Guest Contributor, Author at Nemours Blog - Page 14 of 28

POSTED BY:
Guest Contributor

Beyond the Paralympics: Sophia’s Story

From the very beginning, Sophia’s life has been intertwined with achondroplasia dwarfism. Diagnosed at birth, she started her medical journey under the care of Dr. William Mackenzie and Colleen Ditro, two dedicated clinicians at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware who have been by her side since day one. Born and raised in Colorado, Sophia was introduced to Nemours Children’s through LPA (Little People of America). Here, she first met Dr. Mackenzie and Colleen and they have followed her since birth, connecting yearly at LPA conventions. As she grew older, Sophia continually defied expectations, becoming a professional athlete and earning medals in two Paralympic games as an elite swimmer. When she retired from professional sports and began exploring new avenues, Sophia took up running. However, she began to encounter some hip issues along the way. This led her to seek medical advice from Colleen who recommended Sophia come to Delaware and see Dr. […]

Keeping it in the Nemours Children’s Family (In Eileen’s Words)

As an infant, I had gross motor delays. I did not sit up until I was a year old or walk until I was two years. I was placed in a developmental preschool in my township in Maple Shade, New Jersey. When I was four years old, the physical therapist through that program felt that I needed a hip X-ray, as she thought I might have hip dysplasia. It was recommended that I be taken to Dr. Bowen at Nemours Children’s Hospital in Wilmington, Delaware. Dr. Bowen diagnosed me with Bilateral Congenital Hip Dysplasia. Because my Hip Dysplasia diagnosis was caught so much later in life (normally diagnosed in infancy), I had to have multiple surgeries, when I was around four and eight years old, to reconstruct my hip sockets. I was in a body cast after each set of surgeries. Later, when I was 14 years old, I developed […]

The Journey to Overcome: PJ’s Story

PJ’s inspiring story sheds light on the impact of bullying and the importance of mental health awareness. Follow his path from a shocking assault to resilience and recovery, guided by dedicated professionals and a loving family.

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month: Charlie’s Story (In Mom’s Words)

In February 2023, we noticed a sore develop on Charlie’s side. But being a normal 3-year-old little boy, we shook it off as a stick poke or a bug bite from playing outside. As time progressed, not only did the sore get bigger, but Charlie started falling asleep on the couch and experiencing fevers of 102-103 degrees. We took Charlie to Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida’s Emergency Room in Orlando where the doctors closely examined him before calling in Dr. Alexander, an infectious disease specialist. Dr. Alexander was very kind and helped us think through different ideas of what this could be. They took a biopsy and sent us home on an antibiotic and instructions to follow up with our pediatrician. A week later, there had been no signs of healing. Charlie’s lymph node in his armpit near the wound had become swollen. After following up with his pediatrician two times […]

Associate Highlight: Dr. Lonna Gordon

Among the many experts at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida is Dr. Lonna Gordon, an Adolescent Medicine specialist. She has devoted her life to shaping health outcomes for the second decade of life – a pivotal period that lays the foundation for a lifetime of well-being. Dr. Gordon shares her passion for her work: “The second decade of life is the most instrumental in shaping your health outcomes for life. I love that I get to be a part of teaching that group of people how to best care for their health.” Her decision to pursue a career in medicine was driven by her desire to guide young individuals through the transformative journey of adolescence, a time of transition, development, and self-discovery. Dr. Gordon’s journey came full circle as she found herself working at the institution that had played a significant role in her own childhood. “I grew up in Florida, […]

Heroic Harry’s Sarcoma Story

Discover Heroic Harry’s Inspirational Sarcoma Journey | A 5-Year-Old’s Courageous Battle Against Adversity and Cancer at Nemours Children’s Hospital.

Associate Highlight: Dr. Larry Fox

Since beginning his career with Nemours, Dr. Larry Fox has felt the pairing was a great fit. He says, “I’ve been at Nemours for over 24 years now, so clearly it was!” Dr. Fox currently serves as the Chief of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes at Nemours Children’s Health, Jacksonville. In addition to the care he provides in Jacksonville, Dr. Fox also has a passion for international medicine and helping children around the globe. He has had the opportunity to live out his passion by becoming a member of the Nemours Mongolia care team. In 2012, a team of Nemours medical personnel, including specialists in Pediatric cardiology, endocrinology, pathology, hematology/oncology, neurosurgery, and pediatric nursing, began visiting Mongolia in honor of a patient who passed away from complications arising from leukemia. While there, the multidisciplinary team works at a children’s hospital in Ulaanbaatar to train Mongolian doctors. Since his first trip in […]

Critical Care Calling: Sandy’s Associate Highlight

Discover Sandy’s remarkable three-decade nursing journey, from pediatric care to prestigious ICU roles. Explore her extensive experience and commitment to excellence as she goes “Well Beyond Medicine” for patients and families.

Lulu’s Cancer Story

In May 2021, the Italiano family was faced with news that would forever alter their lives. Luciana Italiano, affectionately known as “Lulu,” was diagnosed with Stage L2 Neuroblastoma at just three days old. Luciana’s diagnosis came unexpectedly when a tumor was discovered on her neck shortly after birth. “May 19 was a great and exciting day that turned into nightmare,” says, Lulu’s mother, Carey. “It is an intimidating experience when a newborn baby receives a cancer diagnosis,” says Nemours Children’s Health Hematologist/Oncologist, Dr. Andrew Walter. “Instead of simply celebrating the joy of welcoming a new, healthy child into the world, family members must quickly meet with pediatric specialists and consultants to discuss diagnosis and treatment options and undergo a series of test and procedures. The family doesn’t even have the time to go home and rest.” After being transported to Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware shortly after Lulu’s birth, the hospital became the […]

Associate Highlight: Dr. Eric Sandler

Dr. Eric Sandler’s journey at Nemours began in 1998 when he was offered the role of Division Chief of Hematology/Oncology. Over the years, he has made many impacts in the organization and currently serves as the Chair of Pediatrics at Nemours Children’s Health, Jacksonville. Dr. Sandler’s involvement in Mongolian healthcare began with a young patient named Jonathan Soud. Jonathan’s battle with leukemia was a challenging one, and despite his passing, his family remained determined to honor his memory. Jonathan had a deep fascination with Mongolia and dreamt of visiting the country. In his memory, the Soud family decided to support efforts to improve the medical outcomes of children in Mongolia. This gesture led to Dr. Sandler’s first journey to Mongolia. Dr. Sandler’s and his team’s mission in Mongolia extends beyond a single trip. It’s a lifelong commitment to teaching, mentoring, and developing resources and infrastructure to improve the lives of […]

Page 14 of 28

Page 14 of 28

Page 14 of 28