Archive for Archives
Unraveling the mystery of Rylan’s respiratory problems
Rylan is Destinee Davidson’s second child, but in some ways, he feels like her first. “Our older son, Bryce, has always been healthy,” she explains. “With Rylan, I feel like a first-time mom because everything is so new.” Rylan has been keeping Destinee and her husband, Bradford, on their toes since the day he was ... Read More
Maythum finally finds answers for midaortic syndrome
Maythum Mehdi was just 5 years old when he told his mother, Batul, that he was having trouble seeing: When he played on the computer, the screen appeared blurry. Right away, Batul — who was then training to be a cardiology nurse — sought medical attention. “I knew that wasn’t a good sign,” she says. ... Read More
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
COVID and suicidal thoughts: Help for families
Earlier this month, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released stark new figures on mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. One in four young adults (age 18 to 24) surveyed reported seriously considering suicide during the previous 30 days — an increase from years past. Rates of suicidal thoughts were also high in ... Read More
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
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
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
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
Experience matters: For Curtis’s family, choosing a thyroid surgeon was simple
For many parents, being told their child needs a total thyroidectomy — surgical removal of the entire thyroid gland — comes as a frightening shock. But for Curtis Lynch’s family, the procedure is already quite familiar. Several members have also undergone thyroidectomy in hopes of mitigating their genetic risk for thyroid cancer. Curtis’s family has a ... Read More
Leaning into Sydney: A team approach to renovascular hypertension
In most ways, Sydney Murphy is a typical 3-year-old girl: She watches the movie The Princess and the Frog on repeat, names most of her dolls after the main character, Tiana, and loves the color pink. But she’s also wise beyond her years. “She knows how to use a blood pressure cuff and is really ... Read More