Chiari Malformation, Employee stories - Norton Childrens, Migraine Headaches, Neurosciences, Patient Stories

‘A heartbeat in my head’

At 10 years old, Halle Shelton didn’t have the words to explain what was happening inside her head. She just knew it hurt. It started in 2014 with double vision and small symptoms that didn’t seem connected. Then came the migraine pain. Her eye doctor noticed dangerous pressure and sent her to a specialist, who…

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Health & Wellness, Spine

Wearing a Scoliosis Brace

There’s no way around it: Kids who need to wear a scoliosis brace need to wear it a lot and for a long time. Bracing is intended to halt the progression of a spinal curve while a child is still growing. A scoliosis brace typically doesn’t straighten a curve completely, but wearing a brace as…

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Heart, Patient Stories

A new heart for Lorenzo: A story of hope and love

Complex diagnosis and delivery The diagnosis was hypoplastic left heart syndrome with mitral stenosis and aortic atresia, a severe congenital heart condition in which the left side of the heart is critically underdeveloped. Lorenzo’s very small left ventricle could not function properly; the mitral valve was narrowed, and the aortic valve was completely blocked. With…

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Nephrology, Patient Stories

What seemed like a stubborn strep infection was kidney failure — at age 7

When Isabelle Black started running fevers after her 7th birthday, the explanation seemed simple: Strep throat was going around. She tested positive and took antibiotics. The fever went away — only to return again and again over the next few months. After four rounds of antibiotics, Isabelle started losing weight and didn’t have much of…

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Orthopedics, Patient Stories

Clubfoot journey: Cory’s steps forward inspire

When DeLanna and Ryne Williams of Bowling Green, Kentucky, were expecting their second child and went for a 20-week anatomy scan, concerns from the scan led to additional imaging. Soon after, they learned that their baby, Cory, had a medical condition that could be identified before birth. Early diagnosis They were referred to Norton Children’s…

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Heart, News

Norton Children’s Heart Institute welcomes Felix W. Tsai, M.D., pediatric heart surgeon: ‘It’s about the families’:

Norton Children’s Heart Institute is proud to welcome Felix W. Tsai, M.D., as our newest pediatric heart surgeon. This milestone marks a meaningful step forward for families across Kentucky and the surrounding region. With Dr. Tsai’s arrival, our program now includes three dedicated pediatric heart surgeons, which is a significant expansion of our surgical team….

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News, Spine

Children’s spine care just got a trusted new champion

Families across Kentucky and Southern Indiana now have a new place to turn for specialized pediatric spine care. Norton Children’s and Norton Leatherman Spine have combined their expertise to create something remarkable: Norton Children’s Leatherman Spine — a dedicated practice built exclusively to serve children facing spine disorders. With two convenient Louisville locations (downtown on…

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Heart, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Patient Stories

Lainey’s story of prenatal health issues discovered and her path to healing

When Madeline and Jonathan Brennan of Bowling Green, Kentucky, were expecting their third daughter, they had no idea how different this pregnancy would be from their first two. At 12 weeks, a routine blood test revealed an atypical finding on chromosome 21, an early indication that their baby, Lainey, might have Down syndrome. The results…

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Heart, Patient Stories

A strong heart, a steady home

On a quiet farm in Marshall County, Kentucky, where the land slopes gently toward Kentucky Lake, 15-year-old Penn Edwards starts most days the same way — by caring for the animals he loves, including his 215-pound mastiff. It’s a simple routine, grounded in responsibility and love. Few would guess that Penn’s heart, quite literally, made…

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Child Abuse Prevention, Prevention & Wellness

Kentucky’s child abuse rate is fifth highest in the country

Kentucky’s child abuse rate is one of the highest in the U.S., according to the latest national report, with the commonwealth now nearly doubling the national child abuse rate. The “Child Maltreatment 2024” report, released this year by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Children’s Bureau, found the rate of child maltreatment victims…

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Heart, Patient Stories

Father’s “American Idol” journey takes a turn as newborn son has heart surgery at Norton Children’s

When Christian Brown stepped onto the “American Idol” stage, he was standing in the spotlight he’d dreamed about since childhood. Music had carried Christian from small stages in Franklin, Kentucky, all the way to a golden ticket, yet it was becoming a father right before his audition that reshaped everything he knew about dreams, purpose…

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Neurosciences, Patient Stories, Spina Bifida

On Day 2 of Life, a 7-Hour Spine Surgery Gave Lucinda a Chance at Life

When 1-year-old Lucinda Owens claps her hands, waves hello, and sits up to play with her books, her parents see a miracle. The toddler from Jeffersonville, Indiana, who was born with the most severe form of spina bifida, is now reaching milestones once thought impossible, thanks to a groundbreaking surgery and multidisciplinary care at Norton…

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