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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. […]

When Haven was born, her family quickly learned she was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called nail patella syndrome, also known as Fong’s disease. She’s one of only about 50,000 people who have it. The condition, which can affect the development of bones, joints, and nails, made everyday life a challenge. Thanks to the expertise of Nemours Children’s Health, Jacksonville, and the specialized care of Dr. David Mandel, Haven’s journey has been one of resilience and progress. Haven’s family didn’t have to look far for exceptional care. Living nearby, they turned to the Nemours Children’s orthopedics team. Here, they not only found medical expertise, but a compassionate support system. “They have always been wonderful and have helped Haven throughout her whole journey,” says her mother, Kyla. Dr. Mandel, a leading expert in pediatric orthopedics, is skilled in complex procedures like Haven’s. She underwent two 4 in 1 quadricepsplasties, a […]

Born with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) – a diaphragm condition that has led to asthma, gastroparesis, and scoliosis – 14-year-old Rylee has been in her fair share of doctor’s appointments. Through family moves and changing health systems, one thing has remained constant throughout Rylee’s care: Dr. Joseph Khoury. “We first met Dr. Khoury in Birmingham, AL,” shares Rylee’s mom, Allison. “We’ve followed him to different hospital locations for treatments with scoliosis from her birth defect. Her treatments started when she was 6 months old with Mehta castings for a year and a half and then began providence brace(s) until her bone age stopped growing.” Rylee and her family discovered Nemours Children’s Health, Lakeland when Dr. Khoury began working at the practice. “We followed our wonderful orthopedic specialist to Nemours,” says Allison. At Nemours Children’s, they’ve connected with an expert team of specialists that have become like family. “We have thoroughly […]