Archive for Jessica Cerretani
‘Life is so much better now’: Ethan finds treatment for mixed germ cell brain tumor
Ethan Winchenbach was playing with his dogs when he first noticed that something was off. “My vision changed, but only when I looked down,” he remembers. “It was really disorienting.” His mother, Becky, who is a nurse, knew immediately that something wasn’t right. When the symptoms didn’t improve, she made him an appointment with his ... Read More about ‘Life is so much better now’: Ethan finds treatment for mixed germ cell brain tumor
Studies pinpoint risk factors for complications of pediatric intestinal failure
Pediatric intestinal failure occurs when patients lack the amount of intestine necessary for growth and development. As advances in treatment have led to better survival rates for children with short bowel syndrome and other forms of intestinal failure, the team at Boston Children’s Center for Advanced Intestinal Rehabilitation (CAIR) is studying factors that affect quality ... Read More about Studies pinpoint risk factors for complications of pediatric intestinal failure
Not just another patient: Care for midaortic syndrome that’s ‘handcrafted’ for Iris
This past July, Iris Huot, her older sister, Audrey, and their parents, Jessica and Austin, gathered around their dining room table. To an outsider, it might seem like an ordinary dinner, but for the Huots, it was a moment of perspective — and gratitude. “It was the first time in eight weeks that we had ... Read More about Not just another patient: Care for midaortic syndrome that’s ‘handcrafted’ for Iris
Biko’s legacy: Mom honors her son through water safety awareness
Biko Mangcu was “a big bright light,” says his mother, Sipho. Everyone in his Cambridge, Massachusetts, neighborhood knew him. His big brown eyes and wide smile were featured in advertising that still adorns toy packaging. At school, his teachers and classmates called him “the mayor.” “He was so full of love and joy,” says Sipho. ... Read More about Biko’s legacy: Mom honors her son through water safety awareness
Chronic headaches: Five things families should know
You might think of headaches as an adult problem, but they can affect children and teens, too. In fact, about 20 percent of school-aged kids are prone to headaches, according to the National Headache Foundation. A smaller number of those kids experience chronic headaches, which are defined as headaches that occur 15 or more days ... Read More about Chronic headaches: Five things families should know
Virtual visits give Weston time to grow and thrive
For many kids and parents, staying home during the COVID-19 pandemic was a challenge. But for Weston Mahady and his family, social distancing was just what the doctor ordered. The slowed-down pace, time spent together — and access to virtual appointments with Boston Children’s specialists — allowed Weston to make developmental strides that once hadn’t ... Read More about Virtual visits give Weston time to grow and thrive
Lifechanging surgery brings Ann-Raleigh relief from VUR — and some new ‘besties’
When Ann-Raleigh Murthy travels to Boston from her home in Louisiana, she has a list of “must-dos.” Among the highlights: Ride the swan boats in the Public Garden, swing by her favorite chocolate shop, go shopping — and visit with Dr. Carlos Estrada, Boston Children’s urologist-in-chief. Dr. Estrada, along with neurosurgeon Dr. Benjamin Warf, “are two ... Read More about Lifechanging surgery brings Ann-Raleigh relief from VUR — and some new ‘besties’
‘A picture-perfect life’: Makayla is thriving with OEIS syndrome
On a sunny day this spring, Makayla Brisson was on a mission: to find the two bunny rabbit sculptures in the rooftop garden of Boston Children’s Hale Family Building. As much fun as she was having, Makayla was distracted: She was anxiously waiting for her best friend, Aubree. And as Aubree and her parents entered ... Read More about ‘A picture-perfect life’: Makayla is thriving with OEIS syndrome
Years in the making: Team performs successful fetal intervention for VOGM
On an ordinary Wednesday in March, a team of specialists from two institutions made the extraordinary happen: a first-of-its-kind intervention for a rare, life-threatening type of blood vessel anomaly called a vein of Galen malformation (VOGM) — performed in utero. The ultrasound-guided embolization involves deploying tiny metal coils into the affected vein via a microcatheter ... Read More about Years in the making: Team performs successful fetal intervention for VOGM
No backing down: Sophia takes on a rare form of liver cancer
Sophia LaBorde is headstrong and “doesn’t back down,” says her mother, Alicia. So last year when Sophia had some gastrointestinal discomfort and a low appetite, she asked her parents to bring her to her local pediatrician. And when test after test ruled out more common culprits — lactose intolerance, heartburn, even thyroid disease — she ... Read More about No backing down: Sophia takes on a rare form of liver cancer