Nemours Children's Health, Delaware Valley Archives - Nemours Blog | Expert Health and Wellness Guidance for Parents

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Nemours Children’s Health, Delaware Valley

Image of newborn who is the 300th birth in the Nemours Children's Health Advanced Delivery Unit in Delaware.

300 Births and Counting: Inside the Nemours Advanced Delivery Unit

The advanced delivery unit (ADU) at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware recently reached a major milestone — welcoming 300 babies into this world! Expectant parents can take comfort in the comprehensive multidisciplinary care model of the Nemours Advanced Delivery Program, which is designed for babies diagnosed with medical conditions before birth that require a post-delivery intensive care unit stay. This planning ensures that newborns’ medical needs are met, allowing access to nationally renowned pediatric specialists and providing families with necessary support and guidance during a critical time. The story of baby Ricky’s family illustrates the program’s benefits, as they chose to plan his arrival at the Nemours Children’s ADU after he was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect (CHD) before birth. When a Family Learns Their Baby Needs Extra Care Most commonly, families learn their unborn baby will need specialized care during a routine prenatal ultrasound. Ultrasounds during pregnancy are often […]

Care that Inspires: Owen’s Story

When 8-year-old Owen was bitten by a dog, his lower lip was nearly torn off, turning a peaceful evening into a night of uncertainty. With his parents out for a date night, a family member rushed him to the local emergency room, but it was clear that the extent of Owen’s injuries required specialized care. Shortly after, Owen was swiftly transferred to Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware. His mother, Alicia, recalls their first encounter with the Nemours Children’s, “We started in the emergency department at Nemours, and everyone was so great with him,” she says. The immediate care and the compassionate approach of the care team provided the family with a sense of reassurance during a highly stressful time. “We got admitted that night with a plan of having surgery the next day,” says Alicia. It was then that they met Dr. Caterson, Division Chief of Plastic Surgery. “He was phenomenal. […]

Back on the Ice: Jeffrey’s Story

Diagnosed with hemihypertrophy and leg length discrepancy at just 9 months old, Jeffrey has undergone a complex medical journey, spanning over a decade. His family chose Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware after researching top children’s hospitals near their home in Lehigh Valley, PA. His family was particularly drawn to Dr. Reid Nichols, who would become Jeffrey’s doctor for the next 11 years. Throughout his life, Jeffrey’s treatments have been multifaceted and challenging. Jeffrey underwent several procedures, including an iliotibial fasciotomy/tenotomy, femur shaft osteotomy, and the implantation of a Precice lengthening device, as well as hemiephysiodesis of the distal femur. These interventions were crucial in addressing his leg length discrepancy and associated complications. His mother Amber shares, “We are blessed that Dr. Nichols has been his doctor for 11 years and giving us the best treatment. Her upbeat outlook and confidence in her work gave us the motivation we needed to continue […]

Healing with Hope: Faye’s Story

When Faye was just 8 years old, a severe car accident changed her life in an instant, leading her and her family to Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware for critical treatment and reconstructive surgeries. The accident was a shock to Faye’s family. It quickly became clear that Faye needed specialized care, and Nemours Children’s was the place that could provide it. “We owe every single nurse, doctor, physical therapist, etc. that had a hand in her recovery,” says Faye’s mom. “From the night we came in as at emergency to the care she still receives, everything. They ensured that she was heard and supported, we were heard and supported, and she walked out of the hospital after a month of a stay.” Faye’s initial treatment was focused on stabilizing her condition and addressing the most urgent injuries. However, the road to recovery was a long one. One of the first major […]

Back on the Mat: Alexa’s Story

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 […]

Going Beyond Medical Care: Caleigh’s Story

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. […]

Restoring and Rebuilding: Mia’s Story

12-year-old Mia was enjoying an afternoon at a friend’s birthday party when in a matter of moments, the day took an unexpected turn. When reaching down to pet the friend’s dog, it became startled and bit Mia in the face. The bite tore off most of her left nostril and left a puncture in her cheek. Immediately, Mia was taken to the emergency room where doctors moved quickly to treat her injuries. It became clear that Mia would need reconstructive surgery. Determined to find expert surgeons for Mia’s procedure, her parents turned to Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware. “Living close by we had always heard that the best pediatric care is at Nemours,” shares her mother, Courtney. “We knew for something this serious we needed the best hospital.” At their first appointment with Dr. Mario Aycart and the plastic surgery team at Nemours Children’s, it was explained to Mia’s family that […]

The Path to Wellness: Blake’s Story

When Blake was just 2 years old, her mom, Kimberly, noticed she was experiencing back pain. “Blake was crying in her car seat and reaching for her back,” Kimberly recalls. Concerned, they decided to seek medical help. An MRI of Blake’s spine revealed a Chiari malformation and two Tarlov cysts, conditions that would significantly impact her life. As Blake continued to grow, simple activities like sitting or standing were sources of pain, making it difficult for her to enjoy the things most children take for granted. At school, she had to use a special chair and cushion to alleviate some of the discomfort. Family life was also affected, as long car trips were out of the question due to the intense pain Blake experienced. Now 13 years old, Blake has been a Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware patient nearly all her life, receiving care from the orthopedics, neurology, and neurosurgery departments. […]

Jalen’s Journey with Hip Dysplasia (In His Mom’s Words)

Jalen has been a miracle since the beginning. We struggled with infertility and experienced four miscarriages over five years before he came into our lives. Each pregnancy took nearly a year to achieve, and each time, we lost the baby. During my pregnancy with Jalen, I was constantly terrified of miscarrying and prayed every day for his safe arrival. We had a C-Section scheduled for November 1, 2013, because Jalen was in a breech position. The moment I saw him and heard his cry, I felt an immense relief. He was finally here, safe and sound, and I could breathe again. That relief lasted for about a minute before I felt the fear creep back in again. I watched his newborn examination, I remember noticing they didn’t bring him over to me as quickly as I expected. The providers were focusing on his legs, and more and more of them […]

From Cast to Court: Rayne’s Story

Rayne, an active pre-teen, was participating in a fun day at school, playing a game of Capture the Flag. During the game, a sudden and unexpected fall resulted in Rayne’s leg hyperextending. The impact was severe, and her left tibia cracked at her knee. Her parents immediately rushed her to their local hospital in Lewes, DE. Upon arrival, the hospital staff performed an X-ray, which revealed the fracture. However, the fracture involved Rayne’s growth plate, a critical area that requires specialized care to ensure proper healing and prevent long-term complications. Recognizing the severity and the need for expert pediatric orthopedic care, the local doctors referred Rayne and her family to Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware. Without hesitation, Rayne’s parents packed up and made the two-hour drive to Nemours Children’s. Upon reaching Nemours, the family was greeted by a team of highly skilled and compassionate medical professionals. “We were terribly frightened,” Rayne’s […]

National Cleft & Craniofacial Awareness Month: Dylan’s Story

Born with a unilateral cleft lip and palate, Dylan’s journey has been marked by numerous surgeries and dedicated medical care. But it’s also a story of staying positive and forming lasting connections. A cleft of the lip or palate happens when a baby is born with an opening in the upper lip or the roof of the mouth (the palate). A cleft happens when parts of the lip and/or palate do not fuse together completely. For Dylan, this diagnosis has always been a part of his life. “I can’t really remember much from before then,” he reflects. “I always had the cleft lip and palate, and as a child, I thought it was normal. Every kid went through it.” When Dylan was around 5 years old, his family moved from California to Delaware. This relocation marked the beginning of his long-term relationship with Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware. “My mother had to […]

Specialized Care, Lasting Impact: Chloe’s Story

18-year-old Chloe is preparing for her next chapter while continuing to manage a rare skeletal dysplasia with the support of her care team at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware. Her medical journey began early, and has been shaped by expert care, community, and a team that understands her unique needs. During her mother, Cynthia’s, pregnancy, an ultrasound revealed that Chloe would be born with a form of dwarfism. These early signs prompted close monitoring and additional testing after birth. It wasn’t until she was about 1.5 years old that Chloe underwent genetic testing, confirming a spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia (SED) diagnosis. SEDs are disorders that involve both the spine and the ends of long bones. Patients with SED often experience musculoskeletal problems with the neck, spine, lower limbs, feet, and joints. As her family navigated the early stages of her diagnosis, they connected with Little People of America (LPA). While attending an LPA regional […]

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