We have recounted this story many times, but wanted to share it once more as a testament to the exceptional care we've received at Boston Children's Hospital for both of our children, Brendan (9) and Carter (5). Here are their journeys:
At six months old, Brendan experienced feeding difficulties, consuming only eight ounces of fluid a day, far less than is required for his age. After multiple visits to the emergency room and numerous overnight stays, Brendan was admitted to Children's Hospital for a month. He was diagnosed with FPIES, an extremely rare allergic reaction to cow's milk protein, affecting only 0.28% of the population. This marked the beginning of Brendan's complex relationship with food, as he was later diagnosed with ARFID. We are proud to say he just recently graduated from the ARFID Clinic now receives treatment on an "as needed" basis!
Following in his brother's footsteps, Carter has undergone three surgeries at Children's Hospital, two of which occurred during the pandemic, posing additional challenges due to Covid. His second surgery required a two- day stay in the ICU, followed by another two days in the inpatient unit.
We share these experiences not for sympathy but to highlight the exceptional care we have received at this remarkable institution. The medical team identified an allergy that affects a minuscule portion of the population, the nurses provided nurturing care to our children as if they were there own, and the support staff handled all administrative tasks and insurance matters, easing our burden during difficult times. Above all, everyone demonstrated kindness, compassion, and love. We are profoundly grateful for the staff's unwavering positivity, creating a supportive environment where our focus could remain on our children's well-being.
