Pediatric Specialty Care in Hawaiʻi

Amanda:

Shortly after she slipped, I could tell something wasn't right. She was crying in a way I had never heard before. Seeing your child in pain is the most gut-wrenching feeling. You just want to do whatever you can to make it better. The temporary cast that was put on her leg made her anxious and uncomfortable. Luckily, our pediatrician suggested we go to Shriners Hospital for Children - Honolulu, for follow-up care. I'm so glad we did. The Shriners' team was wonderful and explained everything to Elee, step-by-step, from the x-rays to the cast. They made her a decision maker in the process, and that turned the fear into power. She was able to ask questions and I think it really helped to build her confidence. Instead of being scared and sad, she was curious and excited. She felt much more in control and at ease.

Elee:

I like coming here because everybody's so nice. I love the fish tank. Its very, very fun.

Amanda:

After the cast came off, Eleanor had to go through physical therapy. And even that was great. Her therapists became her friends. They made each other laugh and she was excited for every visit. She couldn't wait to show them how much she had progressed. We are so grateful to Shriners Hospital, for making the whole experience a positive one. And for showing us how easy it is to take care of others and bring joy when they need it most. Eleanor is back to her silly, funny self, and we couldn't be happier.

Elee:

I'm feeling fine now. Now, I can do hula and dancing and swimming and all kind of other sports. I'm happy.

Speaker 1:

Our daughter fractured her leg when she was five years old.

Speaker 2:

Duke was in a hip spica cast for eight weeks.

Speaker 3:

We didn't know what to expect.

Speaker 1:

I wanted the best treatment for my child.

Speaker 2:

That's why we chose Shriners Hospitals for Children Honolulu.

Speaker 1:

They're leaders in pediatric bone, muscle, and joint care.

Speaker 3:

They develop advanced procedures.

Speaker 2:

And they put all their expertise, all their aloha into treating my [kiki 00:00:25].

Speaker 4:

Shriners Hospitals for Children, the most amazing care anywhere.

Ka'iulani:

When I first learned I had scoliosis, I felt like my world was falling apart. I thought everything was going to change in a bad way, and that my brace was going to prevent me from doing things I love like volleyball and hula. I thought my friends were going to make fun of my brace. I was sad and confused, and I thought they weren't going to be my friends anymore.

Marissa:

It broke my heart seeing how sad my daughter was when she learned she would need a brace. But the team at Shriners made it a positive one, and I couldn't have asked for better care for Ka'iulani.

Ka'iulani:

I needed lots of x-rays, so the doctors could see how they could help me.

Marissa:

So many x-rays, but their EOS machine reduces the amount of radiation exposure for the kids by up to 85%, which is a huge relief. Shriners has everything we needed from bracing services to physical therapy, which makes it so convenient. Shriners is always there to answer my questions and ease my concerns.

Ka'iulani:

I love my mom because she helps me deal with my emotions. And everyone at Shriners is so awesome. They made me feel comfortable and made me laugh. I've learned to live with my brace, which isn't really that bad. And my friends can't even tell when I'm wearing my brace. Now I want to be a role model for kids with scoliosis, so that they know that it isn't that scary and they're strong enough to get through it.

Marissa:

I'm so proud of my girl. I love her inner strength and confidence. And thanks to Shriner, she's healthy and happy. That's everything.

Leah:

Elijah is just like any other kid. He doesn't let his wheelchair stop him from doing anything. Because of his condition, he does have to see a doctor regularly. Elijah has two younger sisters, so being able to meet with his care team through video at Shriners Hospital for Children-Honolulu is so helpful. His telehealth appointments mean that I don't have to find a babysitter or deal with traffic getting into town. I also don't have to move Elijah and his wheelchair to and from the hospital. And for immunocompromised kids, it's so much safer and a lot less stressful.

Being able to be at home for his doctor's appointments, Elijah is more comfortable and he's able to show the doctor how he's developing in a familiar environment. And what's also nice is when we do have to go to the hospital for a follow-up appointment, we still see the same doctors and they all know everything about Elijah. And it's so much easier on Elijah and on me. Shriners Hospital for Children in Honolulu has been wonderful in their care for my son. And not only that, our care providers from the doctors and nurses, therapists to the imaging tech, receptionists and cafeteria workers have always shown tremendous aloha to our other children, to me and to my husband. They really do care about the health and wellbeing of our entire ohana. Elijah has come such a long way and I am so excited to see where he goes from here.