Patient Stories
Erin Quinney,My children have been treated at other hospitals but truly have only been cared for here at MGfC.
FAC member and mother of three.
Our patients are our heroes, our friends and our inspiration. Every day, we learn from the extraordinary people who make Mass General for Children their choice for family-centered care. Many patients and families come away with strong relationships forged during their time with us, and deeply touching stories of their patient-care journey.
These are their stories, in their own words.
Our patients and their families share strong bonds with their clinicians and care teams at Mass General for Children, and we hear every day how happy they are that they came to us for their care. We wanted to find a way to more broadly share these incredible stories of how MGfC’s family-centered care made a difference in these children’s lives. We invite you to browse these patient stories below, and learn more about the amazing families who trusted us to truly listen to their needs while delivering the best possible pediatric care. And if you have a story of your own you’d like share, please click the "Share your story" button to let us know!
Theo’s story: Neuroblastoma Diagnosis and Treatment Fail to Sap Spirit of Young Patient
At age five, Theo was diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma. It is a form of cancer that grows in the nerve tissue of babies and young children. Treatment can be grueling and involve chemotherapy, surgery, stem cell transplant, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. In spite of all he has been through, Theo has maintained a fierce determination and positive attitude.
Savannah’s story: Young Osteosarcoma Survivor Gets Back Into the Game, Thanks to Mass General for Children
Cancer may have taken much of Savannah Solivan's right leg. It couldn't, however, touch her heart or dampen her spirit. The 12-year-old survived a lengthy, harrowing medical journey and is now successfully adjusting to life with a prosthetic leg.
Lamar Jr.’s story: World-class Pediatric Care for When the Unexpected Happens
Today, Lamar Carter Jr. is an active, thriving toddler—an image that would have been unimaginable when he was born almost two years ago with multiple life-threatening conditions. His remarkable outcome was made possible by the extraordinary prenatal and pediatric care he received at Mass General for Children, one of the few hospitals in the United States equipped to handle such complex cases.
Grady and Keaton's story: Leaning into the MGfC community helps twins with autism become their best selves
Around 12 months of age, Grady and Keaton Hartford's mother, Candice, suspected that her twins may have autism spectrum disorder. As a nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Mass General for Children, Candice knew she could count on the hospital community to care for her boys. Now at age 7, Grady and Keaton are thriving.
Rowan's story: Team-based approach helps preschooler grow and thrive beyond expectation
At her one-month check-up, the pediatrician noticed that the cone shape in Rowan Lambert’s head, which usually goes away within 3-4 weeks, was still noticeable. Rowan’s fontanelle was higher up than usual and the bones in the front of her skull had fused. Genetic testing showed that Rowan had Crouzon syndrome. With care and support from her entire care team, Rowan is now thriving as a preschooler.
Savannah's story: Where complex care meets the maximum quality of life
Savannah Curran was born with an array of medical concerns. At 4 years old, genetic testing finally revealed that she had Ogden syndrome, a very rare genetic condition that affects about 100 people around the world. The multidisciplinary care she receives at MGfC helps her live life to the fullest.
Caitlin's story: A compassionate approach to care allows diver to pursue her college athlete dreams
As a teenager, Caitlin Bryan was diagnosed with sacroiliitis, an inflammatory condition of the lower back that threatened to put a halt to Caitlin’s love for competitive sport. With care from Pediatric Rheumatology and other specialties at MGfC, Caitlin was able to get back in the game as a competitive diver.
Molly's story: Human connection and innovative surgery helps teen with scoliosis
When Molly Murphy was in elementary school, a physical therapist found that she had scoliosis. If a back brace was not able to limit the progression of the curve, Molly’s family knew that eventually, their daughter would need surgery. They chose to come to MGfC for a new type of scoliosis surgery called anterior vertebral tethering. Since Molly's surgery in 2020, her scoliosis and quality of life have improved.
Rudy’s story: Down Syndrome Program helps preschooler hit every milestone in his own time
When Rudy Dyer came to the Down Syndrome Program at MGfC, he faced challenges with swallowing, walking and expressing himself through language. With the care and support of his family and the Down Syndrome Program, Rudy discovered his voice and tackled major milestones on his own schedule.
Josie’s story: A holistic approach ensures preschooler with Down syndrome thrives in all aspects of life
Karen Murray and her husband, Joe, were thrilled when they learned they’d be having twin girls. A week after their daughters were born, one of the twins, Josie, was diagnosed with Down syndrome. As Josie started preschool, she has flourished with the care and support of her family and the Down Syndrome Program at MGfC and Mass General.
Erin’s story: Kindness and inclusive care help researcher flourish after childhood liver transplant
Shortly after she turned 4, Walker had a successful liver transplant at MGfC. Now in her late 30s, Erin remembers the compassion and gentleness shown to her by Ronald Kleinman, MD, then a pediatric gastroenterologist and now the Physician-in-Chief at MGfC.
Amy's story: Community location ensures young woman receives critical post-transplant care
When Amy, 26, of Rehoboth, Mass., was in her teens, she was diagnosed with kidney failure. After a life-saving transplant with a kidney donated by her sister, Kayla, Amy is thriving and happier than she's been in months.
Alaina’s story: Mother’s intuition and community-based care saves kindergartner after chest injury
Alaina Harrington had a tiny cut on her chest after trying to stop a drinking glass from falling. An emergency room visit revealed that a glass shard had partially collapsed one of her lungs. After surgery to remove the glass shard, Alaina is breathing better and back to her typical happy, bubbly nature. Photo courtesy of Maeghan Silvestri.
Lena's story: Personal experience inspires preemie to pursue a career in medicine
Lena Papadakis was born a triplet with her two sisters, one of which is her identical twin. All three were born premature at 32 weeks. Lena, who was born with a variety of medical issues that commonly affect premature babies, is now pursuing a career in medicine, inspired by her own experience in the hospital as a child. Photo courtesy of Sayva Virmani.
Meg's story: Tethering surgery helps dancer with scoliosis stand tall once again
Dance and musical theater have been Meg’s greatest passions since she was 3 – and without a critical surgery to correct her scoliosis, her performance career almost ended prematurely. In June 2020, Meg had tethering surgery to help correct the curves in her spine. Within three months after surgery, she was ready to return to dance training with all her original flexibility, mobility and grace. Photo courtesy of Olive Photography.
Indiana’s story: Heart-to-heart care helps baby thrive after PICU stay
After open heart surgery at 2.5 months old, Indiana Sakash recovered in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at MGfC. As the months passed, Indiana flourished from a tiny infant who struggled to breathe and put on weight to a smiley baby who loved to eat, play and giggle around the clock.
Ingrid’s story: A multidisciplinary dress rehearsal helps baby and family thrive after high-risk surgery
After discovering a mass on baby Ingrid’s neck during an ultrasound and learning that she would need surgery immediate after birth, the Ramos family connected with the Fetal Care Program at MGfC. There, a team of providers crafted a plan for treatment before, during, and after delivery. Their response provided Ingrid with the complex care she needed. Now, she breathes freely and thrives as a healthy baby.
Beau’s story: A true partnership in care helps baby thrive after cleft lip and palate surgery
At Sarah Mannion’s 19-week ultrasound, doctors at Mass General for Children (MGfC) discovered that her son, Beau, had a cleft lip and palate. Initially feeling lost and uncertain, the Mannions were welcomed into the Fetal Care Program and the Cleft and Craniofacial Center, where Beau learned to thrive after surgery and multidisciplinary care.
Emilio’s story: Finding hope through comprehensive, personalized care
At almost 3 years old, Emilio Such was diagnosed with craniopharyngioma and after a craniotomy, needed radiation to shrink what remained of the tumor. At the Francis H. Burr Proton Therapy Center at MGfC, Emilio marched in with a smile his care team was determined to keep on his face whenever possible.
Dayanara’s story: A team-based approach leads to greater confidence for girl with Down syndrome
When Dayanara Benitez, 10, comes to MGfC, the exam room becomes a dance hall when she shows off her moves. Dayanara, who has Down syndrome, and her care team discuss life at home and at school, and her confidence is proof that she is thriving.
Nicholas’s story: Food challenges take toddler from restrictive diet to food freedom
At 4 months old, Nicholas Weeks tried peanut butter and broke out in hives. Allergy tests showed he was also allergic to milk, eggs, mustard and tree nuts. After various food challenges at MGfC's Food Allergy Center, Nicholas is no longer considered allergic to many foods and his family found food freedom.
Wes's story: A chilly start leads to a brighter outcome
At 39 weeks, Weston Joujoute's mother Kiera's placenta stopped working. He was not getting enough oxygen. Doctors delivered Wes via emergency C-section and started him on therapeutic hypothermia for three days. Now a curious, babbling toddler, Wes is meeting all his milestones.
Grayson’s story: Hurdle by hurdle, toddler reaches the finish line with family-centered care.
At her 20-week ultrasound, Ashley McAlpine and her husband, Garret, learned their son, Grayson, had a congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). After surgery and a harrowing 13 days on life support, Grayson embodies what it means to reach the finish line no matter the obstacles.
Jesse's story: Seeing beyond disability helps teen thrive
For the first 12 years of his life, Jesse Simon lived with an undiagnosed genetic disorder that puzzled many doctors. After several tests, his parents were at a loss for an explanation for their son’s nonverbal behaviors, developmental delays and occasional outbursts. After some time, Jesse tested positive for Pitt Hopkins syndrome and has learned how to thrive in his loving community.
Shea's story: A preemie's testament to resiliency
When Shea Tufts was born premature at 27 weeks, the Neonatal care team did CPR for 12 nerve-wracking minutes to help her heart beat on its own. Now an energetic preschooler, Shea's rocky first few months paved the way for her to thrive.
Ethan's story: A partnership in healing
When Ethan Datsis, 17, smiles, everyone else follows suit. His parents, Ellen and Kurt, knew something wasn't right when Ethan, who has autism and is non-verbal, showed that he was in pain. A partnership with his care team and surgery with an uncertain outcome helped bring back the smile Ethan is known for.
Liam's story: Turning lemons into lemonade for IBD research
On Aug. 31, 2018, 9-year-old Liam Doherty organized his second annual lemonade stand to support the research of Jess Kaplan, MD, clinical director of the Mass Generalfor Children Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Center.
Zach's story: Fewer food allergies means more precious childhood memories
On Christmas morning of 2017, the Leitao’s house filled with the delicious scent of holiday cookies. For Zach Leitao, 8, this was a special occasion – he was about to try his first Christmas cookie. After they cooled, he took a bite and tears of joy came down his face. In the past, Zach, who has severe food allergies, typically had his own special plate of sweets. Just a few days prior to his first bite, he was declared free of three serious food allergies.
Paul's story: Brain tumor patient leaves a handprint on the hearts of many in Pediatric Neurosurgery
Paul Murphy is a young man of few words and tremendous actions. After receiving an unexpected diagnosis at age 18, Murphy’s gratitude for his care team in Pediatric Neurosurgery at Mass General for Children is now set in concrete.
Sofia's story: Small, but mighty preschooler conquers her world amid rare diagnosis
Sofia is one of an estimated 500 children in the world diagnosed with Pitt Hopkins syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects development, speech and intellect. This little girl, although tiny in size, is proving she is capable of big things despite her rare diagnosis.
Claire’s story: Overcoming Cancer
Catch up with Claire who came to the Proton Therapy Center at Mass General for Children for treatment at age 20 months, and is now thriving in 8th grade!
Olivia's story: Finding inner strength and grace through a complex diagnosis
Perseverance and grace are qualities that people often learn through life’s experiences. For 17-year-old Olivia Renzi, those qualities are personal keystones that allow her to transform stumbling blocks into stepping stones.
Mihaly's story: Surgical intervention saves infant from complex intestinal disorder
When Mihaly Oge was born 5 weeks premature, her abdomen was swollen – a clear sign of internal pressure. During surgery, Mihaly was diagnosed with jejunal atresia and midgut volvulus and spent four months in the NICU to recover. Now that she is home, Mihaly is almost ready to learn how to eat by mouth.
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