What is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)? It refers to a group of disorders that affect the body’s connective tissue. This includes the skin, ligaments, tendons and blood vessel walls. The point of these connective tissues is to provide strength and elasticity to other parts of the body. Children with EDS usually have overly flexible joints. They also can have fragile, stretchy skin.

The Quinn family shares their experience about their newborn daughter receiving a diagnosis of craniosynostosis. They appreciate the Gillette team approach to care which allows for collaboration between the neurosurgeon and the plastic surgeon to formulate a clear, patient-specific plan. Two surgeons working side-by-side in the operating room decreases operating time and reduces the length of exposure a child has to general anesthesia.

Amniotic Band Syndrome (ABS) occurs when a fetus becomes entangled in fibrous, a string-like strand called amniotic bands.While in the womb as the fetus continues to grow, some of their bands will not grow with them. This causes their blood flow to get blocked and disrupts continued growth and development.

At Gillette Children’s, our team of audiologists often work with children who may be nonverbal, have developmental delays or other complex conditions. We are the first children’s health care organization in the Twin Cities to offer Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) testing that doesn’t require a child to be asleep or sedated.

Two mothers share their journey of receiving cleft lip and/or palate care for their babies at Gillette Children's. July is National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness Month. Gillette has one of the largest craniofacial programs in the U.S. Both mothers appreciate the expertise care and support at Gillette.

Scheuermann’s disease, also known as Scheuermann’s kyphosis, is a condition where a child’s spine has too much of a curve. This typically happens during periods of accelerated growth or puberty.

At Gillette Children’s, it’s our mission to help every child reach their potential and achieve the independence and agency to create their own story.That’s why we celebrate Disability Pride Month, and we hope that you'll join us.

A tethered spinal cord occurs when the spinal cord is pulled down and is stuck or attached to the base of the spine’s surrounding tissue. This prevents the spinal cord from moving freely in the spinal canal as it normally would. If the spinal cord is tethered, it will stretch like a rubber band in response to the restriction. The pressure from this may cause pain and permanent damage to the spinal tissue and nerves if left untreated.

The Fourth of July and other summer celebrations are a time for enjoyment, making memories and being aware of summer safety tips. Now that the CDC has approved COVID-19 vaccines for children who are age six months and older, millions of young children are now eligible to be vaccinated. That brings a bit more freedom for celebrating compared to the safety precautions from last summer. The physicians at Gillette Children's and Regions Hospital remind you that preparation is the key to keeping safe.

June is scoliosis month. At Gillette Children’s, we are taking a deeper dive into understanding the importance of proper treatment.

Concussions are one of the most common, unexpected injuries in both adults and children. While we usually think of athletes who are running around and occasionally into each other, the truth is it can happen to anyone.

New Gillette Children’s adult nurse practitioner, Pang Vang, says she’s driven to help all patients achieve a better quality of life. She's part of Gillette's physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) team and her philosophy of care centers on building relationships.

On Thursday, June 16, three Gillette Children’s employees were honored as Health Care Heroes. The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal hosted the event that put a spotlight on Twin Cities individuals who put innovation, care, dedication and compassion to work to improve the human condition. 

Gillette Children’s has an advocacy team whose mission is to make sure children, especially children with disabilities, are not overlooked as state and national lawmakers create the legislation that shapes our lives.  

Gillette Children's embarked on a project to show the world, especially prospective employees, what makes the hospital special. The project turned into a beautiful community collaboration that celebrates the magic of Gillette.

After a child has a seizure for the first time, it can be scary and overwhelming. Talking to medical professionals and getting answers is the best way to put worries at ease. At Gillette Children’s, we work one-on-one with patients and their families in order to determine underlying causes.

Gillette Children’s conducts clinical research every day to answer some of the most important questions for patients and families. We focus on improving treatments and making life better for children with medical conditions or disabilities.

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.

Deformational plagiocephaly, better known as "flat head", is a condition where a baby’s head has an uneven or irregular shape. Because external forces cause a flat head, it can occur while a baby is growing before and after birth. If the condition goes untreated, it can get worse. Gillette knows and understands just how important it is to help combat this condition and aims to treat it as soon as possible. This is why we became the first to create an orthosis approved by the FDA, known as the CranioCap or “baby helmet”.

Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of the summer travel season. Parents traveling with family members who have a disability are often dealing with extra issues and concerns. Preparation and knowledge are the keys to decreasing stress and having fun in the sun.

Whether your child is recovering from a spinal cord injury or they have just had spinal surgery, rehabilitation is key. What many families may not realize is that there are many forms of spinal cord rehabilitation. One that is often forgotten is occupational therapy.

Gillette Children's is marking its 125th anniversary in 2022. During this milestone year, we engaged stakeholders from across the Gillette community to shape our new mission statement and refresh our brand. We simplified our name a bit--we are now officially Gillette Children's. Read more to discover what this new name, look, and focus means.

For children with epilepsy, corpus callosotomy surgery is a way to reduce or eliminate seizures. This type of brain surgery for epilepsy can be incredibly beneficial; however, like all surgeries, there are some risks involved.

You know, there might be nothing more Minnesotan than lacing up a pair of skates and heading out to the rink. “You bet, you’d better believe it,” says Tony Lang of Loretto, Minnesota. “I grew up playing hockey my whole life. It’s a family tradition. In fact, when we had kids I built a rink in our backyard.”

Nurses are the backbone of care at Gillette Children’s. For 125 years this hospital has served as a pioneer in caring for children with complex brain, bone and movement conditions. Technology and innovation have allowed Gillette Children’s physicians and care teams to unlock so many medical mysteries, but one thing has remained the same – the unique dedication and impact of nurses at Gillette. 

Magnetic-controlled growth rods (MAGEC) eliminate repetitive surgical procedures in young patients with early-onset scoliosis.

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.

From fashion advice to practical tips for skin irritation, we answer the common questions kids and teens have about wearing scoliosis bracing.

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.

From light therapy and behavioral therapy to medication, our accredited sleep clinic uses a variety of methods to treat circadian rhythm disorders in children.

Born missing her arms, Ruth Evelyn (RE) can do pretty much anything using her feet. But she's always dreamed of riding a bike. So her family turned to Gillette to help make her dream a reality.

Wondering how to get a second opinion on your child’s recent diagnosis? Here’s how to make a second opinion request, where you can get access to a specialist's opinion quickly.

April is Occupational Therapy (OT) month and Gillette is highlighting the amazing work our OT team does every day to help our patients increase their independence with daily activities. Gillette is one of the only pediatric health care centers to have an ArmeoSpring machine. Our occupational therapists use this robotic exoskeleton to assist patients who are building strength as the result of trauma, cerebral palsy, neuromuscular conditions or stroke.

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.

Sleep apnea can affect anyone, at any age. There are a number of factors that can cause sleep apnea. Some of them can be treated, while others have to be managed.

Experiencing a seizure for the first time can be scary, especially as a child. As a parent, explaining what is happening and what will happen is the best way to put worries at ease.

"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.

Clubfoot is one of the most popular conditions we treat. The good news is that with the right care, clubfoot can be corrected completely.

Bubbles, books, and stuffed animals are tools of the trade for child life specialists at Gillette Children's. March is Child Life Month and a time to highlight the joy and hard work these health professionals bring to hospitalized children and their families. When you come to Gillette you’ll collaborate with child life specialists who have extensive knowledge of child development and are experts at understanding how a medical environment can affect children.

A 2013 study by the American Journal of Sports Medicine determined that kids who play one sport for 8 or more months a year are almost three times more likely to experience an overuse injury. At Gillette Children’s, our providers, nurses and staff are here to help treat overuse injuries in children of all ages and backgrounds. 

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. 

The Paralympic Games are underway in Beijing, China. More than 650 athletes are competing with five Para athletes from Minnesota. These Games are an opportunity to highlight people successfully living with a disability. "Pure Grit," a book from Gillette Children's Healthcare Press, echoes this theme and changes the preconceived notions about what is possible for people who have a disability.

An MRI uses magnets, invisible radio waves and computers to take detailed pictures of the inside of the body. In doing so, a provider can see bones, tendons, blood vessels, organs and soft tissues.

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

Gillette Children's is known worldwide for its research and expertise in caring for children diagnosed with rare diseases such as spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), Legg-Calve Perthes disease, Prader-Willi syndrome, Rett syndrome, and other conditions.

Gillette Children's is known worldwide for its expertise in caring for children diagnosed with rare diseases. Several Gillette providers are participating in an event at the University of Minnesota to talk about the successes and challenges in caring for rare disease disorders. Linda Krach, MD, is a Gillette rehabilitation medicine physician and a keynote speaker at the U of M event. Krach recently won a prestigious award for her work and is part of a team helping patients who have spina bifida and other rare diseases.

Music therapy helps manage pain, helps a child adjust to a hospital environment, provides positive emotional experiences, and promotes comfort and relaxation.

Rare Disease Day is Feb. 28, 2022. The main objective of the day is to raise awareness about how rare diseases have an impact on people’s lives and our communities. Gillette Children's is known worldwide for its expertise in caring for children diagnosed with rare diseases such as Rett syndrome, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), Legg-Calve Perthes disease, Prader-Willi syndrome and other conditions.

The 12th Annual Gillette Children's Adaptive Ski Day was an opportunity for children who have disabilities to discover the thrill of downhill skiing. Marcie Ward, MD, is a Gillette pediatric rehabilitation medicine physician and says these adaptive sports events bring joy and can transform children and families.

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.

Lucia Lazarus was only 5 years old when she had to have surgery at Gillette. She was devastated to learn she would miss Valentine's Day celebrations at school. But child life specialists at Gillette made sure she felt the love while in their care. Because of the dedication of the Gillette staff, Lucia's family worked to find ways to pay it forward. Now they make Valentine's Day bags for Gillette patients and help amplify the work of our researchers studying the use of Virtual Reality to help Gillette patients manage pain and anxiety.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication devices are part of a child's communication system, ranging from choice boards to iPad apps.

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. Oral disease is the top unmet health issue for children who have special needs. The dental clinic at Gillette Children's is one of only three facilities in the metro area that is specially equipped to serve patients who have disabilities.

Gillette Children's provides support and resources to help kids achieve their athletic goals. Our therapeutic recreation specialists take pride in helping kids improve their strength and flexibility while having the fun experience of playing sports.

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.

Learn how to walk and transition from beds, couches, and chairs after a child has hip preservation surgery.

You and your child can have access to the same trusted team of Gillette Children’s physical, occupational, and speech/language therapists from the safety and comfort of your own home. Thanks to technology and expanded access, Gillette Children’s has improved our virtual rehab therapy program.

We're one of the best children's hospitals in the U.S. because of our commitment to international standards of person-centered care as outlined by CARF.

When Tammy Sinkfield-Morey began her career as a nurse at Gillette, she was the first black woman to do so. Through the years, she’s been a tireless advocate for building a more diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace at Gillette. We recently spoke with Tammy about an article she co-authored in Creative Nursing, and what celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day means to her.

From wheelchair snow blades to wintertime maintenance, we've covered all the things you need to know to travel through snowy streets and sidewalks.

We get an update on one of the most popular stories posted on our Gillette Stories site. Owen Earl is still active thanks to spine surgery at Gillette Children's to help with a curvature in his back due to scoliosis. Gillette performs 80% of spinal fusion procedures in Minnesota and 65% of spine fusions to correct scoliosis.

Lipomyelomeningocele is a fatty mass under the skin on the child’s back, often seen as a lump on the child's spine. Learn more about this Spina Bifida condition.

Katie Peltz, PA recently joined the Orthopedics team at Gillette Children’s. Peltz specializes in treating idiopathic, neuromuscular and congenital scoliosis, along with a variety of other conditions.

I have always said that the only thing that I want for Peyton is for her to be able to “create her own story.” I want her to tell us what she is capable of doing and not let anyone believe less of her.

Caleb Binkert wrapped up a preholiday evening shift as a cashier at a Target in Vadnais Heights, Minnesota on November 6, 2020. He put on his bike helmet, his reflective clothing and started biking home around 9:30pm. Caleb, 17, does not remember anything from that day as he rode through a crosswalk to continue his journey home. In an instant his life changed.

Learn how to have age-appropriate conversations about pediatric surgery with your child. Our guide walks you through talking about surgery to kids of all ages.

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.

Many nurses, providers and staff at Gillette Children's are working over the holidays to ensure the high level of patient care continues. Nurse Kelsey Koppy works on the inpatient neurosciences unit and says forming a special holiday bond with families is something she "wouldn't trade for anything."

From severe pain and swelling to popping sounds, these are the signs your child has a torn ACL and sports injury.

Finding the perfect gift isn’t easy – and when you’re shopping for kids and young adults who have sensory issues, physical disabilities or other special needs, it can prove even more challenging. Here are some tips from the experts at Gillette Children's.

Self-proclaimed sushi fanatic, and a singer who has performed with Whitney Houston and Jennifer Hudson says if he was a better test-taker he might not be the new vice president of operations and chief operating officer for Gillette Children's. Thomas Harris, Jr. says his main focus is to make the Gillette experience smooth and enjoyable for families and staff.

Talking to your child about their medical diagnosis doesn’t have to be a solo pursuit. Your family has real, life-changing support at Gillette Children’s. 

Today we're sharing the story of Chloe and Gracie, two longtime Gillette patients connected by their shared condition of spina bifida, but much more important than that, their profound friendship. 

The emotional stories, the positive energy and people pulling together for a great cause are all part of this year’s KS95 for Kids Radiothon at the Mall of America on Dec. 10. This on-air radio fundraiser benefits Gillette Children's and M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital.

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.

To mark National Handwashing Awareness Week the Child and Family Services team at Gillette Children's shares tips on how to teach children to keep their hands clean to avoid germs and take precautions against COVID-19.

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.

Learn about skeletal dysplasia, a genetic disorder that causes abnormally shaped bones, especially in the head, spine and bones of the arms and legs.

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.

Many families are grateful for the opportunity to gather again this Thanksgiving as COVID-19 vaccines offer some protection from the virus. But holiday gatherings are not exactly back to the celebrations of the past. Matt Witham, PhD, manager of Child and Family Services at Gillette Children's, has some advice to modify traditions and keep our celebrations happy.

Infectious diseases have caused problems for millions of years. That’s why it’s important to wash our hands and clean surfaces we touch—especially in a health care setting. At Gillette, keeping our clinical spaces clean and sanitized is an essential part of the care that we provide.

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.

Proven to be a thorough method of diagnosing and treating joint problems, arthroscopy provides young patients with the least invasive, most effective treatment possible. As experts in treating children who have complex conditions, Gillette Children’s is here to help navigate the journey.

"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

Many parents of 5 to 11 year old children are anxious to get their child a COVID-19 vaccination. Children might be feeling anxious themselves for another reason. Gillette Children's Associate Medical Director of Pediatrics shares tips so children can feel brave and calm during a vaccination. Preparation, distraction and even a little screen time can help make the process go smoothly.

A diagnosis of epilepsy can be a confusing time for a family and child. November is Epilepsy Awareness Month and Gillette Children's wants to remind families we're a source for expert diagnosis, treatment and support of people who have epilepsy.

It’s the moment many parents have been anxiously waiting for—COVID-19 vaccines are being rolled out for children ages 5-to-11. Since the start of the pandemic in early 2020, Gillette Children's has been a strong advocate to ensure COVID vaccine access for for children with complex medical needs and their caregivers. A Gillette family shares their relief and gratitude now that vaccines are available for children.

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.

October is bullying prevention month and a time to raise awareness about the harm created by bullies. The Director of Child and Family Services at Gillette Children's says teamwork between parents and teachers is the key to help kids feel safe. He suggests some tips to help parents discern if their child is being bullied or simply being teased.

It’s funny, you never know at the time when you’re living the day that will change your life forever. But that’s what happened to me the day I met a boy named Bennett.

Stuttering is one of the most common reasons children come to Gillette Children's for a speech evaluation. Stuttering affects about 70 million people worldwide, including 3 million people in the United States. Gillette speech-language pathologist, Graham Schenck, PhD, shares when parents should be concerned about their child's speech.

ZaLayaa Wandrick is 9 years old. She’s an excellent cook, crafter and loves science, soccer and coding, but for much of her life, has had to deal with multiple sensory and complex medical conditions. Since her infancy, Zalayaa has endured a variety of different symptoms that have impacted her daily life, but perhaps the most frustrating thing about all of it has been that the underlying cause of these issues remained a mystery.

Gillette is one of the nation’s top providers of pediatric inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation. October is National Physical Therapy Month and a time to learn more about a few members of the Gillette PT team. A few of our physical therapists share their personal stories of what inspired them to enter the field and moments with patients they'll never forget.

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.   

Parents and health officials are bracing for what some are calling a “triple threat” to the health of children as the COVID-19 pandemic collides with the start of flu season and a surge of respiratory syncytial virus or RSV. Gillette is boosting efforts to make sure children who are medically fragile get a flu vaccination and is educating people about how to curb RSV and COVID-19.

Colton is 7 years old and this past April, had his 60th surgical procedure. Read Colton's remarkable story of resiliency in the face of adversity, here.