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Fellows Share Their Challenges and Triumphs  For Mycah Ayala-Brittain, volunteering in her mother’s special education classroom was her first opportunity to learn how professionals collaborate to meet the needs of children. The classroom had teachers, teaching assistants, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech and language pathologists, and medical personnel that collaborated to provide individualized care to support children with behavioral health needs.   Throughout her education, Mycah learned about the barriers that families face accessing quality health care. These experiences led her to pursue a doctorate in psychology, expanding her knowledge and allowing her to provide culturally sensitive mental health care. At Nemours Children’s Health, Mycah has had the chance to explore multiple behavioral health settings, further growing and strengthening her skills within an integrated health care system.   When Martisha Brown was growing up in Delaware, she felt like she didn’t have the counseling support she needed. High school brought about challenges, […]

Under the expert care of our dedicated team in Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida, Kalani embarked on a path of treatment for juvenile idiopathic scoliosis and neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) at 6 years old. Her journey began in July 2023 when her mother, Monica, noticed a slight curvature in Kalani’s back. Concerned, they sought answers from orthopedic surgeon Dr. John Lovejoy at Nemours Children’s. “An X-ray confirmed that her back had a curvature and an MRI was ordered out of caution to make sure there was not an underlying issue causing the curve,” shares Monica. “The MRI showed she had lesions/tumors believed to be caused by NF1. Following the MRI results, Dr. Lovejoy referred Kalani to oncology and genetics to confirm the diagnosis and begin treatment. When we had a follow-up with Dr. Lovejoy at the end of October 2023, an X-ray showed the curve in Kalani’s spine had gotten worse […]

At just 21 years old, Sparsh has already achieved what many only dream of, inspiring and touching the hearts of millions across the globe. Born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, a condition making his bones extremely fragile, Sparsh faces unique obstacles in his daily life. Unable to bear weight on his hands and legs, he navigates the world differently than other kids. It was Sparsh’s diagnosis of severe scoliosis at the age of 14 that led him to Nemours Children’s Health. During a routine checkup and X-Rays with his local orthopedic doctor, Dr. Thomas McPartland, the scoliosis was discovered. Conversations about spinal fusion surgery immediately began. “My scoliosis required me to rest often in my wheelchair or on my bed to relieve back pressure,” says Sparsh. “It severely affected my posture, which indirectly hampered the function of vital organs such as my lungs, which are important to my singing career!” Sparsh is […]

At Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware, Dr. Suken A. Shah, The Shands/MacEwen Endowed Chair of Orthopedics and Chair of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, leads with expertise and unwavering dedication to improve the lives of patients. His professional journey is rooted in a commitment to medicine and determination to solve complex cases. Reflecting on his early career decisions, Dr. Shah notes, “I was drawn to surgery early on, particularly during my medical school years.” Exposure to orthopedic surgery and guidance from esteemed mentors set him on the path to becoming a pediatric orthopedic surgeon. Dr. Shah’s decision to specialize in orthopedics stemmed from a desire to restore function and mobility, particularly in pediatric patients, setting the stage for his impactful career. Critical thinking and collaboration are essential components of patient care for Dr. Shah. “The most rewarding aspects of our work are when we can help a child with a complex […]

For Cameron Thackston, 17, what started as a pain in his foot in early 2023, turned out to be something much more serious. He and his mom, Alma, thought it could’ve been tendonitis, only his condition wasn’t improving. The sharp pains continued to the point where the family was forced to take a trip to the emergency room. After a few rounds of testing Cameron received the news. He was diagnosed with cancer. Mom was devastated. “I went into a panic,” she said. And Cameron?  How did he take the news? He had one simple question for the care team. “Is it curable?” he asked. “Yes,” they said. “Cool,” he replied. With his primary diagnosis being T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, his mom admits she was scared. But the family only had one choice. Fight. After rounds of infusions and oral chemotherapy and hours spent on the Hematology-Oncology Floor at Nemours […]

At just four years old, Avyn was diagnosed with a severe 60º curvature of Early Onset Scoliosis. Her local physicians recommended Mehta casting, prompting her family to begin searching for the best pediatric orthopedic specialists in the nation. Their search led them to Dr. Joseph Khoury in Florida and Dr. Alec Stall in Texas. The decision to choose between these two esteemed doctors wasn’t easy, but ultimately, Avyn’s family placed their trust in Dr. Khoury at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida. “Avyn has been extremely resilient throughout her scoliosis journey,” says her mother, Sarah. Thanks to her treatments, Avyn’s curve progression slowed, allowing her to maintain her normal life, participating in athletics and daily activities with minimal discomfort. However, as she grew older, her family knew she would need a spinal fusion surgery at age 10. “We discovered Nemours when Dr. Khoury transferred from Shriners Tampa to Nemours Children’s,” says Sarah. […]