Kids Health Matters

With her shock of blonde hair blowing in the wind, Mari laughs while flying down the trails on her mountain bike and has aspirations to conquer the monkey bars at her local playground. These athletic feats become all the more impressive when you consider the fact that Mari was born missing nearly all of the fingers on her right hand.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning parents and medical professionals that 2020 will be another peak year for cases of acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) a rare, polio-like neurological condition that affects mostly children. Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare is ready to be an important center for AFM care and rehabilitation when the outbreak is set to peak this fall.

At Gillette, we understand the difficult decision parents are making this fall as you consider education options for your child amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. As you receive guidance from your child’s school, we are here to support you as you make the best choice for your child and your family.

When I work with my patients at Gillette, I try not to impose my story and my “why” on them and their families. But inevitably, it comes up. My younger brother, Peter has cerebral palsy. He’s why I do what I do and why I’m here. I’m immensely proud of him and grateful to have had the privilege of being his sister.