Osteosarcoma patient gets chance to be a ‘normal college kid’
For almost half of his life, Michael Murray has had to grapple with cancer, including multiple relapses. One of his hardest setbacks was hearing that his cancer had returned just weeks before he was set to start his freshman year at Boston College. With the news, Michael worried that his future would be in jeopardy. ... Read More about Osteosarcoma patient gets chance to be a ‘normal college kid’
IBD surgery gives Ben a new taste for life (and hamburgers)
Ben Irland, 13, has been enjoying a lot of hamburgers lately. It’s an exciting development for him, since until recently meat — as well as most other foods — caused him pain. That’s because Ben has been dealing with the effects of Crohn’s disease, one form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), for the past decade. ... Read More about IBD surgery gives Ben a new taste for life (and hamburgers)
Still within reach: Virtual visits keep Hadley plugged into stroke care
When it’s time for Hadley Rizza to see her care team in the Stroke and Cerebrovascular Center at Boston Children’s Hospital, she doesn’t have to leave home. Although Hadley and her parents, Eric and Meredith, live in the Pacific Northwest, appointments with her clinicians are just a click away, thanks to the hospital’s Virtual Visits ... Read More about Still within reach: Virtual visits keep Hadley plugged into stroke care
Appreciating the small things: A New York family’s journey with CHD
The Harris family of Monroe, New York, are no strangers to congenital heart disease (CHD). Eighteen-year-old Jack Jr. grew up living with CHD, but had always been active. His father, Jack Sr., had also lived an active adulthood, completely unaware of his future CHD diagnosis. When they each found themselves in need of heart surgery, ... Read More about Appreciating the small things: A New York family’s journey with CHD
Avoiding a dangerous attraction to magnets: Lainey’s story
A few days before Valentine’s Day in 2013, 2-year-old Lainey Styles wasn’t feeling well. She had vomited, was lethargic, and had a fever. After visiting the pediatrician, her mother Jessica thought Lainey had a stomach virus. But the appearance of a softball size bruise around Lainey’s belly button a couple of days later prompted her ... Read More about Avoiding a dangerous attraction to magnets: Lainey’s story
Fighting for answers: Innovative approach to epilepsy helps Emma thrive
As a nurse, Lynda Coto was used to solving problems — until she was faced with her own daughter’s seemingly inexplicable illness. “I always have answers, and if I don’t, I find them,” she says. “But this time, I just didn’t know.” The questions surrounding Emma’s health began almost as soon as she was born. At ... Read More about Fighting for answers: Innovative approach to epilepsy helps Emma thrive
Un renacimiento en Boston: la terapia genética cumple 10 años
Read the English version. El 17 de diciembre se cumple una década desde que Agustín Cáceres “renació”. Así describen sus padres, Alberto y Marcela, el día en que su hijo recibió su nuevo gen. Nacido en 2010 con inmunodeficiencia combinada grave ligada al cromosoma X (SCID-X1), Agustín pasó los primeros meses de su vida en ... Read More about Un renacimiento en Boston: la terapia genética cumple 10 años
Making it through the fight: Scarlett’s CDH journey
Like her name suggests, Scarlett Virginia Moulton “has a lot of fire,” says her mother, Olivia. “She always has a smile on her face. We tell her every day how strong she is and she just smiles. It’s almost like she knows she’s made it through the big fight.” That fight began even before Scarlett was ... Read More about Making it through the fight: Scarlett’s CDH journey
Going ‘all in’ for Khori: New hope for congenital enteropathy
Khori LeBlanc is “one of the sassiest and sweetest kids you’ll ever meet,” says her mom, Bryanna Black. Her good mood even carries over to her many hospital visits, where she can be often be found practicing her “karate” moves on the way to an appointment. It’s a resilient attitude that has served her well ... Read More about Going ‘all in’ for Khori: New hope for congenital enteropathy
PK deficiency clinical trial: Jim’s volleyball ace
Growing up with pyruvate kinase deficiency (PK deficiency) wasn’t always the easiest thing, but it was my reality. My visits to Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center helped give me perspective — although my condition was difficult to deal with, it certainly was not the worst condition I could have. It made me grateful ... Read More about PK deficiency clinical trial: Jim’s volleyball ace