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You may have heard about management changes at the hospital earlier this summer. Long time Franciscan Hospital for Children team member Donna Polselli was appointed to the role of interim CEO while a full search for a new leader formally begins this fall. Feedback about the change has been positive and we expect the hospital will continue to provide outstanding care under her leadership.
The change elicited responses from many families who expressed their support for the great clinical care and education we provide, a mission that remains our constant focus. Read on to hear from two children who can speak personally about the difference Franciscan Hospital for Children has made in their lives. |
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Feature: Brooke's Story |
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 Fourteen year old Brooke was walking home after a fun afternoon out with her cousin when she was hit by a driver who swerved off the road and onto the sidewalk. Her quick-thinking cousin frantically searched for her, calling Brooke's mom and 911 for help.
Thrown fifty feet into the woods, Brooke survived the initial impact but with most of the bones in her face broken and legs crushed.
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Growing Up With a Learning Disability |
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A personal account by Conor Frederick, former patient.
 Kids who grow up with a learning disability have it rougher than normal kids. I know because I am one of those kids. At age 3, I was diagnosed with Non-Verbal Learning Disorder, which meant I had trouble picking up verbal cues and I had trouble with fine motor skills, like handwriting and sewing.
At times, it is was also hard starting a conversation. When I was in elementary school, I had a stutter, and I had an even harder time talking to my peers than I do today, so I didn't have a lot of friends, at least until I got to high school and began to gain confidence in my self. LEARN MORE |
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Biking is for Everyone! |
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Outdoor play is important to help kids exercise, st ay healthy and strong! For some children with special needs, jumping rope, outdoor sports, throwing a ball, or riding a bicycle can be challenging.
The Adaptive Bicycle Summer Camp program developed by physical therapists in the Research Center at Franciscan Hospital for Children introduces adaptive bicycles to children with special needs to give them the opportunity to ride!
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