Orthopedics, Patient Stories, Scoliosis

Spine surgery using 3D technology saves Indiana girl from paralysis

An innovative surgery using 3D printing technology is alleviating pain for some of the most critical and complicated cases. A 13-year-old girl from Clarksville, Indiana is one of those cases. Haley Kessinger was born with achondroplasia, a common form of dwarfism, as well as a deformity in her spine. As Haley got older, the curve…

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Ebstein Anomaly, Heart, Patient Stories

Heart team helps firefighter ‘feel 100%’ after surgery for Ebstein anomaly

Luke Coward was born with Ebstein anomaly of the tricuspid valve, an extremely rare congenital heart condition that accounts for less than 1% of all congenital heart conditions. From the time he was diagnosed at 18 months old, he never felt limited by the condition. He was an active, healthy, happy child who just happened…

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Childrens Hospital Foundation, Foundation, Norton Childrens Hospital, Patient Stories

Barbara Bernard – Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser

Barbara Bernard is a regular volunteer in the child life and expressive therapies department at Norton Children’s Hospital, helping with kids’ playtime, supporting parents and helping others any way she can. She has been an active volunteer with Norton Children’s Hospital for over 11 years. “Over her decade of service, Barbara has donated thousands of…

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Childrens Hospital Foundation, Foundation, Patient Stories

Teen who survived cancer twice still gives back

As a two-time cancer survivor, Aiden Johnson is no stranger to the hospital. Over the course of 6 1/2 years, he spent countless days as a patient in the Addison Jo Blair Cancer Care Center at Norton Children’s Hospital. This summer he returned to the cancer unit, but in a very different role. He served…

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Cancer, Employee stories - Norton Healthcare, Patient Stories, Sarcoma

2-year-old cancer survivor from China finds a new home in Louisville

Since she was a child, Jenni Haynes wanted to adopt a baby girl from overseas. That dream recently became reality. In April 2018, Jenni and her husband adopted a 2-year-old girl from China who had survived cancer as an infant. The girl’s right arm was amputated when she was 5 months old after she was…

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Epilepsy, Neurosciences, Patient Stories

Sisters’ bond helps family manage epilepsy

Seven years ago, my younger sister, Samantha, was diagnosed with epilepsy. Who would have thought that fluttering her eyes was actually a seizure? Sam didn’t seem herself, and so our pediatrician ordered a sleep-deprived electroencephalogram (EEG). This is a test that looks at how the brain works when it’s tired. At first, Sam thought it…

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Patient Stories

Halloween fun at Norton Children’s

Follow Norton Children’s on social media Facebook Twitter Instagram Halloween is a fun time at Norton Children’s locations throughout Louisville and Southern Indiana. Patients and staff at Norton Children’s facilities dressed up, trick-or-treated and celebrated the fun fall holiday together. Check out all of our Halloween fun below! NCH staff costume FB album: NWCH staff…

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Heart, Heart Transplant, Patient Stories, PICU

Baby elephant’s name to be unveiled by toddler with a new heart

In Eli Alexander’s 23 months of life, he has overcome a congenital heart defect with the help of a heart transplant. His family has taken to comparing his strength and bravery to an elephant’s. It only made sense that he should help unveil the name of the Louisville Zoo’s baby elephant. In a naming contest…

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Heart, Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, Patient Stories

Courageous Clay gets his heart transplant follow-up visits closer to home in Bowling Green

Nicole Pendino has a courageous son. In fact, his nickname is “Courageous Clay.” Many members of his hometown community in Bowling Green, Kentucky, have rallied around him over the past 12 years. In 2017 when Clay’s heart condition worsened and he was added to the heart transplant list, he was literally fighting for his life…

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Heart, Heart Transplant, Patient Stories

Family follows journey their son’s heart took to transplant in 8-year-old

A day of tragedy in Charles City, Iowa, has led to lasting friendship and love for two families connected through one heartbeat. After Lenny and Wendy Luft’s 15-year-old son was injured in an all-terrain vehicle accident, his condition worsened. As it became clear he wouldn’t survive, they decided to donate his organs. “It was a…

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Brain Tumor, Cancer, Neuroblastoma, Patient Stories, Radiology, Solid Tumor

Family’s journey with child’s neuroblastoma goes from shock to hope

Andrea and Barry Smith will never forget April 25, 2018. That’s the day their 18-month-old daughter, Emaleigh, had a computed tomography (CT) scan that threw the family into a tailspin. The Smiths had barely gotten home from the test when the doctor called. Emaleigh had a solid tumor in her chest, near vertebrae — hugging…

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Cancer, Patient Stories, Sarcoma

Woman’s own cancer journey reassures grandson with osteosarcoma

Symptoms of osteosarcoma in kids Pain and swelling are common signs of osteosarcoma. It is not unusual for active children and teenagers to experience limb pain as they grow, but any pain that lingers beyond two weeks should be checked by a medical provider, especially if it involves swelling. According to the American Cancer Society,…

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