Care for stroke lets Matty just be a kid
Most adults might encourage kids to behave themselves, but Matthew Marino’s doctor wants to help him make mischief. “He told us that he loves when kids cause trouble and that he wants to help Matt cause trouble, too,” says his mother, Maura, of Dr. David Fogelman, a physiatrist in the Stroke and Cerebrovascular Center at ... Read More about Care for stroke lets Matty just be a kid
Leading the way: Ava’s experience with teduglutide
Ava Orsini visits Boston Children’s Hospital every two weeks. It’s more time than any kid wants to spend at a hospital, particularly when she lives a state away. But for this 9-year-old and her parents, the trips are worth it: For the past two years, she’s been participating in a clinical trial of a drug ... Read More about Leading the way: Ava’s experience with teduglutide
When even experts can’t figure you out: CNS-restricted HLH
At first it seemed like motion sickness when 5-year-old Emily threw up after spinning around outside, or during car rides. No one thought much of it. But gradually, she also developed headaches and stomachaches. Her walking and balance started to falter. She became lethargic, and complained about something in her eye. Her face took on ... Read More about When even experts can’t figure you out: CNS-restricted HLH
Jillian’s story: Finding care, support, then a diagnosis
Eighteen-year-old Jillian Allair is funny, independent, sarcastic, and the charmer of the family. She loves music, especially top 40, and little kids, with a soft spot for those with medical challenges. Jillian knows a thing or two about medical challenges herself — she’s been a patient at Boston Children’s Hospital since she was 8 weeks ... Read More about Jillian’s story: Finding care, support, then a diagnosis
Matt and Brendan: Post-op pals, for life
Eighteen-year-old Matt Freitas and 16-year-old Brendan Cogavin met as roommates at Boston Children’s Hospital, but that’s just a small part of why they’ve stayed in touch for the six years since. “Their relationship goes beyond knowing each other at their worst,” says Melissa, Matt’s mom. “Brendan is cool, smart, and tries hard at everything he ... Read More about Matt and Brendan: Post-op pals, for life
After four unsuccessful heart surgeries, Nicholas finds hope
When Brenna and Lorenzo Degano arrived in Boston with their son, Nicholas, last April, it was with a feeling of restrained hope. After four unsuccessful heart surgeries in California, they were hesitant to put their son through a fifth surgery not knowing if the outcome would be any different. Nicholas was diagnosed at age 7 ... Read More about After four unsuccessful heart surgeries, Nicholas finds hope
Alivia’s journey with CDH
Alivia Gannon recently got the kind of information every kid wants to hear: She won’t have to return to the Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Program at Boston Children’s Hospital for another five years. For Alivia and her parents, Erin and Richard, the news is particularly welcome: Although the active 12-year-old is now the picture of health, ... Read More about Alivia’s journey with CDH
Lia the ballerina: Off the couch and onto the stage
No matter what 3-year-old Lia is doing — playing dress-up, singing for her family, or running around with her preschool friends — you can be sure she’ll do it with pizzazz. “She’s a total girly girl,” says her mom, Kaitlyn. “She would wear makeup if I let her!” Watching her jump and twirl, you’d never ... Read More about Lia the ballerina: Off the couch and onto the stage
For Kayla, post-surgical pain relief supports a lifetime of care
At 24, Kayla Regan is old enough to be the mother of some of her fellow patients at Boston Children’s Hospital. “I like to say that I’m one of the elderly patients here,” she laughs. All jokes aside, Kayla has been receiving care at Boston Children’s since she was 14. That was when she first ... Read More about For Kayla, post-surgical pain relief supports a lifetime of care
Finally getting answers about Jack’s reflux
Katie Accardi isn’t a first-time parent. As mom to 4-year-old Harper, she’s familiar with typical baby behavior, like crying and mild fussiness. In fact, she’s even experienced in caring for a sick child: Harper, who has been treated for bronchomalacia, subglottic stenosis, and other conditions, has been a patient at Boston Children’s Hospital since she ... Read More about Finally getting answers about Jack’s reflux