our second home, and a team that truly understood our daughter’s needs.” The International Medicine team at Nemours Children’s was instrumental in guiding them through the complexities of receiving care outside of Canada, ensuring that every step of the process was smooth and stress-free.
“From the moment we walked into Nemours, we felt something different,” says Melissa. “Everyone—from the security staff to the food service workers, to the clinicians—greeted us with warmth and empathy. The hospital itself is beautiful and calming, but what really stood out was how deeply everyone cared. You’re not a number at Nemours; you’re a family they’re walking alongside. The International Medicine team guided us every step of the way through the complexities of receiving care outside of Canada. And Dr. Standard—his brilliance is unmatched, but it’s his kindness and confidence that truly gave us peace.”
The Nemours orthopedics team, including the surgical and physical therapy departments, have been a pillar of support for Charlotte. During her first surgery, which involved femoral lengthening with external fixation, Charlotte’s family was kept well-informed and supported throughout. The procedure was a success, and Charlotte gained over 5 cm in femoral length. Her rehabilitation has also been progressing well, thanks to the excellent physical therapists at Nemours, who have helped her to regain strength and mobility.
For Charlotte, the journey is far from over. As she continues to grow, more surgeries will be necessary. “While we know there are more surgeries to come, we feel completely confident in her continued care with Dr. Standard and his team,” says Brian. “Charlotte will need more surgeries as she grows, but the goal remains clear: a full, active life, with no pain and equal leg length. With the foundation Nemours has helped us build, we’re confident she’ll get there. She’s strong, resilient, and thriving—and we owe so much of that to the care she’s received.”
To other parents navigating leg length discrepancies, Melissa offers this advice, “Do your research and don’t be afraid to advocate for your child. Finding the right surgeon—especially someone as skilled and compassionate as Dr. Standard—makes all the difference. It can be a long and emotionally difficult journey, but with the right team, your child can thrive. Trust your instincts, ask questions, and know that excellent care is out there.”
