Archive for Ellen Greenlaw
After four unsuccessful heart surgeries, Nicholas finds hope
When Brenna and Lorenzo Degano arrived in Boston with their son, Nicholas, last April, it was with a feeling of restrained hope. After four unsuccessful heart surgeries in California, they were hesitant to put their son through a fifth surgery not knowing if the outcome would be any different. Nicholas was diagnosed at age 7 ... Read More about After four unsuccessful heart surgeries, Nicholas finds hope
Drumroll please: Our ‘Best in Care’ finalists
This spring, one staff member or volunteer from Boston Children’s Hospital will be honored with a Patient and Family Best in Care Award. Founded by the Boston Children’s Family Partnerships Program, the Best in Care Award is a way for families to recognize staff members and volunteers who have gone above and beyond in providing exceptional ... Read More about Drumroll please: Our ‘Best in Care’ finalists
Two decades of innovation in pulmonary vein stenosis
Over the past 20 years, the Pulmonary Vein Stenosis Program at Boston Children’s Hospital has been crafting an innovative strategy in its approach to pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) based on a new way of thinking about this rare and unusual disease. “The breakthrough came in realizing that PVS is not like other types of congenital heart disease,” says cardiologist Kathy ... Read More about Two decades of innovation in pulmonary vein stenosis
Cardiac Fitness Program
The Cardiac Fitness Program at Boston Children’s Hospital was founded on the belief that children with congenital heart defects (CHDs) can and should achieve the same benefits of exercise as their peers. The program — one of only a few in the country — offers a safe, supervised, individually-tailored exercise and education program for children and adults ... Read More about Cardiac Fitness Program
Nick: Overcoming his fears to make a difference for others
People decide to participate in a clinical trial for lots of reasons. For 14-year-old Nick Brown, it came down to wanting to make a difference in the world. Diagnosed with autism at age 5, Nick has had a lifelong aversion to hospitals, and especially to needles. Yet, when his parents told him about a new ... Read More about Nick: Overcoming his fears to make a difference for others
Zaire’s superpowered heart: ‘I am Iron Man’
What do a 4-year-old from Brockton, Massachusetts and Marvel’s superhero Iron Man have in common? A lot more than you might think. Iron Man faces a heart injury that nearly kills him, but creates a suit of armor that protects his heart and gives him superpowers. Zaire was born with scimitar syndrome, a rare condition ... Read More about Zaire’s superpowered heart: ‘I am Iron Man’
Having Faith: A novel approach to heart surgery
When Rachel and Rudy Fasano of New Haven, Connecticut learned they were having their first baby after three years of trying, they were overjoyed, as were their families. At Rachel’s 15-week ultrasound to learn their baby’s sex, both grandmothers were also in tow, eager to hear the news. But the visit delivered some unexpected results. ... Read More about Having Faith: A novel approach to heart surgery