When Faye was just 8 years old, a severe car accident changed her life in an instant, leading her and her family to Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware for critical treatment and reconstructive surgeries.
The accident was a shock to Faye’s family. It quickly became clear that Faye needed specialized care, and Nemours Children’s was the place that could provide it. “We owe every single nurse, doctor, physical therapist, etc. that had a hand in her recovery,” says Faye’s mom. “From the night we came in as at emergency to the care she still receives, everything. They ensured that she was heard and supported, we were heard and supported, and she walked out of the hospital after a month of a stay.”
Faye’s initial treatment was focused on stabilizing her condition and addressing the most urgent injuries. However, the road to recovery was a long one. One of the first major procedures Faye underwent was jaw surgery, performed by Chief of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Caterson. Dr. Hagerty, Chief of Pediatric Urology, and Alice Hoffman, an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN), became integral parts of Faye’s care team. Their expertise and dedication were evident from the start, and they worked tirelessly to ensure that Faye received the best possible treatment.
“I was so overprotective, and the staff listened and allowed me to be in pain and fight,” says Faye’s mom. “She was in a coma for 2 weeks. They did her hair, they ensured she got to wear over her blankets, her Halloween costume. They took pictures and even made sure her lost tooth was kept for the tooth fairy. These things may have seemed so small, but they truly meant the world to us.” The Child Life team, in addition, played a crucial role in making her stay as positive as possible. “I loved Child Life,” Faye shares. “Everyone was caring and understanding.”
One of the most significant procedures she faced was the closure of her bladder neck and a Mitrofanoff operation, a surgery that required the collaboration of Dr. Hagerty and her partner, Dr. Figueroa. The Mitrofanoff procedure was designed to reconstruct and improve the function of her urinary system, which had been damaged in the accident. The thought of Faye undergoing such a complex surgery was daunting, but the reassurance and support from her medical team helped her family navigate this challenging time. Dr. Hagerty and the urology team were meticulous in their approach, and their attention to detail and commitment to Faye’s well-being were truly inspiring.
“Faye lost her ability to urinate without her Mitrofanoff but she gained her voice to advocate for herself and others,” says her mom. “Nemours gave her confidence to explain her ‘superpower’ to her friends and peers.” Faye’s journey post-surgery has been marked by adjustment to her new routine. A crucial aspect of her recovery has been learning to use her Mitrofanoff. At first, the idea of this new procedure was intimidating, but with the support and training from the Nemours team, Faye quickly gained confidence, giving her a sense of control and independence that is truly empowering.
Despite the challenges, Faye remains an active and vibrant young girl. “I stay active and I can do anything I want,” she says. Her ability to maintain an active lifestyle is a testament to her strength and the effectiveness of the care she has received. The Nemours team has been instrumental in ensuring that Faye’s physical and emotional needs are met. “Faye has an amazing strength,” shares Dr. Hagerty. “She has walked every step of this journey with a smile and an optimistic attitude. It has been an amazing honor for the urologic team to be able to care for her and her family!”
Today, as Faye’s family continues to navigate her ongoing care, they are forever grateful to Nemours. They not only saved Faye’s life but also gave them back their daughter, more resilient than ever. “Nemours and it’s staff will always have a bit of our heart,” says Faye’s mom.
