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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 […]

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. […]

As a parent, it’s natural to have concerns about your child’s development, and conditions like lip and tongue ties can be confusing, especially with the images they evoke of a tongue-tied baby. Anywhere from 1% to 11% of newborns have signs of tongue tie, or ankyloglossia (ang-kuh-low-GLOSS-ee-uh), according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Lip and tongue ties aren’t cause for a lot of worry on their own, but they can affect feeding, speech, and oral health, or even be indicators of related conditions. Here are some other common questions about lip and tongue ties, including how to recognize the signs, their potential impact, and what to consider when making treatment decisions. What Are Lip and Tongue Ties?  Which Parts of the Mouth Are Affected? How Do I Know If It’s a Lip or Tongue Tie? Identifying lip and tongue ties can be challenging. Tied tongue in newborns is often […]