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    • Find A Doctor

      Gillette attracts the nation's top surgeons and physicians in many specialties. Finding the best care providers for your child begins here.

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      Meet Dr. Song

      Debbie Song, MD, is a pediatric neurosurgeon who specializes in treating complex conditions such as spina bifida, hydrocephalus and Chiari malformations.

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      Debbie Song, MD, pediatric neurosurgeon
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      Children who have disabilities and complex medical needs—and their families—have been at the center of our mission for more than 120 years. Learn how we've built on this long history to help patients improve their health, achieve greater well-being, and enjoy life.

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      Meet Jo'Vonna

      Jo'Vonna loves riding her scooter, but because she has cerebral palsy, she has trouble maintaining balance. If anything besides Jo'Vonna's own determination will help her meet her goals, it's Gillette.

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    Mateo, Gillette epilepsy patient

    Kids Health Matters
    Topic: Neurology and Neurosurgery

    Home / Kids Health Matters / Neurology and Neurosurgery
    Neurology and Neurosurgery
    Gillette patient, James Bostic

    Many the Miles: Deep Brain Stimulation Gives the Gift of a Son

    As loud music filled the adjoining hallways near the Neurosciences unit at Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare, passersby could be forgiven if they were a bit confused. The atmosphere was festive and there was good reason for it. At long last, James Bostic, 17, was able to go home. He had been in the hospital for 15 months.
    Dec. 2, 2019
    Neurology and Neurosurgery

    The Miracle of Owen

    Owen Nei is 10 years old, an avid hockey and baseball player, and a young man who lights up every room he’s in with his positive, irrepressible attitude. Given how his life started out, the fact that he’s even here, much less doing all of these things, is nothing short of a miracle.
    Nov. 18, 2019
    Neurology and Neurosurgery

    Family Makes 700-Mile Journey to Treat Daughter’s Cerebral Palsy

    "Every step Sophia takes is a testament to the countless dedicated individuals who made it possible," says her mother, Susan Slinkard. Sophia and her family traveled from Arkansas to Minnesota for major neurosurgery aimed at reducing Sophia's spasticity.
    Oct. 4, 2019
    Neurology and Neurosurgery

    Super Sam and Cerebral Palsy

    At Target Field, every Sunday is Kid’s Day and on a beautiful summer day in August, Samuel Anastos scored the first honorary run of a Minnesota Twins game. It was a joyous moment made all the more meaningful because there was a time in Sam’s life when his parents questioned whether he would learn to walk or talk, much less run.
    Oct. 3, 2019
    Neurology and Neurosurgery

    Dear Theodora: One Family’s Cerebral Palsy Journey

    There are few moments in life as exciting and anxiety inducing as the day you have your first child, but for Andrew Bailey and his wife, Amanda, things were a bit more complicated. Amanda was home in Connecticut getting ready for her baby shower. Andrew, a pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, was in Seattle for an away game.
    Oct. 1, 2019
    Neurology and Neurosurgery

    The Long Way Round: A Look Back on my Treatment for Cerebral Palsy

    When Jenna Robinson was born, she only weighed three pounds and doctors told her parents she’d never be a “rocket scientist.” Now 28, she holds a Master’s degree in social work and has dedicated her life to helping individuals lead more independent lives.
    Mar. 27, 2019
    Neurology and Neurosurgery
    Wes running the bases during MN Twins game

    Cerebral Palsy Won’t Slow Wes Down, He’s Unstoppable

    Wes Jackson is a thoughtful, kind and inquisitive kid. He also has cerebral palsy, but he won't let that (or anything else for that matter) get in his way. Get to know Wes and his family, you'll be glad you did.
    Mar. 21, 2019
    Neurology and Neurosurgery

    All Kinds of Weather, We Stick Together: Laney and Lilah’s Cerebral Palsy Story

    Laney and Lilah are feisty, happy twin sisters. They share a diagnosis of cerebral palsy, but that is just one aspect of their lives. More importantly, they dance, they laugh and occasionally throw things.
    Mar. 5, 2019
    Neurology and Neurosurgery
    Boy sledding in the snow during winter.

    No Helmet, No Slide: Wear a Helmet While Sledding, Because Your Brain Matters

    Winter came on with a vengeance this February, and while every child should be able to have fun sledding, it’s more dangerous than many assume. Find out how to stay safe on the slopes this winter.
    Feb. 20, 2019
    Neurology and Neurosurgery

    Chloe and Gracie, Connected by Friendship, a Bridge and Spina Bifida

    Take a moment and picture your best friend. They may come into our lives at different times, but everyone has one. How we meet them doesn’t really matter. What matters is finding that one person who truly understands you. That person you can be vulnerable with, who shares in your joy and successes, and helps you through life’s challenges.
    Oct. 29, 2018
    Neurology and Neurosurgery
    Old hockey photo of Landon

    Letters to My Landon: A Message to My Son

    Every now and again, I write a new letter to my son, Landon. It’s my testament to him. To who he was, to who he is, and to who he could someday be.
    Jun. 3, 2018
    Neurology and Neurosurgery

    Kids Like Tyler: Why Muscular Dystrophy Designation Matters

    “Knowing that Gillette is a PPMD-certified Duchenne Care Center means the world to us because we know for certain Tyler’s getting the specialized care that he needs," says his mom, Marilyn. Meet Tyler and learn about his family's "game plan" to tackle Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
    Apr. 27, 2018
    Neurology and Neurosurgery
    Gillette patient Louie Romero posing in the skyway

    It’s Not a Career, It’s a Calling: Bringing My Son Home

    Louie Romero is a smiley kid that simply can’t help the fact that he is irrepressibly charming. It's Louie's personality that makes an impression when you meet him. The fact that he is in a wheelchair and has cerebral palsy ranks much lower on the list.
    Mar. 12, 2018
    Neurology and Neurosurgery
    Gillette epilepsy and seizure patient George

    What Happens When You Have Your First Seizure

    Even nine years later, George Jamison clearly remembers the moment. He was with his older brother, Jack, at summer camp, having the type of fun that only 8 and 10-year-olds can. Then everything went black. When he awoke, a lot had changed.
    Nov. 10, 2017
    Neurology and Neurosurgery

    The Journey of Mateo Arcos: Hope, Love and Cerebral Palsy

    As he ambles down a long hospital hallway, smiling with every step and practically daring you to do the same, it can be pretty easy to forget that this wasn't supposed to happen. Mateo Arcos was never supposed to walk.
    Oct. 5, 2017
    Neurology and Neurosurgery

    A Message of Love, Parris Recovers From Traumatic Brain Injury

    Your brain isn't like your arm. You can’t see it or touch it. It’s not really tangible, which means that we rarely spend time thinking about the thing that makes us think, unless we have to. This is what those who experience a TBI go through.
    Sep. 27, 2017
    Neurology and Neurosurgery

    Dynamic Duo Share Congenital Hydrocephalus Diagnosis

    “I’m always amazed at just how strong and brave they are,” says Laura of her sons Collin, 7, and Simon, 4. These sweet and exuberant brothers both received a diagnosis of hydrocephalus at age 1 and see Patrick Graupman, MD, for treatment.
    Sep. 15, 2017
    Neurology and Neurosurgery

    Therapy Two-A-Days: Connor Tackles Recovery from Traumatic Brain Injury

    Tall, red-haired and boisterous, it’s not a surprise to learn that Connor plays on the football team back in North Dakota, or that he’s pretty popular.
    Sep. 5, 2017
    Neurology and Neurosurgery

    Caring for Karley: Growing Up After Anoxic Brain Injury

    "If there is anything that I want people to understand, it’s that parents who have children who have disabilities want what any parent wants for their child."
    Mar. 2, 2017
    Neurology and Neurosurgery

    Muscular Dystrophy Diagnosis Can’t Stop These Twins

    Kiara and Keisy are twins who share a diagnosis of muscular dystrophy. Meet these sweet girls and learn how their parents, and Gillette, help them understand they're no different than other kids.
    Jan. 18, 2017
    Neurology and Neurosurgery
    Relief, acceptance, confusion, connection, validation, belonging, denial, support

    Learning Your Child Has a Disability

    There are few things in life as overwhelming as learning your child has a disability. Accepting this and moving forward is a different process for every parent. We spoke with Gillette neuropsychologist Richard DiPrima, PsyD, and below he offers advice to help families navigate this emotional time.
    Dec. 22, 2016
    Neurology and Neurosurgery

    Emmy Makes Comeback After Surgery to Remove Brain Tumor

    Small, gregarious, brimming with boundless energy and a mischievous smile, 4-year-old Emmy Veenis is the type of kid people tend to remember. But Emmy started having headaches.
    Nov. 11, 2016
    Neurology and Neurosurgery

    Back to School Sleep Opens Eyes on Facebook

    Gillette recently hosted a Facebook Live video Q&A featuring John Garcia, MD, sleep medicine specialist, about back-to-school sleep issues. Learn more and watch the discussion.
    Sep. 15, 2016
    Neurology and Neurosurgery

    Redefining Colten’s Childhood After Mystery Illness

    Colten's family thought he'd come down with the stomach flu. Then his illness became something much more severe. Learn how a Gillette pediatric neurologist and Colten’s rehabilitation team helped him reclaim his childhood.
    Aug. 16, 2016
    Neurology and Neurosurgery

    Gillette Expert Cautions Olympic Travelers

    A Gillette physician is cautioning those who are traveling to the Olympics in Rio to take extra care and precautions due to the Zika virus’ prevalence in the region.
    Jul. 21, 2016
    Neurology and Neurosurgery

    Pregnancy Infection Precautions, Tips to Keep Mothers at Ease

    The arrival of the Zika virus in the U.S. has raised awareness of the hidden risk of viruses, particularly those that cause problems for pregnant women and their babies. Zika, however, is only one of several viruses and conditions that can have an adverse outcome on a child in the womb.
    Mar. 21, 2016
    Neurology and Neurosurgery

    Before Outdoor Fun, Use These Tips to Keep Kids Safe

    A few simple tips, such as wearing a helmet and taking breaks, can help kids stay safe outside during the spring and summer months.
    Mar. 15, 2016
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    • Topics

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    • Recent Posts

      • Many the Miles: Deep Brain Stimulation Gives the Gift of a Son
      • Holiday Travel Tips for Children Who Have Special Needs
      • The Miracle of Owen
      • Gillette Assistance Program (GAP) Changes Lives
      • Dog Treats Mean Business for Teen Who Has CP
      • Words Can Break Your Heart
      • A Cerebral Palsy Odyssey that Culminates in St. Paul, Minnesota
      • Twice the Hope for Help with Cerebral Palsy
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