September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month — a time to honor the strength of children and their families navigating the challenges of a cancer diagnosis. Alongside doctors and nurses, Child Life Specialists play a vital role in supporting young patients and their families cope with the emotional and developmental impacts of cancer, guiding them through what can be an overwhelming journey. In this Q&A, we had the opportunity to speak with Joli Craver, one of our Child Life Specialists at Nemours Children’s Health, who works in the PLAYERS Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. Joli provided valuable insights for friends, classmates, neighbors, and extended family who are looking to offer meaningful support. Whether it’s knowing what to say, how to help, or simply how to be present, her perspective can help you feel more confident in showing up for children with cancer and their families during their most challenging moments. […]

Alexa, then 12 years old, had always been an active child, participating in various sports such as Jiu Jitsu. However, a previous knee injury that seemed minor at first, suddenly got worse. What started as a slight discomfort during physical activities escalated into persistent pain that made it difficult for her to participate in sports. As the pain began to increase, Alexa was referred to Nemours Children’s Sports Medicine Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Alvin Su. Under the care of Dr. Su and the team at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware, Alexa was diagnosed with osteochondral defect (OCD). OCD is a condition where there is damage to the cartilage and the bone beneath it within a joint. This type of injury is commonly found in the knee, and it can be particularly debilitating for young athletes. “This condition didn’t allow me to return to sports and other strenuous activities, like Jiu Jitsu,” shares Alexa. After […]

For Sofia’s family, a routine pregnancy check-up took a surprising turn when an ultrasound revealed that Sofia would be born with a condition known as clubfoot. “As an infant, her feet were going inward and it was heartbreaking to see,” Sofia’s mom shares. Determined to give her daughter the best possible care, Sofia’s mom turned to the internet, where she discovered Dr. John Lovejoy and Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida. The diagnosis of clubfoot had been unexpected, but the prospect of expert care and a promising treatment plan offered a glimmer of light. It was at Nemours Children’s Hospital Florida that they met Dr. Lovejoy, Chair of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. Dr. Lovejoy recommended Sofia be started with casting using the Ponseti method. This treatment involved a series of castings, which were crucial for maintaining the corrected position of her foot. The process required regular weekly visits to Nemours as a […]

As we turn the calendar page to September, one challenge looms: the arrival of “Asthma Peak Month,” with the third week being “Asthma Peak Week” where asthma triggers are at their highest of the year. This period marks a significant increase in asthma symptoms. Combined with the extra stress and exposures of children heading back to school, understanding why this peak and week happens can help you better prepare your child for the possibility of more asthma attacks. Understanding Asthma Peak Week Asthma peak week, typically the third week of September, marks a critical period when the number of asthma attacks spikes dramatically. Although it affects people of all ages, this phenomenon is particularly notable among children. The transition back into the classroom, for example, exposes kids to a variety of new allergens and irritants (plus viruses), which can trigger or worsen their asthma symptoms. That’s because one of the […]

Just a day after his birth, Nakoa’s family received the unexpected news that he had failed his newborn hearing screening. This was only the beginning of a challenging yet transformative journey. Two weeks later, the family returned to their local hospital for a second screening. The results were the same: Nakoa failed. The hospital referred them to another pediatric hospital for more comprehensive testing. Nakoa failed every test, and the diagnosis of profound deafness was becoming increasingly clear. The family was devastated but determined to seek a second opinion. So, they were referred to Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida, a renowned pediatric healthcare facility, for the following week. Still, Nakoa failed every test, and the diagnosis was confirmed. For his mother, the diagnosis of profound deafness held a heavy impact. “I mourned the thought of him being deaf and having to endure being different,” she shares. The fear of Nakoa facing […]

In the summer of 2024, a small bump on 12-year-old Eduardo’s neck caught the attention of his family. They decided to visit Nemours Children’s, a healthcare institution that had been a trusted part of their family for over a decade. “My kids have been a part of the Nemours family since they were born, and we’re very thankful for all the professionals who have cared for them,” his mother, Vanessa says. Upon their visit, the medical team at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida conducted a thorough examination, including an ultrasound, a CT scan, and a biopsy. Eduardo was diagnosed with a benign tumor in his parotid gland. While the term “benign” offered some relief, the diagnosis itself was a significant concern to the family. “We were very worried and spent a lot of time doing research online, which only scared us more than it relaxed us,” Vanessa admits. Despite the anxiety, […]