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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 […]

Flu season is hitting hard this year, with flu‑related hospitalizations already ranking among the highest seen at this point in the season in more than a decade. For anyone, that’s concerning — but for women who are pregnant, even a mild fever or sore throat can raise understandable worry. Pregnancy changes the way the body responds to infections, and questions like “What can I safely take for a fever while pregnant?” become part of everyday decision‑making. Fortunately, there are proven, safe ways to reduce the risk of severe illness. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends the inactivated flu vaccine at any stage of pregnancy, and Nemours maternal‑fetal medicine experts emphasize that receiving the flu shot is far safer than experiencing the flu itself while expecting. With clear guidance and evidence‑based recommendations, health care teams aim to help expecting parents feel informed, supported, and confident as they navigate […]

There is so much information constantly flowing into families’ lives about the state of the world, with daily news headlines that have the potential to create distress. Children hear about what’s going on in the world through social media, friends, or adult conversations. But news headlines aren’t always about news; they’re often about what will get the most attention, ranging from uplifting stories to scary events. It’s important that you leave the door open to have conversations with your child about trending news and social media — and other things they may hear about the news. Starting a Discussion About a Current Event It’s often best to start with finding out what your child already knows. You can ask your kids questions to see if they know about a current event. For school-age kids and teens, you can also ask what they have heard at school or on social media. Try […]

16-year-old Angelina started experiencing severe stomach pains and spasms, symptoms that arrived suddenly and without warning. As her discomfort grew, so did her family’s concern. Looking for help, Angelina’s mom, Aimee, turned to the expertise of Dr. Gina Amoroso, a close family friend and a trusted pediatrician at Nemours Children’s Health. Dr. Amoroso referred them to Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware where they headed straight for the emergency room. From the moment Angelina and her family stepped into Nemours Children’s, they knew they were in capable hands. Aimee recalls, “They were very concerned and diligent in helping to find the cause for her pain. They empathized and worked hard to find the root of the problem.” After a series of tests and examinations, the team discovered Angelina had OHVIRA syndrome, a rare condition characterized by an abnormal uterus and the absence of a second kidney. This rare congenital condition often doesn’t […]

Sometimes it’s the unexpected turns that lead us to the discovery of strength. For 15-year-old Mercy, a student at The Bolles School in Jacksonville, Florida, her world was turned upside down during a routine volleyball practice. A simple jump over a track hurdle during conditioning ended in a devastating ACL and meniscus tear, stripping away her identity as an athlete and leaving her with more questions than answers. With a family history of positive experiences at Nemours Children’s Health, Jacksonville, Mercy’s mom knew exactly where to turn. Her older brothers had received exceptional care at the hospital, and she had no doubt that Mercy would receive the same level of expertise and compassion. The hospital’s reputation for excellence in pediatric care, combined with its role as the Official Sports Medicine Providers for The Bolles School, made it the ideal choice for Mercy’s care. Upon arriving at Nemours Children’s, Mercy and […]