All together: Siblings both overcome retinoblastoma
In some ways, PJ and Jovi Fisher couldn’t be more different. PJ, 9, is quiet, laidback, and loves playing Minecraft and other video games. Younger sister Jovi, 8, is outgoing and obsessed with all things Harry Potter. But there are similarities, too: Both are tall, both enjoy playing soccer — and both were diagnosed with ... Read More about All together: Siblings both overcome retinoblastoma
Personalized care for optic nerve gliomas helps Addison feel like ‘the star of the show’
Addison Gould loves visiting with her friend Tom. Every time her family makes the drive to Boston from their home on Cape Cod, the 5-year-old can’t wait to see him. “She runs across the bridge from the parking garage to clinic,” laughs her mother, Jillian. “I’ve never seen a kid so excited to go to ... Read More about Personalized care for optic nerve gliomas helps Addison feel like ‘the star of the show’
After vascular ring surgery, playing and eating are a breeze for Louis
You can’t blame 10-year-old Louis McFaye for eating three hot dogs really fast. Until last summer, he struggled to eat even a single hot dog cut into tiny pieces. That’s because he had a vascular ring, an abnormal formation of the aorta — the body’s largest blood vessel — that compressed his esophagus and trachea. Throughout ... Read More about After vascular ring surgery, playing and eating are a breeze for Louis
Nerve block and a way out of pain after surgery
If she hadn’t dislocated her knee severely when she was 13, Paige Thornton probably wouldn’t have such strong feelings about pain. But most teenagers haven’t gone through an experience like hers: two surgeries at a hospital outside of Boston followed by weeks of agonizing pain and a year and half struggling to walk. Blocks use ... Read More about Nerve block and a way out of pain after surgery
New year, new face, same spirit: Zoey’s journey with encephalocele and cleft lip care
Seven-year-old Zoey loves school, her friends, and everything unicorn. She’s outgoing and happy and has an eye for looking her best. “She loves getting her nails done,” says her mother, Shana. “She’s straight diva.” Talking with Zoey and her mom, you can’t help but be inspired by their positive spirit, care toward others, and general ... Read More about New year, new face, same spirit: Zoey’s journey with encephalocele and cleft lip care
Walter’s world: ‘Warrior’ toddler doesn’t let a brain tumor stop him
When Walter Merck attempts an obstacle course at his physical therapy appointment, “he just does what he wants,” laughs his mother, Amber. “It’s Walter’s world; we just live in it.” Like many 2-year-olds, Walter can be stubborn — but in his case, it may be a stubbornness born of necessity. Since infancy, he’s been overcoming ... Read More about Walter’s world: ‘Warrior’ toddler doesn’t let a brain tumor stop him
Weathering the storm of Apert syndrome: João’s story
After a “perfect” pregnancy in 2017, Natalia and Igor of Brazil were excited to meet their third child. They were shocked when João was whisked away moments after delivery. “Up until the day before he was born, everything seemed very normal,” says Natalia. “But once he arrived, we could see immediately that something was wrong: ... Read More about Weathering the storm of Apert syndrome: João’s story
‘Life-changing’ appointment helps Georgia cope with motility issues
Five-year-old Georgia MacAloney loves dancing, cheerleading, and riding her bike. “She’s just a happy, regular kid,” says her mother, Justine. “You would never know what she’s been through just by looking at her.” Yet just a few years ago, the family had put life on hold due to Georgia’s illness. “We didn’t plan trips and ... Read More about ‘Life-changing’ appointment helps Georgia cope with motility issues
Superando as dificuldades da síndrome de Apert: a história do João
Depois de uma gravidez “perfeita” em 2017, os brasileiros Natália e Igor estavam emocionados por conhecer seu terceiro filho. Eles ficaram chocados quando os médicos arrebataram João uns instantes após o parto. “Até o momento em que ele nasceu, tudo parecia muito normal”, afirma Natália. “Mas quando ele chegou, imediatamente percebemos que havia algo errado: ... Read More about Superando as dificuldades da síndrome de Apert: a história do João
‘Mom, my brain feels better.’ One mother’s story of her daughter’s fight with epilepsy
Liliane has a lot to be grateful for this holiday season. Until just this year, her 16-year-old daughter Emily, who has epilepsy, suffered relentless seizures that left her temporarily unable to speak or stand. The seizures began when Emily was 4, and living her life around them was all she knew. But today, Emily is ... Read More about ‘Mom, my brain feels better.’ One mother’s story of her daughter’s fight with epilepsy