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Nemours Children’s Health patients Naheim Smith and Reign Jefferson were both diagnosed with sickle cell disease at a young age. Thanks to treatment at Nemours, Naheim has been cured of sickle cell disease, and Reign is now better able to manage the disease and is thriving.   On June 11 and 12, Naheim and Reign joined the National Office’s Federal Affairs team on Capitol Hill, along with Dr. Stephanie Guarino, a hematologist/oncologist at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware, as a part of the Children’s Hospital Association’s annual Family Advocacy Day.    Naheim’s and Nevaeh’s Story   Naheim was diagnosed with sickle cell disease when he was under a year old. During his early childhood, he experienced pain crises and strokes, which led to many hospital visits at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware. After one stroke, his doctors discovered he had Moyamoya disease – a rare disorder caused by blocked arteries at the base of the […]

An exciting birthday party took an unexpected turn when a playful game of tag ended in a traumatic injury. During the celebration, 6-year-old Joey was bitten on the face by a dog, an incident that quickly changed the tone of the day. Thankfully, his parents didn’t have to think twice about where to turn. As longtime patients of Nemours Children’s, they took their son to the place they’ve trusted for years. “We instantly knew we were in the best of hands considering the situation we were facing,” shares Joey’s mom, Shae. “Joey was in incredible pain, and his right lip was in a horrible condition. We were unsure of the severity of his situation, but we knew Nemours would be able to help him and provide him with trusted care. This was proven true upon our arrival.” “The care offered to Joey and the whole family was immediate and genuine,” […]

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. […]

Spring and summer have always been favorite times of the year for many families. Temperatures start to warm up, and many people pack away their winter jackets for the season. The sun stays out later each day, giving everyone more time in the evenings to enjoy walks outside; and the fresh fruits and vegetables become more abundant than ever. During the spring and summer, trips to the farmers market are a favorite hobby for many families. Nothing beats the taste of locally grown produce, freshly picked and sold right from the growers. We asked a few registered dietitians here at Nemours Children’s Health to share tips they give with families looking to eat healthy during the warmer months. Here’s what they said. Snack Hacks Homemade Fruit Pops “Try homemade frozen fruit pops for a yummy, healthy and refreshing treat. Just mix together yogurt, berries and milk; pour into a popsicle […]

At 15, Ella Wright had been battling painful headaches for years when she was eventually diagnosed with accommodative infacility. She went through months of eye therapy, and while her eyes began focusing correctly, the headaches still didn’t go away. That’s when her family returned to the doctor this time, they were referred to Nemours Children’s Health in Jacksonville, Florida. Before Nemours, Ella struggled with frequent, debilitating headaches. Her family described her as “relying on over-the-counter medication more than five days a week just to get through the day. After school, she’d go straight to bed, needing a dark, quiet room to cope with the pain.” The constant discomfort affected her mood, her energy, and her ability to enjoy daily life. We live in Georgia and weren’t familiar with Nemours,” her family said. “But everyone there has been wonderful. Dr. Janet Leon, Nemours pediatric neurologist, is outstanding—she’s a great listener, very […]

When Haven was born, her family quickly learned she was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called nail patella syndrome, also known as Fong’s disease. She’s one of only about 50,000 people who have it. The condition, which can affect the development of bones, joints, and nails, made everyday life a challenge. Thanks to the expertise of Nemours Children’s Health, Jacksonville, and the specialized care of Dr. David Mandel, Haven’s journey has been one of resilience and progress. Haven’s family didn’t have to look far for exceptional care. Living nearby, they turned to the Nemours Children’s orthopedics team. Here, they not only found medical expertise, but a compassionate support system. “They have always been wonderful and have helped Haven throughout her whole journey,” says her mother, Kyla. Dr. Mandel, a leading expert in pediatric orthopedics, is skilled in complex procedures like Haven’s. She underwent two 4 in 1 quadricepsplasties, a […]