Meet our Patients
Garrison’s Story
Active, energetic and carefree are just a few adjectives that describe Garrison Hayes. From the huge smile on his face, you would never know that just three years ago Garrison was confronted with a terrifying medical diagnosis that required an amputation.
In February 2005, Garrison began to experience pain in his left knee. When his mother, Kori, noticed him favoring his right leg and hopping around the house, she examined him closely. Although there was no discoloration or swelling, his knee was very tender to the touch, so Kori sought medical attention immediately. Garrison’s pediatrician ordered an x-ray of his right leg, revealing a large growth on Garrison’s knee. Garrison had osteosarcoma, a cancerous bone tumor.
Garrison’s pediatrician understood the severity of his condition and immediately contacted The Children’s Hospital and Dr. Travis Heare, an orthopaedic oncologist who quickly cleared his schedule to see Garrison. Garrison started on a path that included endless tests and months of chemotherapy. His team of doctors showed extreme patience and understanding, explaining everything directly to Garrison in “kid terms”.
Unfortunately, all of the options available for Garrison to beat his cancer included a form of amputation. Among the three possible surgeries, one stood out as the right choice for Garrison: the Van Ness Rotationplasty. The new alternative to conventional leg amputation promised Garrison the best quality of life. This innovative surgery accomplished the task of removing the diseased tissue while salvaging much of the healthy limb that could then be fitted with a prosthetic.
Through expert care at The Children’s Hospital, Garrison’s cancer is now in remission. He visits the hospital regularly for physical therapy and monthly check-ups. As his health and strength improve, he is continuing his karate studies and is even learning to ski. At a glance Garrison is an ordinary kid, but with a closer look you’ll find an extraordinary spirit and a true champion!
Children’s patient Eryn Ely and her mom Theresa
At the young age of 16 months, Eryn Ely was diagnosed with primary pulmonary hypertension, a fatal condition if left untreated. She was in the worst stage of the disease, experiencing active heart, liver and kidney failure. Her condition vastly improved through the placement of a permanent catheter, administering medication 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Today, Eryn is an extremely energetic second-grader who loves being involved with her Brownie Troop. She has a passion for animals, including her dog Travis, and plans on becoming a veterinarian. Eryn’s health is better than ever, and barring any unforeseen complications, she will be free of her "permanent" heart catheter sometime in 2008.
Bryan Warnecke
Bryan was born slightly premature. At three weeks of age, he was losing rather than gaining weight. Tests showed that Bryan had cystic fibrosis and was having serious breathing problems. It was devastating news for his family, who never suspected that Bryan, who was adopted, carried the CF gene. Rather than having a healthy newborn, they were faced with the harsh reality of knowing that kids with CF have a drastically shorter lifespan than normal children.
In the first six months of life, things were touch-and-go. Bryan made 17 trips to Children’s Emergency Department. He was so sick that every day was a struggle just to survive.
Bryan’s father Steve describes the time as an extremely difficult one for him and his wife Wendy, as well as their older son Jake, “It was as if we were all on an emotional roller coaster.” Over time, the family learned to adjust to frequent visits to The Children’s Hospital and daily treatments at home.
Fortunately for Bryan, The Children’s Hospital is on the forefront of research and treatment for cystic fibrosis. As one of only seven centers in the nation that has been designated as a Therapeutics Development Center (TDC) by the national Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, The Children’s Hospital offers patients cutting-edge research studies and drug trials in order to improve the treatment of the disease.
Bryan is now 8-years-old and an accomplished young athlete. He romps with his older brother Jake, his golden retriever Max and is the star goalie on his roller hockey team.
There are still daily medications, twice-daily physical therapy and the constant threat of viruses, flus and other respiratory infections. Yet thanks to research that has led to advances in the treatment of cystic fibrosis, kids like Bryan and their families have a realistic hope for a cure in their lifetimes. In the meantime, The Children’s Hospital is giving Bryan a better quality of life than his parents ever thought possible.s