Follow the remarkable story of Mason, a brave 5-year-old born with diastrophic dysplasia, as his family finds hope and specialized care at Nemours.
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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 […]
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month: Madison’s Story
“Madison has a history with cancer,” says her mother, Erin. She’s received a diagnosis that no family should have to face not just once, but twice. At the age of 2, Madison was diagnosed with bilateral retinoblastoma, a type of eye cancer that affects the retina, the inner layer of the eye. A subtle “glow” in her eye caught her parents’ attention, leading them to see an ophthalmologist at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware. The journey that followed included six months of chemotherapy and the removal of her left eye. During this time, Madison and her family worked closely with oncologist, Dr. Gregory Griffin. Dr. Griffin played a big part in her journey and their family had a great experience with him. Madison also had amazing doctors from Wills Eye Hospital in Philly. Dr Carol Shields and Dr. Sara Lally were integral in her treatment. Years later, at the age of 12, Madison faced […]
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month: Marjorie’s Story
Born at 27-weeks, weighing 1 pound and 15 ounces, Marjorie spent her first two and half months of life in the NICU. Following discharge, she was seen at Nemours Children’s Health, Jacksonville for hip dysplasia and eye checkups. When she was 7 months old, Marjorie’s parents noticed her belly was very distended. It continued to swell quickly, so her parents brought her to the pediatrician. After an ultrasound confirmed a mass, the family was rushed via ambulance to Wolfson Children’s Hospital where she first met Dr. Gauger. “Following multiple scans and tests, we heard the words you never want to hear, ‘Your child has cancer,’” says Marjorie’s mom, McCall. “Marjorie was diagnosed with neuroblastoma 4S. She spent three weeks in the hospital and was readmitted for more chemotherapy before being discharged on July 11, 2015.” After discharging, Marjorie continued to be followed by her oncology team at Nemours Children’s. “Through […]
Aiden’s Heart of Hope
Discover the Inspiring Journey of Aiden: Overcoming Heart Challenges with Hope and Strength | Aiden’s Heartwarming Story at Nemours Children’s Hospital
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