Samantha Lademann, an adult patient at Gillette, shares an original essay to honor her two superheroes. Learn who they are and how they've helped Samantha, in her words, "emerge from the flames" after health issues related to cerebral palsy.

When you come to Gillette Children’s you’ll collaborate with one of the nation’s top providers of pediatric inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation therapies. Gillette Children’s has occupational therapists throughout the Twin Cities metro area in our St. Paul, Phalen, Burnsville and Maple Grove clinic locations. Gillette also provides access, if appropriate, to children throughout the region through virtual appointments.

Gillette Children's pediatric neurologist, Charbel El Kosseifi, MD, says a photo of a young girl inspired him and changed his life. "I even dreamed of that photo," El Kosseifi shares. This new member of the neurology team is helping children care for their muscles, nerves and bones.

At Target Field, every Sunday is Kid’s Day and on a beautiful summer day in August of 2019, 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.

"Every step Sophia takes is a testament to the countless dedicated individuals who made it possible." Sophia and her family traveled from Arkansas to Minnesota for several major surgeries to treat her cerebral palsy.

What are common symptoms that might indicate cerebral palsy in young children? Check out this video on what to watch for—and learn why it’s important parents follow-up with their child’s primary provider if they suspect developmental delays.

For 125 years the doctors, nurses and employees at Gillette have worked every day to provide the very best care for all children. This dedication has led to treatments and outcomes that have influenced cerebral palsy care worldwide. 

Did you know that Gillette is one of the world's top centers for caring for children who have cerebral palsy? Find out why.

Learn how to have conversations with family and friends about your child's recent cerebral palsy diagnosis and how they can help.

“The Everybody Club” is a book about love. It easily could have been a book about grief, heart break and the struggles in life. But that’s not what author Linda Hayen and her daughter Carissa wanted to put into the world. Linda Hayen, is the mother of a Gillette patient and says it's joyful, colorful story about inclusion that's based on the relationship between her daughter and son.

Gillette Children’s has a rich history of teaching students, residents and fellows. To ensure that this strong tradition continues, Steven Koop, MD will be the very first Teacher Emeritus at Gillette.

Aaron Navarro is a teenager from Grandview, Texas. He's an active member of his high school debate team and runs 5K races (even though he’ll tell you that running isn’t his favorite thing). His mother, Christine, will tell you that the fact that he is running at all is nothing short of remarkable.

There are a lot of good questions out there about cerebral palsy but there are also misconceptions. Check out the common CP myths that need busting.

After Jeffrey received an intrathecal baclofen pump that would help manage his cerebral palsy at Gillette, his world opened up. He inspired his dad to become a marathon runner and even became an official "marathon maniac" in his own right.

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.

Caty Lingbeck, APRN, CPNP, recently joined Gillette Children's as a urology provider. Lingbeck is excited to work with Gillette families and has expertise in treating neurogenic bladder, neurogenic bowel, spina bifida and cerebral palsy.

Gillette Children's is committed to providing access and excellence in health care to children throughout Minnesota. National Rural Health Day is November 18th and an opportunity to celebrate the community-minded spirit of rural American and to highlight health care providers who keep people living in these areas healthy. Although we’re headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, Gillette has clinics throughout the state in locations such as Alexandria, Baxter, Bemidji, Duluth, Mankato, St. Cloud and Willmar.

"Anyone who has spent as much time in doctor’s offices or waiting rooms as we have knows how frustrating it can be to start from square one when discussing your child’s medical condition. When you’re at Gillette, you never need to do that. I can’t even begin to tell you how much that means.” -Trisha Irvin

Gillette Children's is internationally known for its excellence in caring for people diagnosed with cerebral palsy and is encouraging people to mark World CP Day on October 6, 2021. For nearly 125 years the doctors, nurses, therapists and staff at Gillette have worked every day to provide the very best care for all children.

The 75th Annual Meeting of the American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (AACPDM) will begin on October 6. Throughout the course of the week, more than 25 Gillette experts will present and share their expertise with medical providers from all over the country. Among those experts will be Tom Novacheck, MD, an orthopedic surgeon, one of the leaders of Gillette’s CP team and the incoming President of the AACPDM in 2022.   

Harrison Clausnitzer from Lakeville, MN is a 5-year-old bundle of joy and is the ambassador for this year’s Walk and Roll to raise money to support Gillette Children’s. Every dollar raised during the event supports Gillette’s mission ensure every child can reach their full potential. Due to COVID-19 precautions, this year’s September 18th Walk and Roll will once again be a neighborhood event with families using their creativity to be active and advocate for Gillette.

When I was 2 years old, I was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Now, I'm 23. I've faced many challenges in my life, but I think my dad said it best, "Inch by inch, life's a cinch. Yard by yard, life's hard." You can't get too caught up trying to project what the end result might be, all you can do is try to deal with the challenge in front of you, and move forward.

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.

When COVID first came to Minnesota and things started shutting down, we were concerned that our son, Wes, who is 8 Years old and has cerebral palsy, would not get the care that he would need. But that hasn’t been our experience.

Families are giving praise and support to Spastic Diplegia—Bilateral Cerebral Palsy written by Ireland-based author, Lily Collison. The book was released by Gillette Children’s Healthcare Press just before the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020.

March is National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month. Gillette Children's enhances the lives of people who have cerebral palsy (CP) and advocates for their well-being and care. Joe Carr has received CP care at Gillette for most of his life. He recently received a special honor from his high school classmates and is a strong example of Gillette’s focus on inclusion and realizing your potential.

March is National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month. Gillette Children’s is the world-renowned leader in the treatment of cerebral palsy. We enhance the lives of individuals who have cerebral palsy and promote their well-being by improving diagnosis, management, and care through research, innovation, and collaboration. The Harkness family shares their story of why selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) surgery at Gillette was the best choice for their daughter.

March is National Cerebral Palsy (CP) Awareness Month and Gillette Children's is one of the world’s leading centers for cerebral palsy diagnosis, treatment and research. We enhance the lives of individuals who have cerebral palsy and are advocates for CP patients and research.

A new book edited by Gillette Children's orthopedic surgeon, Tom Novacheck, MD, and clinical scientist, Michael Schwartz, PhD, is intended to be a resource for health care providers and scientists to improve the lives of people who have cerebral palsy and mobility challenges. “We hope this new book is a blueprint for the next five years of research and clinical care to help people who have cerebral palsy,” Novacheck says.

Angela Sinner, DO has worked as a Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine Physician at Gillette Children's for nearly a decade. She is the co-director of Gillette's inpatient rehabilitation unit and Sinner specializes in treating cerebral palsy, muscle spasticity and tone management, as well as traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. Learn more about her, here:

On World Cerebral Palsy Day, Gillette Children’s Healthcare Press is pleased to highlight a book that combines medically rigorous medical information and the personal story of a mother searching for the best care for her son who is diagnosed with CP. Spastic Diplegia—Bilateral Cerebral Palsy is written by Lily Collison, an Ireland-based author and the mother of a Gillette Children’s patient.

"Grady’s so much more than his condition. The way we see it is that God gave us this incredibly cool kid who’s had to deal with a few things. We've had challenges, but life is good even when stuff is hard. Either way, because of Gillette and the care they provide, Grady's future will be whatever he decides it to be. That’s no small thing.”

In all the ways that matter, Peter is your typical 8-year-old. He’s a protective older brother to his younger sister Katie, loves cars, sports and Star Wars. He’s easy to smile, quick to laugh and brings joy to all who meet him. When you’re in Peter’s presence, the fact that he has cerebral palsy and can’t speak, quickly becomes an afterthought.

Joe Carr is a socially connected doer and thinker so a worldwide COVID-19 pandemic was not about to stop him from launching his 5th annual Lemonade Stand Fundraiser for Gillette Children's. In fact, Joe and his team say in a strange twist COVID-19 might make this year of fund raising even more successful.

Gillette Children's has launched a new resource to help parents of children who have complex, rare or traumatic conditions. The first book released by the new Gillette Children’s Healthcare Press is Spastic Diplegia—Bilateral Cerebral Palsy and it’s written by Lily Collison, an Ireland-based author and the mother of a Gillette patient.

The outbreak of COVID-19 is an unprecedented crisis that has disrupted the lives, schedules and daily routines of millions across the globe. This is a difficult time and we know that our patients and families are going through many transitions simultaneously right now. At Gillette Children’s, our number one goal is keeping you and your family safe. To help during this time, we’ll be offering virtual appointments via video whenever possible and clinically appropriate.  

“It’s not an exaggeration to say deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery at Gillette changed Sam’s life,” marvels his mother Coleen Wedig. Sam Wedig, 16 and his mother first traveled to Gillette Children’s from Des Moines, Iowa in 2015 seeking help for cerebral palsy and dystonia. They’re passionate about sharing their story in the hope they can help other families dealing with similar medical challenges.

Learn about how Jennifer and her son Nick, a Gillette patient who has cerebral palsy and epilepsy, came up with an idea for a part-time business making dog treats and turned it into a reality that they hope will provide employment opportunities to other young adults who have disabilities.

They came to Gillette Children's with twice the hope. Twice the dreams. Twice the determination.The Bracho Diaz family left their native Venezuela eager for another round of expert care for their 10-year-old twin daughters Maria de los Angels and Maria Antonieta. Yes, identical twin sisters who share the name Maria and a diagnosis of spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy.

Seven-year-old Maria Renata Sanchez Diaz traveled 1,600 miles from her home in Mexico City to Gillette Children’s as part of her plan to keep a promise to her dad.

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.

Police officers, postal workers, kids and politicians are drawn to Joe Carr's lemonade stand to raise money for Gillette Children's. Joe is a Gillette patient and uses his considerable charm and social media skills in his quest to make sure ALL kids have access to great health care.

Mason is a happy five-year-old with a contagious smile and a laugh that brings a smile to your face. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy, Mason has attended Gillette for occupational, physical and speech therapies to help him strengthen his muscles and vocal skills. Learn how Mason and his family are showing their gratitude for Gillette this summer!

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.

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.

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.

Rolling over, crawling. The first words, the first steps, the first bike ride. These actions seem small individually, but many serve as formative moments that represent individual progress. They’re the signs that we’re moving forward and the experiences we remember. However, for many of the patients and families at Gillette Children’s, these milestones are often delayed—if they happen at all.

Cameron is an outgoing 6-year-old with bright red hair and a personality to match. Discover his journey through selective dorsal rhizotomy surgery to address symptoms of cerebral palsy, culminating with an experience with the Minnesota Twins.

Cassidy and her mom, Darcy, are two of the biggest fans of the University of Minnesota women's volleyball team. They're excited about the NCAA Division I women's volleyball tournament at Target Center in Minneapolis. While they're disappointed the Gophers will not appear in the NCAA tournament, they're proud of what the team accomplished this season. Cassidy has quadriplegic cerebral palsy and her limited use of her arms and legs means is can be difficult to stand and cheer for her team--until Gillette helped make her dream come true.

The human body is a miraculous makeup of coordinated and interconnected systems that, when operating properly, are a wonder to behold. But when things aren’t operating correctly, this interconnectedness can cause a whole host of complications. This issue is precisely why Gillette’s Aerodigestive Clinic was established last year.

Learn how a selective dorsal rhizotomy and single-event multilevel surgery (SEMLS) Gillette, along with her intrinsic determination, has led to newfound independence and confidence for Kaidyn.

A move from Arkansas to Minnesota led to Jacob receiving a surgical procedure that changed his life, making it possible for him to fulfill his dream of running track.

It's rare for a singular event to bring so much joy and meaning to so many individuals and organizations, but Gillette Children's celebration of the 3rd Annual Mauer and Friends Kids Classic, did just that. The event took place on a perfect, June day, and 25 Gillette patients and their families had the experience of a lifetime down on the grass of Target Field.

“It’s Matthew’s machine, but communication is a two-way street. I need to know how to use it just as well as him.” – Martha Wilson, Matthew’s mom. Learn why the most important part of this mother-son relationship is his adapted communication device.

On April 7th, 2018, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the Minnesota Miss Amazing pageant. I was lucky enough to learn about this event from a friend who became involved in the past, and had expressed that the event was an awesome experience for her and her family.

Everyone knows at least one iconic duo. There are Batman and Robin, Mario and Luigi, Ash Ketchum and Pikachu, and by the time you’re done reading, you’ll add another to the list: Josh and Tyler Lindgren.

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.

“I don’t think it would surprise anyone to learn that a lot of children love dogs,” says Emily DeBreto. “While we’ve had volunteers bring in therapeutic dogs at the hospital for comfort, we wanted to get our dogs more involved with the actual functional aspects of the therapy we’re providing.”

"This kid is without a doubt my hero. I am without a doubt his biggest fan," says Ross Carothers of his son, Mikey, who has schizencephaly. Learn how the generosity of donors has supported Mikey's family and how they've given back in return.

In 2016, Connor Church finally went to his first Minnesota Twins baseball game. Even more exciting than that: His doctors at Gillette deemed him a Gait Lab Graduate. Meaning after more than 12 years and 30 procedures, Connor would spend the rest of his summers surgery-free.

During his career, pediatric orthopedic surgeon Jim Gage, MD, brought gait analysis into clinical practice and transformed the approach to caring for children who have cerebral palsy. Gage received prestigious national recognition for his work in 2016.

Rebecca Pierce, the mother of a Gillette patient, speaks out about the importance of protecting Medicaid for children who have disabilities.

“Using a wheelchair is good and bad at the same time. A disadvantage is you can’t run around outside like your friends. An advantage is you can cut the line at Nickelodeon Universe. Chair or not, I’m the same person.” See how care at Gillette has helped Elijah emerge as a leader.

Maia Gochez pursues anything that catches her fancy: horseback riding, cute sandals, traveling the country. And she’s courageous enough to overcome anything that might stand in the way—even her cerebral palsy diagnosis.

Pain affects all aspects of life, but for many of us, it’s an abstract concept. But, for a moment, imagine what it would feel like to experience chronic pain for an entire month. Start with that, but now expand it out to a year—or maybe even, every day of your life.

Katie Allee takes Advanced Placement classes. She’s 15, and she’s a straight-A student. Her mind? It’s all there, and she’ll tell you as much. But when it comes to her body physically, for much of her life, she’s had difficulty.

The emotional roller coaster that follows a cerebral palsy diagnosis never goes away. But Ami Hagen, our guest author and mother of Adli, a Gillette patient, says the ups are so worth the downs. Ami tells us about her joys, her worries, and raising a daughter with unwavering spirit.

How many Southerners gladly move north to a place where blizzards are anticipated and celebrated? Lee Schuh, MD, did. See how Schuh draws on his experience living with cerebral palsy when he’s caring for his adult patients.

Gillette pediatric rehabilitation medicine specialist Mark Gormley, MD, discussed the importance of getting an early diagnosis of cerebral palsy and describes the resources available for families during a Facebook LIVE interview.

Aaron Myers is like any other employee at The Works children’s museum with one exception: he is diagnosed with cerebral palsy. See how Aaron's family laid the groundwork for his successful transition to adulthood—and how the Gillette Transition Clinic is providing additional support.

To celebrate National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month, Gillette is relaunching an updated version of its ability-themed emoji keyboard called Emojability.

Marshall Taniguchi, MD, recently spoke to us about his work to help patients who have cerebral palsy achieve their highest possible levels of independence and quality of life. Watch the Facebook LIVE video here.

Joe Carr is updating his Facebook status, taking photos with his iPad, teasing his older sister, and good-naturedly ignoring his mother’s pleas to get ready for his imminent floor hockey game. Meet this busy 13-year-old with an easy smile and a powerful laugh.

"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."

March is National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month and Gillette is leading the charge to #CelebrateCP and raise awareness about the condition. First up: A video overview of the definition, possible causes, symptoms and types of cerebral palsy. Click for more!

Mason and his father Rich saw nearly 500 rock bands live in concert last year. They refused to let Mason's cerebral palsy get in the way of reaching their goal.

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.

84-year-old George Fedor is a storyteller. But the one story that George couldn’t tell had to do with one question: What is wrong with the left side of my body?

For children like Ava who live in greater Minnesota or outside the state, appointments at Gillette can involve hours of drive time and nights spent in a hotel. All that can add up. Meet Ava and learn how Gillette is helping families like hers by expanding its telemedicine services.

When Alexandra's mom started getting questions from other parents about Alexandra's condition, mother and daughter decided to help shift others' perceptions about disabilities. Learn how.

Avery, a sixth grader who has cerebral palsy, recently had the opportunity to showcase some of her favorite back-to-school fashions to thousands when she modeled for the Mall of America's 2016 Back to School Look Book. Learn how the experience helped build Avery's confidence and how care at Gillette has helped her thrive.

Born a micro preemie weighing less than one pound, Ava came to Gillette when she began missing milestones. See how far this active 9-year-old has come as a result of treatments informed by gait and motion analysis data.

Darius, who spent the first six years of his life in an orphanage in the city of Vilnius, was born with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy. His dad shares their adoption experience, cultural differences and talks about the support they received from Gillette along the way.

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.

The Feyereisen family built a sandlot field in their backyard to inspire inclusiveness and teach kindness among their triplet sons, who have varying degrees of disabilities, and their friends. It's come to resemble a real-life "Field of Dreams."

When people think of sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea, images of middle aged adults likely come to mind. However, a recent study by Gillette Children’s sheds light on another population of people who are affected by the disorder: children who have cerebral palsy.

April 10 marks the beginning of national volunteer week, and as we reflect on the work done by our volunteers over the past year, it becomes clear that they deserve a round of applause. In 2015-16, 306 of the weekly volunteers logged more than 12,000 hours over the course of their 4,000 visits to serve.

“When I was a kid in the hospital, the nurses and registration staff remembered my name when I’d do my check-ups, and that always made me feel welcome. It’s incredible to think that now I’m on the other side of the desk recognizing families by name…it’s come full circle.” –Ed Jenkins

Every parent wants their child to be healthy, but that isn’t always the case. The reality is that as many as one in about 325 parents will have a child who has a complex medical condition such as cerebral palsy, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC also says about one in six children will have some type of developmental disability.

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.

March is cerebral palsy month – and March 25 is National CP Awareness Day. Take a moment to get information about the most common motor disorder. Remember that when a child is diagnosed, it doesn’t mean he or she can’t live a happy, fulfilling – and most important – meaningful life.

A Venezuelan mother's prayers are answered as her daughter receives treatment for cerebral palsy at Gillette. “No word is good enough to express our gratitude for helping our daughter have a better quality of life and to overcome the challenges she’s had since birth,” she writes.

They came to Gillette Children's with twice the hope. Twice the dreams. Twice the determination.The Bracho Diaz family left their native Venezuela eager for another round of expert care for their 10-year-old twin daughters Maria de los Angels and Maria Antonieta. Yes, identical twin sisters who share the name Maria and a diagnosis of spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy.