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Last July, I was in the car going for a normal drive with my parents when suddenly the unthinkable happened. Our car flipped over and I was ejected 30 ft from the car. I had suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) with left hemiparesis. Due to the seriousness of my injuries, I was immediately airlifted to Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware. For my first month in the hospital, I was in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). At the start of my second month in the hospital, I spent most of my time in rehab. I had to learn how to talk, walk, and eat solid foods all over again. I also had to spend about 3 months in a wheelchair.   When I was initially released from the hospital I continued to go to therapy 5 days a week. But life at home was now different. I had to walk around the […]

Nemours Children’s Health and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation are pleased to announce the national release of Caring for Children and Teens in Military Caregiving Families, a continuing education course to increase healthcare providers’ ability to understand and support the unique needs of children in military families. The three-part training is designed for primary, specialty, and behavioral health care providers and care team members who see children and teens from military and veteran caregiving families. The recommendations offered in the training were informed by more than 200 survey and focus group responses from parents and guardians of children and teens growing up in military caregiving homes as well as the experts featured in the presentation. The course is intended to provide a high-level overview. It is supplemented by a resource document with links for taking a deeper dive into topics addressed in the modules. The course is available via the continuing […]

Annika’s path to a cerebral palsy diagnosis began at a young age. Born prematurely at 29 weeks and five days, Annika’s mother, Jessica, noticed subtle differences in her development around six months. When Annika’s twin began reaching certain milestones, such as rolling over, ahead of her, Annika’s family became concerned. “That was my first clue that something was not exactly typical,” says Jessica. “I mentioned it to her local pediatrician; however, Annika did a lot of other things typical and well, so she didn’t seem worried. I just knew deep down that something was off, and asked if, based on her prematurity, she could qualify for early childhood physical therapy. Annika began her first physical therapy when she was 7 months old.” Jessica’s persistence led Annika to early intervention therapies, and when Annika was 11 months old, she asked that the pediatrician refer her to a local pediatric neurologist. Despite […]

Laurel’s path to a career in Child Life began during her childhood. At just 3 years old, she experienced the passing of her younger brother due to SIDS, setting the foundation for her comprehension of grief. “I think that experience planted an empathy seed within me,” says Laurel. “It’s really special how I am able to use my experiences to support families here at Nemours Children’s. I’m able to understand grief within a family dynamic, including the sibling perspective, and share my insights, along with my training, into its effects on daily life and a family’s ability to cope.” In fifth grade, Laurel encountered child life firsthand during a hospitalization for a urethral reimplantation. From preparation for surgery to post-operative support, she found peace in the playroom activities and therapeutic interventions facilitated by her Certified Child Life Specialists. It was during these years that she discovered the importance of psychosocial […]

Dillan’s hearing loss was discovered during a routine hearing scan, revealing that she was deaf in her left ear. While Dillan’s family had noticed some challenges with communicating before seeking treatment at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida, they were shocked to learn this news. Her family was very eager to find answers and solutions. Having been involved with the groundbreaking of Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida 10 years ago, Dillan’s family was drawn to the comprehensive care provided under one roof. “Nemours provided seamless care. I love being able to communicate with her doctors in real time,” says Dillan’s mom. With the help of Dr. Morgan Wilcox, Dillan now has a hearing aid for her left ear, making an incredible difference in her hearing. “From the first day I met her, Dillan is always smiling and just has this contagious, feel-good attitude that you can’t help but smile and laugh along with […]

Madison’s dysplasia journey began even before she came into the world. During pregnancy, concerns arose as she was smaller than expected. However it was only after her birth, when she was diagnosed with hip dysplasia, that the first signs of something more complex emerged. X-rays at four months old revealed trident acetabulum and an s-shaped scoliosis, so a skeletal dysplasia genetic testing panel followed, identifying changes in B3GALT6. Variants in this gene are associated with a rare skeletal dysplasia known as spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia joint laxity type 1 (SEMDJL1). This condition can cause issues like progressive scoliosis, joint laxity/dislocations, and more. When they found out about her diagnosis, Madi’s family faced uncertainties about what her future might look like. However, Madi’s fiery spirit has shone through. She charms everyone she meets with her sassy personality and infectious joy. Madison’s mom, Anna, emphasizes that her daughter has never allowed anything to hinder […]