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Patient Stories

Diagnosed with microtia at birth, Karinda’s hearing was immediately tested. The results confirmed that she had hearing loss due to bilateral microtia and atresia. Microtia is a congenital condition where the outer part of the ear (the pinna) is smaller than normal and may have an unusual shape. In bilateral cases, both ears are affected. After spending 8 days in the NICU, Karinda was transferred to Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware where her family first met the team that would guide them through a long-term care journey. From the start, it has been a collaborative effort among expert Nemours Children’s specialists to provide Karinda with the best possible care. Now 8 years old, the most recent step in Karinda’s treatment has been ear reconstruction surgery. This procedure has brought together Nemours physicians from across the country including Dr. Angelo Leto Barone from Orlando and Dr. Mario Aycart from Delaware. Karinda has […]

Born with esophageal atresia type A and a history of chronic pneumonia, Island’s health journey has been far from straightforward. At the age of 9, the diagnosis of thoracogenic scoliosis added another layer of complexity, impeding even the simplest of tasks. He struggled to tie his shoes and often experienced intense back pain while doing everyday things. Sitting in class, walking, and even trying to sleep at night proved difficult. At Nemours Children’s Health, Jacksonville, Island was surrounded by specialists who treated him with care, skill, and a dedication that went beyond the clinical. His journey began with a comprehensive evaluation by Dr. Kevin Neal, an expert orthopedic surgeon, who diagnosed the severity of his scoliosis and recommended spinal fusion surgery. This procedure, which involves fusing vertebrae together to straighten the spine, was a critical step in managing his condition and improving Island’s quality of life. The care Island received […]

Carine’s story sheds light on the challenges of living with scoliosis and offers hope and inspiration to others facing this diagnosis. Through her advocacy and personal experiences, Carine aims to raise awareness and provide a voice for those navigating scoliosis treatment. During a routine check-up at 12 years old, her pediatrician, Dr. Odett Brown at Nemours Children’s Health, The Villages, Florida, noticed a slight curve in her spine, a subtle but significant detail that hadn’t been caught before. “I was doing the bend over test and she saw mild scoliosis in my back,” shares Carine. “I didn’t worry about it for a while until she saw it again a few months later and referred me over to Dr. John Lovejoy.” This referral was the first step in a journey that would impact Carine’s life. Dr. Lovejoy at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida conducted a thorough examination and confirmed the diagnosis of […]

An exciting birthday party took an unexpected turn when a playful game of tag ended in a traumatic injury. During the celebration, 6-year-old Joey was bitten on the face by a dog, an incident that quickly changed the tone of the day. Thankfully, his parents didn’t have to think twice about where to turn. As longtime patients of Nemours Children’s, they took their son to the place they’ve trusted for years. “We instantly knew we were in the best of hands considering the situation we were facing,” shares Joey’s mom, Shae. “Joey was in incredible pain, and his right lip was in a horrible condition. We were unsure of the severity of his situation, but we knew Nemours would be able to help him and provide him with trusted care. This was proven true upon our arrival.” “The care offered to Joey and the whole family was immediate and genuine,” […]

At just 2 years old, Isabella was diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis, a rare and life-threatening condition that began in her back and later spread to her right leg. The aggressive nature of the disease required intensive medical intervention. Physicians at multiple hospitals had to perform surgeries to remove infected muscle and tissue, a process that was both physically and emotionally taxing for Isabella and her family. Following the surgeries, Isabella was placed in a medically induced coma for two months to give her body the best chance to heal and fight off the infection. When she finally emerged from the coma, the next phase of her journey began. She was transferred to a third hospital, where she underwent physical rehabilitation and skin grafting to repair the extensive damage to her back and leg. Despite the challenges, Isabella’s resilience and determination shone through, and she made significant progress in her recovery. […]

At 15, Ella Wright had been battling painful headaches for years when she was eventually diagnosed with accommodative infacility. She went through months of eye therapy, and while her eyes began focusing correctly, the headaches still didn’t go away. That’s when her family returned to the doctor this time, they were referred to Nemours Children’s Health in Jacksonville, Florida. Before Nemours, Ella struggled with frequent, debilitating headaches. Her family described her as “relying on over-the-counter medication more than five days a week just to get through the day. After school, she’d go straight to bed, needing a dark, quiet room to cope with the pain.” The constant discomfort affected her mood, her energy, and her ability to enjoy daily life. We live in Georgia and weren’t familiar with Nemours,” her family said. “But everyone there has been wonderful. Dr. Janet Leon, Nemours pediatric neurologist, is outstanding—she’s a great listener, very […]