Seventeen years after Miss Debbie, a foster parent, took a chance on a 10 year-old boy who had been to 11 different foster placements. Today that same young man is now a father and husband himself, and helps other potential foster parents understand boys like he once was.
“We got our Jackie back!” That was the sentiment of Jackie’s parents after their daughter had been treated for chronic pain at the Kennedy Krieger Institute Pediatric Pain Rehabilitation Clinic. With an interdisciplinary team approach to treatment, Jackie learned how to manage her pain and to get back to the things she loves.
Gerry Herman, co-director of the Bennett Institute for Physically Challenged Sports Program at Kennedy Krieger Institute, shares how Samantha went from being a shy six-year-old when she first started in the program to a confident, 17-year-old accomplished athlete who is going to college on a scholarship to play wheelchair basketball.
We’re honoring Nurses Week with one of thousands of stories about our patients and their families as told by nurse Lisa Trotta, who works in our hospital and cares for children with brain, spinal cord and other serious neurological injuries. Lisa has been a nurse at Kennedy Krieger Institute for more than 30 years. Michael was a seriously injured 12 year old boy who was determined to recover and get back to his life. Lisa and Michael’s care team were determined to help. It’s children like Michael, and their families, that inspire us every day.
We salute all nurses, and especially those who care for children. Thank you for all you do.