Genetics, News

Toddler defies odds after being diagnosed with rare genetic disease

Everleigh Johns is a miracle baby. She has an extremely rare genetic condition, but it wasn’t an easy or clear path to reach her diagnosis. For months, her care team never stopped treating her symptoms while searching for answers — until a special genetic test would finally reveal the cause of Everleigh’s struggles. By the…

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Neurosciences, News

Norton Children’s diagnoses rare brain malformation in Owensboro patient

The Priar family was enjoying a summer barbecue when they noticed something was wrong with their 2-year-old son, George. “We were at a pool party, and he started staring off, just kind of went blank, so we called 911,” said Larissa Priar, George’s mother. “George was taken to our local emergency department, and we learned…

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Heart, Kentucky Poison Control Center, News, Norton Childrens Medical Group

Side effects of energy drinks in kids and teens

Energy drinks, sports drinks and other beverages with high amounts of caffeine and added sugar can make kids and adults, sleepless, jittery and anxious. Increased heart rate and high blood pressure are other risks of highly caffeinated energy drinks. In children and teens, the child and parent may not be aware of all that’s in…

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Defibrillator and Pacemaker, Heart, News

Saved by the first tiny pacemaker, Heavenleigh finds her forever home

Anyone who’s met Heavenleigh falls in love with her grin. It’s been winning people over since she was an infant. Heavenleigh has an even bigger reason to smile these days. Almost three years after receiving the first specially-designed, tiny pacemaker for a premature infant, she is now officially adopted by the family who raised her….

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Employee stories - Norton Childrens, Gastroenterology, News

Norton Children’s names new pediatric gastroenterology chief

Norton Children’s has named a new physician to lead its gastroenterology team. James P. Franciosi, M.D., will serve as chief of Norton Children’s Gastroenterology and division chief of the University of Louisville School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. In these roles, Dr. Franciosi will lead Norton Children’s team of physicians…

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Behavioral-Mental Health, Cancer, Endocrinology, Neurosciences, News, Norton Childrens Hospital, Orthopedics, Pulmonology, Urology

Norton Children’s nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report

Norton Children’s has been named in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Children’s Hospitals 2024-2025 rankings. In addition to being named the top children’s hospital in Kentucky, Norton Children’s was nationally ranked in seven specialties. “We’re honored to be the No. 1 children’s hospital in Kentucky and home to some of the nation’s best specialties…

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Diabetes, Endocrinology

Teen doesn’t let Type 1 diabetes stand in the way of playing soccer 

Ethan Wright takes any obstacle he faces in stride. His passion for playing soccer has only continued to grow since his Type 1 diabetes diagnosis, which has taught him even more about grit and determination — both on and off the soccer field. Ethan, a 15-year-old student at the J. Graham Brown School in Louisville,…

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Cancer, News

After anemia and leukemia, this little girl is ready to move to the beat 

Every year in the U.S., 3,500 to 4,000 children are diagnosed with leukemia. That’s about 30% of all childhood cancers. Leukemia is a type of cancer that develops in the bone marrow. New blood cells don’t grow properly, which leads to production of many of these immature cells. The most common type in children often…

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Diabetes, Endocrinology, News

World-renowned diabetes researcher joins Wendy Novak Diabetes Institute

An internationally known researcher is joining Wendy Novak Diabetes Institute, a part of Norton Healthcare and Norton Children’s, with the goal of curing Type 1 diabetes. Norton Healthcare and Norton Children’s announced plans to build a specialized laboratory to help him and his team carry out their groundbreaking work and become a hub for diabetes research…

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NICU

Norton Children’s becomes home away from home for twins born at 27 weeks

Audrey Bennett from Bowling Green, Kentucky, was excited to be a first-time mom and overjoyed for the arrival of twins. “I had written out and discussed my birthing plan in advance,” Audrey said. “I was confident going into my next appointment, but things quickly changed when the twins had other plans. I went into labor…

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Orthopedics, Scoliosis

New orthopedic surgery tool reduces kids’ X-ray exposure while increasing precision

Norton Children’s orthopedic surgeons now have more advanced computer navigation technology to treat kids and teenagers with scoliosis and other spine deformities. Called the 7D Surgical Navigation System, this imaging guidance system is designed to aid surgeons in the operating room. Norton Children’s Hospital is the first pediatric hospital in Kentucky to use 7D. “With…

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Transport Team

Transport team helps critically ill boy receive lifesaving ECMO care in Louisville

Every cold season typically brings challenges for Bodi Johnson, a 5-year-old Western Kentucky boy with Down syndrome. His vulnerability to respiratory infections often leads to hospital stays, and November 2023 was no different. Bodi was admitted to an Evansville, Indiana, hospital with a severe case of respiratory syncytial virus, also known as RSV. The infection…

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