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Surgery

At 13 years old, Emma keeps a packed schedule. She’s a multi-sport athlete, playing field hockey and lacrosse and running track. All sports that require endurance, strength, and, of course, strong breathing. But in the summer of 2024, during a track meet, Emma found herself struggling to catch her breath. Emma had experienced breathing issues before and had even been treated for asthma as a child. But this time, things felt different. So, her family turned to a place they knew and trusted: Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware. “We’ve been going to Nemours Children’s since Emma was little,” says her mom, Melissa. “Even though we don’t live super close, we’ve always been happy with the care we’ve received there. We continue to go back when we need care beyond what our family doctor can provide.” Emma first saw the pulmonology team at Nemours, but after a thorough evaluation, they suggested the […]

When Piper was just a year old, her parents, Chris and Erin, noticed something unusual—she woke up one morning with a puffy face. Concerned, they took her to Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware, where doctors quickly determined there was a kidney issue. What followed was a long and complex journey to find the right diagnosis. After weeks of testing, Dr. Tapia identified Piper’s condition as Denys-Drash Syndrome—a rare and serious kidney disorder with only about 250 known cases worldwide. For the next seven months, Piper underwent treatment, but as her disease progressed, her family faced a difficult decision. To prevent the development of Wilms tumor—an almost certain outcome of Denys-Drash—it was decided Piper’s kidney would be removed under the care of Dr. Stephen Dunn. By December, she received a life-changing gift: a kidney transplant from her dad, Chris. “Dr. Dunn is a gift from God,” says Chris. “He gave our daughter […]

10-year-old Briar is no stranger to adventure. An active and energetic boy, he loved riding his mini bike—until a life-changing accident on September 18, 2024, left him with serious injuries. While riding, Briar was hit by a car, suffering fractures to his leg, both hands, clavicle, and skull, as well as trauma to his leg and chest. He was stabilized at the scene and airlifted to Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware, where a team of experts was ready to provide the care he needed. Briar’s injuries required immediate attention. Upon arrival at Nemours Children’s, he was rushed into surgery to repair his leg and chest. His care team, including Dr. Duke (Trauma surgery), Dr. Trionfo (Orthopedic surgery), Bernadette Fulweiler, APN (Wound Care), and Dr. Haas (Rehab Medicine), worked together to ensure he had the best possible outcome. Katie, Briar’s mom, recalls the overwhelming emotions of that day. “When we landed at Nemours, I […]

At 19 years old, Zoey is pursuing her dream of becoming a hairstylist while managing a complex medical condition. For the past seven years, she has dealt with frequent bathroom trips, urinary retention, and persistent pelvic pain—challenges that have impacted her daily life. But through it all, she has found expert care and unwavering support at Nemours Children’s Health. Zoey’s symptoms began when she was just 13. She noticed she was using the restroom 15-30 times a day, with nights just as difficult. Despite constantly feeling like she needed to use the restroom, she was often unable to release urine. The discomfort affected her ability to focus in school, spend time with friends, and simply go about her day. “This condition has taken over the way I live,” Zoey shared. Zoey’s search for answers led her to Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida, where she was connected with Dr. Hagerty, a urologist […]

Six-year-old Mia is a vibrant, outgoing little girl who lights up every room she enters. Born with several rare and complex medical conditions, Mia has already undergone more surgeries than many will face in a lifetime. Her resilience, boundless energy, love for singing and dancing, and dreams of becoming a nurse (or the next Taylor Swift!) inspire everyone around her. Mia’s medical journey began the day she was born, bringing with it a unique set of challenges. Diagnosed with Pierre Robin Sequence, complete tracheal rings, infantile scoliosis, hip dysplasia, ulnar dysplasia, an ectopic pelvic kidney, and clubfeet, Mia quickly showed she was ready to tackle whatever came her way. “Mia was immediately transported to Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware from our local hospital right after she was born,” shares her mother, Janelle. “She was in the NICU for 65 days. I drove back and forth, from Wildwood NJ to Wilmington DE, […]

At just seven years old, Seth has already overcome more challenges than most face in a lifetime. Seth’s health challenges began when he was just three years old. What initially seemed like persistent allergies turned out to be something much more serious. After multiple doctor visits, his family discovered a tumor growing in his sinus tract. The day after Christmas in 2020, they rushed to the Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware emergency department, expecting a routine visit. Instead, they never went home. Seth was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer. The tumor not only blocked his airway but also led to severe complications, including serious blood clots. Within his first week at Nemours Children’s, he underwent multiple emergency surgeries. “He had surgery Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday that week,” shares Deborah, his great-aunt who has cared for him since infancy, and has been by his side throughout his entire […]