Shriners Children's New England Newsletter

“The best decision we ever made:” Cleft lip and palate care at Shriners Children’s New England cont. from page 3

sigh of relief knowing that there would be a highly researched and successful treatment plan for each of our children.” The family travels to the Friday cleft lip and palate clinic about every four to six months for follow up care. Instead of feeling anxious about the medical appointments that await them during the 90-minute drive, everyone actually looks forward to each visit. “They love the clinic, because there is always some sort of present,” said Melissa. “The fun environment and the incredibly nice people are all part of the picture that reduces stress for kids.” That allows all three teens to stay focused on their busy lives. Matt, 16, is enrolled in a highly selective public school program for aviation in upstate New York. He is also an extreme athlete, making it to the U.S. Nationals for freestyle skiing in his first year of competition. Influenced by the treatment he’s received at Shriners, Teddy is interested in pursuing a medical career. He is 15, plays bass in his school jazz band and runs cross country and track. Bethany had significant delays when she came to her family from China at age 2, unable to walk, crawl, talk or chew. Now 13 and an active 8th grader, she backpacks and kayaks, plays lacrosse and participates in Scouts

MATT

ON THE RIGHT PATH Both Matt and Teddy had pharyngeal flap surgery at Shriners Children’s, performed by plastic and reconstructive surgeon Kristin Stueber, M.D. This procedure addresses nasal speech by lifting a flap of tissue from the back of the child’s throat and attaching it to the back of the palate, which prevents air from leaking out through the nose when speaking. Matt and Teddy now speak clearly and no longer require speech therapy. Teddy had additional bone graft surgery which was equally successful. Bone grafts help cleft lip and palate patients by improving bone structure, development, and overall appearance. Bethany had bone graft surgery this fall and was much less nervous about this next stage of treatment after seeing her brothers’ speedy recoveries. The family also found the orthodontic care they were seeking from Aaron DeMaio, D.M.D., an orthodontist on the cleft lip and palate team. “We have been to so many different medical facilities, and nothing compares to Shriners,” said Melissa. “This team of professionals were the most experienced doctors and therapists that we have ever encountered, and it was such an incredible

TEDDY

4 Because You Care