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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 […]

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, […]

In November 2024, 2-year-old Caleigh woke up not feeling well and with concerning symptoms. Her family noticed red areas under both of her armpits and took her to her pediatrician for assessment. “She was being treated for Strep Throat and Scarlet Fever,” shares her mother, Megan. However, after two days, Caleigh’s condition only worsened, and she stopped eating and drinking. “Caleigh wasn’t getting better,” says Megan. “My husband & I decided to take her into our local ER where she was evaluated.” Upon arrival, the medical team assessed Caleigh and suspected Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome (SSSS), a rare but serious condition caused by a Staphylococcus toxin. The severity of her symptoms and rapid progression left no room for delay. “Within a few hours, she was on a helicopter being flown to Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware, in the middle of the night with us following behind in our vehicle,” says Megan. […]

12-year-old Mia was enjoying an afternoon at a friend’s birthday party when in a matter of moments, the day took an unexpected turn. When reaching down to pet the friend’s dog, it became startled and bit Mia in the face. The bite tore off most of her left nostril and left a puncture in her cheek. Immediately, Mia was taken to the emergency room where doctors moved quickly to treat her injuries. It became clear that Mia would need reconstructive surgery. Determined to find expert surgeons for Mia’s procedure, her parents turned to Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware. “Living close by we had always heard that the best pediatric care is at Nemours,” shares her mother, Courtney. “We knew for something this serious we needed the best hospital.” At their first appointment with Dr. Mario Aycart and the plastic surgery team at Nemours Children’s, it was explained to Mia’s family that […]

When Blake was just 2 years old, her mom, Kimberly, noticed she was experiencing back pain. “Blake was crying in her car seat and reaching for her back,” Kimberly recalls. Concerned, they decided to seek medical help. An MRI of Blake’s spine revealed a Chiari malformation and two Tarlov cysts, conditions that would significantly impact her life. As Blake continued to grow, simple activities like sitting or standing were sources of pain, making it difficult for her to enjoy the things most children take for granted. At school, she had to use a special chair and cushion to alleviate some of the discomfort. Family life was also affected, as long car trips were out of the question due to the intense pain Blake experienced. Now 13 years old, Blake has been a Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware patient nearly all her life, receiving care from the orthopedics, neurology, and neurosurgery departments. […]