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Community Connection

At just 18 months old, Carli was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, beginning a journey filled with uncertainty. Despite normal MRIs and no birth trauma, her mobility challenges grew more severe over time. By age 9, walking had become exhausting. After years of searching for answers, Carli’s family found hope at Nemours Children’s Hospital in Delaware, where Dr. Wade Shrader confirmed that surgery could improve her mobility and quality of life. In January 2025, Carli underwent a major procedure followed by months of rehabilitation. Recovery was tough, but Carli wasn’t alone. Enter Luna, Monk, Pumpkin, and Ali — therapy and facility dogs who became Carli’s companions, comforters, and cheerleaders during her recovery. Whether lying beside her during painful moments or walking with her after surgery, these furry friends brought smiles, strength, and healing. Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is just one example of the holistic care Carli received. Music and art therapy, games […]

For Aleecia, Jeremiah’s mom, the first few days of her newborn’s life were filled with a mix of joy and growing concern. Jeremiah was born with no voice, a stark contrast to the usual cries of a newborn. The absence of his voice was the first indication that something was amiss. After just three days, ENT specialists at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware made a startling discovery: Jeremiah’s vocal cords were fused together, a rare and life-threatening condition known as congenital laryngeal web. Aleecia found herself thrust into a role she never imagined she would have to play. “The inability to breathe or cry properly meant we were in a state of immediate crisis from the moment he was born,” she recalls. “It was a frightening diagnosis that required immediate, specialized intervention.” The urgency of the situation was evident, and the surgical team at Nemours Children’s wasted no time in preparing […]

Early in my pregnancy, we learned from an OBGYN that our daughter would face a series of complex medical challenges — her left eye had not fully developed, she had agenesis of the corpus callosum, and significant spine and ribcage abnormalities. These findings led to a diagnosis of Aicardi Syndrome. When the doctor shared the diagnosis, his initial recommendation was to consider terminating the pregnancy, then he left us to process the devastating news in disbelief and sorrow. In that moment of heartbreak and confusion, we chose faith. We decided we would not give up on our child or on God. From that day forward, we made a promise to always champion our daughter’s life and advocate for her future, no matter what challenges lay ahead. We left that doctor were soon referred to and followed by another high-risk maternal-fetal team, where we continued to receive compassionate and specialized care […]

At 11 years old, music was Garikoitz’s passion, but something was standing in the way. As a young violinist, he found himself constantly falling behind during rehearsals, arriving late on every note. What seemed like a simple coordination issue was actually something far more significant: a hearing problem that was affecting every aspect of Garikoitz’s life. In the classroom, teachers mistook his struggles for attention difficulties. “In reality, I just wasn’t receiving information fast enough to respond,” says Garikoitz. He felt stuck, unable to keep pace through no fault of his own. His mother sensed that something deeper was at play and made the decision to seek help at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida. A Compassionate Approach to Care From the moment they walked through the doors, the family was met with warmth and understanding. Audiologists Teresa C. Tray and Elyssa McRae conducted comprehensive hearing evaluations, quickly pinpointing the underlying issue. […]

At 20 weeks into her pregnancy, Valerie, Alena’s mom, received concerning news during a routine ultrasound: the long bones in Alena’s body weren’t measuring as they should. This unexpected finding led to a series of discussions with medical professionals. Two months after Alena’s birth, the diagnosis of Femoral Hypoplasia with Unusual Facies Syndrome (FHUFS) was confirmed. This rare genetic disorder is characterized by underdeveloped femurs, growth restrictions, and distinctive facial features. Alena’s journey with this syndrome has been a complex one, involving a variety of adaptive tools and treatments. “I use a walker, wheelchair, crutches, leg braces, and have a lift in my left shoe,” Alena explains. In an effort to address her growing needs, Alena and her family sought out orthopedic expertise. Alena’s case was referred to Dr. Shawn Standard, a specialist in pediatric orthopedics, who was based in Baltimore at the time. “We started receiving treatment from Dr. […]

Makyla’s mom, Myisha, was told during a routine ultrasound that her daughter would be born with a rare and complex condition known as Chondrodysplasia punctata and Conradi-Hunermann. This genetic disorder affects bone and cartilage development, leading to a variety of physical and medical issues. As Makyla grew, her spine began to curve more and more, making it difficult for her to walk long distances without struggling to breathe. “Her spine’s curvature also put pressure on her organs, making it hard for them to function properly,” says Myisha. In 2018, after years of seeking the best possible care, Myisha received a recommendation from another health organization to bring Makyla to Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida. Nemours Children’s, known for its expertise in treating complex pediatric cases, was the ray of hope they had been searching for. The hospital’s multidisciplinary approach and specialized care offered a new path forward for Makyla. Walking through […]