Mia’s team: Working together to address aspiration
Seven-month-old Mia Petrelli sits in a chair in the darkened room. As Kara Larson, a speech language pathologist in the Aerodigestive Center at Boston Children’s Hospital, spoons different foods mixed with liquid barium into the little girl’s mouth, a nearby video screen displays real-time images of her anatomy. It’s part of a modified barium swallow ... Read More about Mia’s team: Working together to address aspiration
A rare diagnosis: Zoey’s new smile
After her surgery at Boston Children's for a frontal encephalocele and cleft lip, Zoey, a tutu-lover from Mississippi, is home and thriving.
Stella’s story: Winning against neuroblastoma
The Downey family was enjoying the holidays with family in Guatemala in 2017 when their 13-month-old daughter Stella started having unusual symptoms. “She was very clingy towards me and not acting like herself,” says Stella’s mom, Fiorella, a child life specialist at Boston Children’s Hospital. “It was so extreme that I brought her to the ... Read More about Stella’s story: Winning against neuroblastoma
From Cape Verde for coordinated CDH care
Most parents have never heard of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), a rare and potentially life-threatening condition in which a baby is born with a hole in the diaphragm, the muscle that the body uses to breathe. This can cause the intestines and other abdominal organs to move into the chest, which prevents normal lung development. ... Read More about From Cape Verde for coordinated CDH care
Regina’s journey with HLHS: Four years later
Regina was just 25 days old the first time she made the trip from her home in Mexico to Boston. Regina was born with a serious congenital heart defect called hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), resulting in the underdevelopment of the left side of her heart. Her doctors in Mexico told her parents it was ... Read More about Regina’s journey with HLHS: Four years later
Limb-salvage surgery is best option for Andrew
It was quite a spring for Andrew Hedberg. The rising high school sophomore made the varsity golf team and was elected class president for the upcoming school year. Most importantly, the bone cancer that once threatened his left leg and his life remained in remission. All of this validated the decision that Andrew’s family made seven years ... Read More about Limb-salvage surgery is best option for Andrew
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
From fear to hope with CDH
Lyndsay MacNeil is a nurse, but even she — like most parents — had never heard of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) until she was pregnant with her daughter Shayne. During a routine ultrasound, her clinicians at Brigham and Women’s Hospital detected an anomaly in the fetus, which they suspected was CDH. In this serious condition, ... Read More about From fear to hope with CDH
My continuing heart journey with Boston Children’s
My connection to Boston Children’s Hospital started on a bright and sunny June day in 1979. My parents, who were excitedly anticipating what they assumed would be the uncomplicated birth of their first child, got an unexpected surprise when I was born completely blue (like a Smurf) and had to be rushed to Boston Children’s. ... Read More about My continuing heart journey with Boston Children’s
How three extraordinary kids inspire their families, one mile at a time
For many people, running the Boston Marathon is a way to challenge themselves. But for three special Boston Children’s Hospital families, the marathon also provides an opportunity to celebrate the journeys of their extraordinary children who have overcome many obstacles to be able to cheer on their parents to the finish line. Meet Natalie, Brigid, ... Read More about How three extraordinary kids inspire their families, one mile at a time