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At just 21 years old, Sparsh has already achieved what many only dream of, inspiring and touching the hearts of millions across the globe. Born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, a condition making his bones extremely fragile, Sparsh faces unique obstacles in his daily life. Unable to bear weight on his hands and legs, he navigates the world differently than other kids. It was Sparsh’s diagnosis of severe scoliosis at the age of 14 that led him to Nemours Children’s Health. During a routine checkup and X-Rays with his local orthopedic doctor, Dr. Thomas McPartland, the scoliosis was discovered. Conversations about spinal fusion surgery immediately began. “My scoliosis required me to rest often in my wheelchair or on my bed to relieve back pressure,” says Sparsh. “It severely affected my posture, which indirectly hampered the function of vital organs such as my lungs, which are important to my singing career!” Sparsh is […]

At Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware, Dr. Suken A. Shah, The Shands/MacEwen Endowed Chair of Orthopedics and Chair of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, leads with expertise and unwavering dedication to improve the lives of patients. His professional journey is rooted in a commitment to medicine and determination to solve complex cases. Reflecting on his early career decisions, Dr. Shah notes, “I was drawn to surgery early on, particularly during my medical school years.” Exposure to orthopedic surgery and guidance from esteemed mentors set him on the path to becoming a pediatric orthopedic surgeon. Dr. Shah’s decision to specialize in orthopedics stemmed from a desire to restore function and mobility, particularly in pediatric patients, setting the stage for his impactful career. Critical thinking and collaboration are essential components of patient care for Dr. Shah. “The most rewarding aspects of our work are when we can help a child with a complex […]

For Cameron Thackston, 17, what started as a pain in his foot in early 2023, turned out to be something much more serious. He and his mom, Alma, thought it could’ve been tendonitis, only his condition wasn’t improving. The sharp pains continued to the point where the family was forced to take a trip to the emergency room. After a few rounds of testing Cameron received the news. He was diagnosed with cancer. Mom was devastated. “I went into a panic,” she said. And Cameron?  How did he take the news? He had one simple question for the care team. “Is it curable?” he asked. “Yes,” they said. “Cool,” he replied. With his primary diagnosis being T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, his mom admits she was scared. But the family only had one choice. Fight. After rounds of infusions and oral chemotherapy and hours spent on the Hematology-Oncology Floor at Nemours […]

At just four years old, Avyn was diagnosed with a severe 60º curvature of Early Onset Scoliosis. Her local physicians recommended Mehta casting, prompting her family to begin searching for the best pediatric orthopedic specialists in the nation. Their search led them to Dr. Joseph Khoury in Florida and Dr. Alec Stall in Texas. The decision to choose between these two esteemed doctors wasn’t easy, but ultimately, Avyn’s family placed their trust in Dr. Khoury at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida. “Avyn has been extremely resilient throughout her scoliosis journey,” says her mother, Sarah. Thanks to her treatments, Avyn’s curve progression slowed, allowing her to maintain her normal life, participating in athletics and daily activities with minimal discomfort. However, as she grew older, her family knew she would need a spinal fusion surgery at age 10. “We discovered Nemours when Dr. Khoury transferred from Shriners Tampa to Nemours Children’s,” says Sarah. […]

Kevin’s healthcare journey began at just three months old when he was diagnosed with Neuronal Migration, Microcephaly, and Differentiation Muscular Hypertonicity. This diagnosis marked the beginning of a new chapter for Kevin and his family, as they worked through the complexities of his condition. Prior to finding care at Nemours, Kevin’s diagnosis affected every aspect of daily life. His mother describes a relentless cycle of hospital visits and treatments. “He missed lots of school, and family trips,” says Kevin’s mom. “We would wake up 7-10 times a night, he would never sleep because of pain and so much more.” However, hope and new experiences emerged when Kevin’s family discovered Nemours in November of 2023. After months of research, they made the life-changing decision to seek care at Nemours, leaving behind their home in Michigan in pursuit of care for Kevin. From the moment they stepped through the doors of Nemours, […]

Dr. Rossi’s journey to Nemours Children’s Health highlights his dedication to pediatric neurology and collaborative care.