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
After retinoblastoma, Finn ‘keeps on showing us what he can do’
Six-year-old Finn Carlson “isn’t afraid of anything,” says his mother, Shannon. Whether he’s playing with firetrucks, chasing after his twin, Mack, or riding the tractor on his grandparents’ dairy farm, he’s always up for an adventure. His fearless, free-spirited attitude is even more impressive considering the challenges he’s faced. Born at just 24 weeks, Finn ... Read More about After retinoblastoma, Finn ‘keeps on showing us what he can do’
‘On fire’ with sJIA: When arthritis is much more than joint pain
Georgia is finally living her best life. Her toddler years were challenging: At 15 months old, a series of high fevers landed her at Boston Children’s Hospital for two weeks. After many rounds of tests looking for infection and a bone marrow biopsy to rule out cancer, she was diagnosed with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis ... Read More about ‘On fire’ with sJIA: When arthritis is much more than joint pain
Hirschprung’s disease won’t stop Myles from smiling
Looking at Myles today, you’ll see a picture-perfect 1-year-old full of smiles and giggles. He babbles like any other baby and has a lot of energy that keeps his parents on their toes. You wouldn’t know that the past 12 months have held a series of surprises for his parents — and life-changing treatment for ... Read More about Hirschprung’s disease won’t stop Myles from smiling
Getting a diagnosis of ureteropelvic junction obstruction: Macy’s journey
“It’s ok to be afraid,” says 8-year-old Macy with a strong smile. She would know: She recently experienced a health scare that impacted everything she did, leaving her to feel like she would never get better. While celebrating Hanukkah last year, Macy was playing with her twin sister, Isabel, when she started feeling intense pain ... Read More about Getting a diagnosis of ureteropelvic junction obstruction: Macy’s journey
Finding hope in hard times: Max’s journey with ulcerative colitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis
When Rachel’s son, Max, had a string of persistent symptoms that caused him to be in and out of their local pediatrician’s office, Rachel knew something deeper was going on. “He would wake up from a deep sleep with intense abdominal pain, fever, and vomiting, he was very sick.” Their pediatrician thought Max just had ... Read More about Finding hope in hard times: Max’s journey with ulcerative colitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis