Summer 2007 - Arkansas Children's Hospital

RyanGarrettAnnaKatherineGreenKeelyKeenomCadeMcCredyRyan Garrett, 4, El DoradoRyan was diagnosed with an inguinal hernia shortlyafter birth, and at 5 weeks old, he was diagnosedwith intussusception, a condition in which part ofhis intestine folded inward and into itself.Doctors were able to perform a simple, non-surgicalprocedure that relieved his intussusceptionsymptoms. Ryan also had outpatient surgery atACH a few months later to repair his inguinalhernia. His mother describes him as a sweetchild who loves exploring his surroundings.Anna Katherine Green, 5, Little RockAnna Katherine had her first heart surgery when shewas just 1 day old. After the first surgery, a “kink”was discovered in her intestines, so another surgerywas necessary to repair her small intestine. Sevenmonths later, Anna Katherine had her second heartsurgery at ACH. In early 2007, she was back in thehospital with pancreatitis, a disease that normallydoes not affect children. Today, Anna Katherinevisits ACH every six months to monitor herheart condition. In June 2007, she had her thirdand final heart surgery. Anna Katherine currentlytakes piano lessons, dance and gymnastics classes, and sheloves to swim.Keely Keenom, 8, ViloniaKeely was born with a rare birth defect that requiredsurgery at Arkansas Children’s Hospital when she wasonly 1 day old. She was diagnosed with tracheoesophageal fistula/esophageal atresia, a condition inwhich her esophagus connected to her tracheainstead of to itself. She spent a month at ACHbefore going home for the first time and was backin the hospital a few more times that year for outpatientsurgeries to repair her esophagus.Though the surgeries improved Keely’s condition,she still suffers from tracheomalacia, or a“floppy” trachea. Because of this, even a common coldcan often result in pneumonia. Keely is a charming, wellmanneredgirl who loves sports — especially softball —and her family.Cade McCredy, 2, FayettevilleCade was born 10 weeks early and was diagnosed withan abnormal development of lung tissue common inpremature babies. He was moved from a hospital inMissouri to Washington Regional Medical Center(WRMC) in Fayetteville. At WRMC, Cade was underthe care of an Arkansas Children’s Hospital neonatologistwho is on staff at WRMC. The WRMC neonatalintensive care unit is an extension/satellite ofACH. After going home, Cade remained on oxygenfor eight months and had monthly visits to theneonatology clinic at ACH in Little Rock. Cade is nowa happy, laid-back child who loves playing with balls andcars and enjoys imitating his big sister.Cole Nash, 6, MonticelloAt age 2 ½, Cole became sick to his stomach andbruises began appearing all over his body. Thefamily consulted a doctor, who took a bloodsample and immediately sent Cole and his familyto Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Once at ACH,Cole was diagnosed with acute lymphocyticleukemia. He began chemotherapy immediately.Within six weeks, Cole was in remission.His treatment continued for three years, andhe never had a relapse. He still visits ACH once amonth for tests to monitor his remission. Cole wantsto be an animal doctor when he grows up.Lindsey Taylor, 6, Little RockLindsey began her life with serious heart problems.The day after her birth, Lindsey’s pediatricianheard a heart murmur and promptly sent her toACH for further testing. At ACH, Lindsey wasdiagnosed with transposition of the great arteries,pulmonary stenosis, cleft mitral valve and aventricle septal defect. She has had three surgeriesat ACH, and with each surgery has becomestronger and healthier. Lindsey continues totake medication and receive regular check-upsfrom her cardiologist. She is involved in cheerleadingand choir at her church.Jacob Wells, 6, SearcyJacob was flown to ACH immediately after birth,where doctors diagnosed him with tetrology of fallotwith absent pulmonary valve. This heart defectalso damages the lungs and upper airway. Heunderwent two open-heart surgeries and when itwas determined he was not breathing on his own,doctors performed a tracheostomy to assist hisbreathing. Jacob relied on a ventilator to helphim breathe for three years. He continues tovisit ACH for check-ups and will eventuallyrequire another heart surgery. Today, he is ahappy, healthy child who talks non-stop andenjoys playing with trains and watching themovie “Cars.”Sadie Wood, 14, FayettevilleOne wouldn’t know that just a few years ago Sadiewas diagnosed with a disease that could have endedher competitive swimming career. In April 1998,Sadie was referred to ACH where she was diagnosedwith juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, a chroniccondition that causes joint inflammation, pain,swelling, redness and stiffness. Although she is avery active teenager, Sadie has experienced somepermanent effects of the arthritis and still visitsACH regularly for checkups. Her future goalsinclude qualifying for the junior nationalswimming championships, obtaining a collegeswimming scholarship and entering the nursing fieldafter graduation.ColeNashLindseyTaylorJacobWellsSadieWood5