Patient Takes First Steps at Shriners Children’s Spokane
Shriners Children's Spokane Staff Helps Patient with Congenital Disease Learn to Walk
Surrounded by her support team, a young patient took her first steps ever in the halls of Shriners Children’s Spokane.
Jaslynn was born with severe limb deformities. Doctors diagnosed her with a rare disease known as VACTERL syndrome. VACTERL stands for Vertebral, Anal, Cardiac, Tracheal, Esophageal, Renal (kidney) and Limb abnormalities. It is a congenital disorder with at least three irregularities occurring together.
As part of her treatment as an infant, surgeons at the Spokane Shriners Hospital amputated both of her legs near the knee. Pediatric orthopedic surgeon Ted Sousa, M.D., said while Jaslynn will likely need lifelong care, early intervention was crucial to significantly improving her quality of life.
Once recovered, specialists in the hospital’s in-house Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services (POPS) department outfitted Jaslynn with prosthetics. While she was initially behind other 1-year-olds on meeting her physical milestones, her prosthetics are now quickly allowing her to bridge the gap as she learns to stand, cruise and walk.
“Our goal at this young age is to simply enable her to progress with physical and motor milestones similar to kids her age,” said Orthotics and Prosthetic Manager Clint Hastings. “She’s very engaging and has already progressed really well now that she has prosthetics to use. Moving forward, she will be a very functional kiddo and I look forward to working with her for years to come.”
A team of physical and occupational therapists also worked with Jaslynn to improve her quality of life through movement. Her team said she has shown incredible resiliency following her amputations and therapeutic recovery.
Jaslynn’s positive prognosis is a testament of how early, high-quality care at Shriners Children’s Spokane can impact a patient’s life.
Shriners Children’s Spokane staff members will continue to provide comprehensive care for Jaslynn and be there for her every step of the way.
I am so honored to be a part of Jazzy’s care team and so grateful that Shriners Children’s has the systems in place to help this family access their care here.
