Archive for Joanne Barker
An education in hemophilia for Colin’s new school
Every morning, one of Colin Bazinsky’s parents puts a needle into his chest to give him an infusion of clotting factor. You wouldn’t guess anything was amiss from the placid look on the 3-year-old’s face as he receives the infusion to treat his hemophilia. His state of calm reflects his parents’ matter-of-fact approach to the ... Read More about An education in hemophilia for Colin’s new school
Saif looks ahead to life after spine surgery
Saif and his mother, Khawha Abbas, both had questions for Dr. Daniel Hedequist. For the past nine months, the family had lived in Boston while Saif underwent treatment for a severe spinal deformity. They were scheduled return to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that evening, but first, Saif wanted to know if he would be ... Read More about Saif looks ahead to life after spine surgery
From local teams to elite athletics: Caring for youth athletes with disabilities
Anna Johannes considers herself lucky. “My swim coaches were oblivious to my disability — in a good way,” says the U.S. Paralympic medalist. Anna, who joined Boston Children’s Hospital as a cause marketing coordinator in 2018, was born with amniotic band syndrome, a condition that led to the loss of her left hand and forearm. ... Read More about From local teams to elite athletics: Caring for youth athletes with disabilities
Leg lengthening and hip surgeries inspire a career
Lauren Schoeller was in eighth grade when she decided to become an orthopedic surgeon. She had by then had multiple surgeries, many of them scheduled around spring softball season. Now 20 and studying premed at the University of New Hampshire, Lauren has had a total of 18 operations on her leg, hips, foot, and spine. ... Read More about Leg lengthening and hip surgeries inspire a career
Ryker’s comeback from osteochondritis dissecans
When Ryker Casey takes the field, everything comes down to the strength of his legs and precision of his kick. As a football kicker, he sends the ball deep into the opponent’s end zone at kickoff and earns extra points for his team by sending the ball through the field goal, sometimes from 50 yards ... Read More about Ryker’s comeback from osteochondritis dissecans
Scoliosis bracing: How to support your child
Bracing is a family affair. Every member of the family should be on the same page with regards to the number of hours the brace needs to be worn and how brace wear fits into the child’s schedule.
How to have surgery and help others at the same time
Ryan Zanchi and his parents didn’t hesitate when invited to participate in research about spinal surgery. Ryan was diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis at the age of 13 and had surgery two years later. Now his spine is straighter, and his contributions to science will help other patients for years to come. “Ryan’s surgery went so ... Read More about How to have surgery and help others at the same time
A twinkle in his eye: Nurse Michael Felber
After 17-year-old Nicholas Peters had spinal fusion surgery, his nurse, Michael Felber, became an essential person in his recovery. Nicholas has a range of neurological, endocrinological, behavioral, and orthopedic issues as a result of Prader-Willi syndrome, a rare genetic condition. His condition, months of pain leading up to the surgery, and the hectic hospital environment made Nicholas prone ... Read More about A twinkle in his eye: Nurse Michael Felber
Gracie’s complex spine
Halloween 2018 was no ordinary ghouls’ day for Gracie Neef. She and both her parents dressed up as the witches from “Hocus Pocus.” To Gracie’s delight, her father’s costume included a long, blonde wig. Even more unusual, Gracie was an inpatient at Boston Children’s Hospital. “The fact that Gracie was going to spend Halloween in ... Read More about Gracie’s complex spine
A gymnast gets her spring back
In order to master the pirouette, Mikayla Comeiro drew on many of the strengths she’d developed as a competitive gymnast: hours of practice, determination and physical stamina. To perform a pirouette, the gymnast swings herself into a handstand on the uneven bars and walks her hands around in a circle, rotating her entire body while ... Read More about A gymnast gets her spring back