Feel Good Friday

June 8, 2012 by iwkfoundation 1 Comment

Every Friday we like to share a letter that we receive from one of our families. We receive lots of letters, and take the time to read each and every one. Today’s Letter is from Emily Johnston.

Lily, 10 months old, wearing her first “Real” Pair of shoes.

Our IWK story began August 26 of 2011. Our Daughter Lily was born on June 21, 2011 with Bilateral Clubfeet, which is essentially that her feet were turned in at the ankle when she was born. We received treatment in PEI for 7 weeks after her birth, prior to being referred to the IWK. Lily was in double leg casts since she was less than 1 day old, until she was around 4 months old. She then moved into a boots and bar bracing system.

She has undergone 2 tendonotomy’s on her left foot, and 1 on her right at the IWK (where they clip her Achilles tendon, and stretch it), both of which were performed in the OR due to her being older than most babies undergoing this process. She has had some bumps along the road, with a relapse on her left side, breaking her casts from kicking so much, and blisters on her feet from her brace, but she is well on her way to walking any day now, at 11 months old, thanks to the Orthopedic Team at the IWK.

We have made about a dozen trips to the IWK for treatments for Lily since August.  It is about a 4 hour drive each way, but we are so happy with the treatment that our daughter receives in the Orthopedic clinic and that makes every minute worth the journey. All of the staff in the Orthopedic Clinic have been simply outstanding. They met us with smiles each appointment, and made us feel comfortable right away. They have shared in our laughter, tears, and are always there to answer any questions that we may have along the way. They have been great in not only treating Lily, but also with interacting with her big sister Eva, and us as well.  I tell everyone I know how amazing everyone is at the IWK, and I am so glad that we were able to bring our daughter there for treatment.

A HUGE THANK YOU to Lily’s Orthopedic team, Dr. Karl Logan,  Jennifer Muirhead, and Sharon Joyce to name a few, and to the all of the staff, residents, and volunteers of the Orthopedic Clinic, and the IWK

Thank you Emily for sharing your story with us. If you have a story that you would like to share email us at foundationmail@iwk.nshealth.ca.