Archive for Jessica Cerretani
‘We never stopped believing’: Benny’s journey with liver cancer
Earlier this year, 12-year-old Benny helped his dad, Ben, build a deck around his family’s pool. Moving boards, handing each other tools — DIY projects are a rite of passage for many kids and their parents. But the experience was even more meaningful for Benny and Ben. “I got to enjoy that kind of father-son moment ... Read More about ‘We never stopped believing’: Benny’s journey with liver cancer
New research paves the way to a better understanding of telomeres
Much the way the caps on the ends of a shoelace prevent it from fraying, telomeres — regions of repetitive DNA sequences and a protein structure — protect the tips of chromosomes from damage. Every time our cells divide, telomeres lose a bit of that DNA. Eventually, telomeres become so short that they can no ... Read More about New research paves the way to a better understanding of telomeres
AI-designed proteins open doors to new immunotherapies
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly helping drive advances in science and medicine — including cellular signaling. In a recent study, published in Cell, a team of Boston Children’s researchers used groundbreaking AI-based protein design technologies to generate large numbers of immune cells — specifically T cells — in the laboratory and to enhance immune responses ... Read More about AI-designed proteins open doors to new immunotherapies
Study highlights the severity of acute necrotizing encephalopathy in kids with the flu
For most children, influenza (flu) usually means unpleasant symptoms like a fever, sore throat, and achy muscles. But for a small subset of kids, the flu can trigger a rare but serious complication called influenza-associated acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE). This form of brain inflammation typically occurs in response to a virus — such as those ... Read More about Study highlights the severity of acute necrotizing encephalopathy in kids with the flu
A world of difference: Why Noah traveled from Florida for multiple sclerosis care
When Noah started having headaches four years ago, his mom, Jonda, initially wondered if it was a classic kid ruse. “I thought maybe he was trying to get out of doing chores,” she remembers. But when the headaches got worse and even his eyes hurt, she brought him to their local emergency room in Florida. ... Read More about A world of difference: Why Noah traveled from Florida for multiple sclerosis care
An unbreakable bond: Brothers turn medical complexities into superpowers
“Look! Is that one JetBlue? I think that one’s Delta!” Running through the grass, climbing on the jungle gym, and watching planes take off and land at nearby Logan Airport: Castle Island in South Boston is Patrick and Teddy’s happy place. The brothers, ages 4 and 3 respectively, are almost as obsessed with airplanes as ... Read More about An unbreakable bond: Brothers turn medical complexities into superpowers
Parsing the promise of inosine for neurogenic bladder
Spinal cord damage — whether from traumatic injury or conditions such as spina bifida — can have a profound impact on bladder function. This can result in neurogenic bladder, a problem in which damage to the nerves involved in urination leads to a loss of bladder control. Neurogenic bladder is currently managed with medication, Botox ... Read More about Parsing the promise of inosine for neurogenic bladder
“Princess June” reigns supreme over Rasmussen syndrome
What do you call a “girly” 5-year-old who adores dolls and frilly nightgowns? If you’re one of June Pelletier’s nurses at Boston Children’s Hospital, the answer is “Princess June,” of course. While Her Highness would much prefer to reign over her parents and three siblings at home in Connecticut, she’s no stranger to the hospital. ... Read More about “Princess June” reigns supreme over Rasmussen syndrome
Navigating school with a neuroimmune condition
Fifteen-year-old Sarah had been challenging her dad to card games all week — and on Saturday, she finally beat him. It might seem like just good-natured competition to most people. But for Sarah, it was a much greater accomplishment: The teenager was coping with the lasting cognitive effects of autoimmune encephalitis and had struggled with ... Read More about Navigating school with a neuroimmune condition
Five things to know before getting an online second opinion for your child
Whether you want to confirm your child’s diagnosis or treatment plan, another set of expert eyes can give you confidence that they’re receiving the best care. At Boston Children’s Hospital, the process is simple: Although in-person second opinions are also an option, you can request an online second opinion from the comfort of your home ... Read More about Five things to know before getting an online second opinion for your child