Kora Sands - Summer 2017

KORA SANDS SPRING 2017
July is National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness Month.
The following is a reflection from a Shriners Hospitals for
Children — Boston parent whose daughter was born with cleft
lip and palate.
BOSTON HOSPITAL HAPPENINGS
Kara’s Story
By Ethel Dow, Shriners Hospitals for Children — Boston parent
I was 34 weeks pregnant when doctors told me there was a
possibility my baby would be born with both cleft lip and palate.
This news came as huge shock. The condition does not run on
either side of the family and my older daughter was not born
with either cleft lip or palate. A few weeks later, beautiful Kara
was born and the doctors’ concerns were confirmed.
Kara’s father and I found Shriners Hospitals for Children —
Boston through an acquaintance in our town whose children
had seen Dr. Lewis. I made an appointment, had a consultation
and left our first visit feeling completely comfortable placing
my daughter’s care in his hands.
This was just the beginning of Kara’s journey. We have been
going to the Boston Shriners Hospital since Kara was six weeks
old. Today she is a happy, healthy nine-year-old. We have a
great love for all the staff, all the nurses in the clinic and on the
recovery floor, and Susie the medical photographer. The nurses
who have cared for Kara take care of her like she is their own
daughter. As a mom, I cannot thank them enough.
Kara’s journey at Shriners Hospital has also brought new
friends. She became best of friends with one of her “roommates,”
keeping in touch often.
Shriners Hospitals for Children — Boston is a special place,
not just because of the great care Kara has received, but because
of the tremendous support we have all received.
Girl comes to Boston for treatment of burn injuries – gains so much more!
Esterlina’s story
By Hilary Smith-Chong, DPT, PCS, staff physical therapist, Shriners Hospitals for Children — Boston
Esterlina arrived in Boston this past fall from the
Dominican Republic, for treatment of a severe burn injuries,
but was able to receive so much more. Esterlina was 6 years
old when she was injured and started her treatment here.
She had full thickness burns to her abdomen and both legs
from her dress catching fire. It was reported that she had
developmental delays and that she was not able to speak. She
was scared and not able to communicate her wants and needs
to the staff. Over time, her team was able to build a rapport
with her and found ways to communicate through gestures
and pointing. She only had three words in her vocabulary,
but had a persistent spirit and positive energy.
Esterlina needed to be in the hospital for several months
as she underwent skin grafting and serial casting to treat her
burn injuries and contractures (a condition of shortening and
hardening of muscles, tendons or other tissue, often leading to
deformity and rigidity of joints.) As the relationship between
Esterlina, her mother and the Shriners Hospital staff grew, her
team discovered that Esterlina had perforated eardrums. Her
team began to suspect that Esterlina’s communication issues
were the result of hearing loss caused by ear infections she had
as an infant. Once Esterlina’s burn injuries were stable, the
team worked to have her seen by the experts at Massachusetts
Eye and Ear.
At Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Esterlina was seen by an
otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat doctor) who diagnosed
her with moderate hearing loss in both ears and recommended
that she receive hearing aids. She was able to receive hearing
aids through the Curing Kids Fund. According to their website,
the Curing Kids Fund uses donations to “fund research and
SUMMER CEREMONIAL REGISTRATION DEADLINE JUNE 2ND
Register online at www.korashriners.org or by contacting the Kora Office
at 207-782-6831 or email at khansen@korashriners.org. See pages 21-25.
10
207-782-6831