Diagnosed with clubfeet before he was born: Gabriel’s story
Cheryl Bratt and her wife, Sue, expected a routine visit when they went in for their 18-week ultrasound. Cheryl, a professor, had scheduled the test before her morning class. The radiologist was reassuring through the entire ultrasound — until the end. “Then she told us the baby had clubfeet and we needed to see a specialist.” Just ... Read More about Diagnosed with clubfeet before he was born: Gabriel’s story
Seeing what’s possible: Pediatric stroke doesn’t slow James down
James Veling is only 6 years old, but he has a whole bag of medals. He’s won them by placing in various Spartan obstacle races and 5Ks, sometimes besting multiple adults in the process. James is following in the footsteps of his father, David — literally. “I started running a few years ago, partly as ... Read More about Seeing what’s possible: Pediatric stroke doesn’t slow James down
From Alabama for answers: Adella’s thyroid journey
She may only be 12 years old, but Adella Jackson has already expanded her family’s perspective. “She’s broadened our horizons,” says her mother, Cindy. “If it wasn’t for Adella, we never would have gotten to visit Boston, for example.” The Jacksons, who hail from Alabama, have loved exploring the city’s rich history and art museums ... Read More about From Alabama for answers: Adella’s thyroid journey
Doing everything possible for Gabby: A team approach to short bowel syndrome
Gabriel “Gabby” Lopez loves everything hot and spicy. “He will eat a ghost pepper without hesitation,” says his mother, Mayra. “He eats more spicy food than a grown man.” It’s an impressive feat, not only because Gabby is just 3 years old, but also because he has spent the majority of his life receiving his ... Read More about Doing everything possible for Gabby: A team approach to short bowel syndrome
Hemophilia A gene therapy paves the way for a life with less pain
Matthew Harrington, a 35-year-old oil-field worker from Douglas, Wyoming, knows pain. Born with hemophilia A, a rare condition in which the blood doesn’t clot properly, Matt’s body — both inside and outside — has difficulty stopping bleeding. He has what’s considered the most severe form of hemophilia, characterized by frequent bleeding episodes, particularly in the ... Read More about Hemophilia A gene therapy paves the way for a life with less pain
A complex repair for Ruby’s heart
When Rebecca and Michael Stewart learned their baby would be born with a congenital heart condition, they reacted as any expectant parents would, with shock and fear. But they quickly moved into action, focused on finding the best care for their daughter before her birth. “At about 22 weeks into my pregnancy, Ruby was diagnosed ... Read More about A complex repair for Ruby’s heart
Treatment for anorectal malformation gives Steven freedom and confidence
Steven York has “come a very long way,” says his mother, Beth — both literally and figuratively. In just seven years, he’s traveled from China to a new home in South Carolina, made multiple visits to Boston, and undergone a series of complex but ultimately life-changing surgical procedures. According to his adoption and hospital notes, ... Read More about Treatment for anorectal malformation gives Steven freedom and confidence
Asthma, softball, and COVID-19: Gwen’s story
Gwendolyn Castro has a competitive streak. Whether playing softball or debating topics like universal health care, the 15-year-old wants to be the best at whatever she does. Her mom, Alicia Cacho, doesn’t want Gwen’s asthma to hold her back in any way. Over the years, both have learned that the best way to keep asthma ... Read More about Asthma, softball, and COVID-19: Gwen’s story
Crista forms lifelong friendship with her cancer doctor
It’s impossible not to notice the connection between Crista Cardillo and Dr. Kim Stegmaier. The way they laugh and swap stories might make you think they grew up down the street from one another. But their friendship began differently than most: as patient and oncologist at Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. When Crista was ... Read More about Crista forms lifelong friendship with her cancer doctor
Matt’s story: An innovative approach to midaortic syndrome
Until he was 12-and-a-half, Matt Sarracco had hardly missed a day of school. In fact, he had won awards for his near-perfect attendance. So it was concerning when, at a routine physical, his blood pressure soared to extremely high levels. “At first we thought the cuff must be broken,” says his mother, Kelly. But subsequent ... Read More about Matt’s story: An innovative approach to midaortic syndrome