Throughout 100 years of medical care, research and innovation, the mission of Shriners Children’s has focused on one primary goal: to impact children’s lives for the better. Whether addressing a minor gait abnormality or helping correct scoliosis, our focus is on helping children and families pursue the activities they love. Every patient has a story to tell, and we are proud to share how Shriners Children’s Shreveport has helped these area children get back to the business of being a kid.

MEET OUR PATIENTS

Emma | Age 7 | Frierson, LA

Emma

Emma was born with clubfoot and was referred to Shriners Children’s Shreveport.

After her initial consultation at two weeks old, Emma underwent serial casting, followed by a corrective ‘boots and bar’ system worn 24 hours a day. Over time, Emma’s care team observed that she was walking on the outside of her foot and was not making ground contact with her heel. Her team recommended surgery when additional casting and bracing did not achieve the desired results.

To ensure the correct positioning of Emma’s foot, Shriners Children’s physicians performed a tendon transfer and release of her heel cord. Currently recovering with a striking, hot pink cast, Emma will soon transition to a walking brace. She will continue to wear a brace for the next year while her team monitors her progress. While eagerly anticipating her return to an active lifestyle, Emma’s family is grateful for the care they have received.

“We are so very thankful for Shriners Childen’s,” Emma’s mother, Renee, remarked. “Emma has accomplished so much in her 7 years because of the love and care received at Shriners. The staff is exceptional, especially our casting room friends that we have spent much time with over the years!”

Lynndy | Age 6 | Many, LA

Lynndy

In August 2020, the Pitt family began a journey with their five year old, Lynndy. A seemingly minor fracture from a playhouse accident turned into something more. After x-rays confirmed Lynndy had a left radius and ulna fracture of her left arm, her arm was cast.

On her follow up appointment for cast removal, x-rays showed an abnormality. Dr. Cary Mielke, chief of staff, explained this could be a cyst, an infection, or a tumor. An MRI showed no cyst or tumor, so a biopsy was needed. This meant staying overnight at Shriners at least one night. The biopsy showed osteomyelitis and she began IV antibiotics.

After much thought, Dr. Mielke decided another test would help, and Lynndy was able to go home on oral antibiotics. In September 2021, the Pitt family had the culmination of their journey with Shriners. With hopeful hearts the family was met by Dr. Mielke who greeted them with a happy smile and great news. Lynndy’s x-rays looked perfect! Her growth plate was not affected by the break or infection.

“Lynndy’s story is nothing short of amazing to us and we want to give God all of his glory for our baby girl,” said her mom Samantha. “We are always aware of how very different our situation could have been.”

William | Age 11 | Anacoco, LA

William

Born in Thailand with a cleft lip and palate (the incomplete closure of the top lip and palate), William underwent an initial surgical revision as an infant before his family relocated to the United States. Once settled in Anacoco, La., William’s family consulted with the cleft lip and palate team at Shriners Children’s Shreveport. He underwent additional revision/closure surgeries under the expertise of Dr. Stavan Patel, one of the hospital’s oral and maxillofacial surgeons.

According to William’s family, his care under the Shriners Children’s team has helped to give William a renewed sense of confidence. “William is so much more comfortable now, so much more confident,” father Tyson remarked. “Obviously, he is old enough to know that surgery isn’t fun, but he is so comfortable with all the staff there and they make it easier.”

These days, William is an outgoing 11-year-old with a passion for taking things apart to learn how they work. He loves Legos, block games, and anything else he can use to build.

Mattie | Age 16 | Shreveport, LA

Mattie

Mattie and her family have been part of the Shriners Children’s Shreveport family since 2006. Born with several toes on her left foot fused/ connected at the bone, Mattie’s family consulted with the hand surgery team and geneticist at Shriners Children’s Shreveport. At age 6, Mattie underwent surgery to separate her toes, which included both pin placement to help secure the bones in her toes, as well as skin grafts to assist with healing.

An avid dancer since age 3, Mattie was part of a nationally competitive cheerleading team in middle school and earned the distinction of being named an All-American cheerleader. Now age 16 and a junior at Loyola College Prep in Shreveport, Mattie is pursuing her passion for basketball. She is a member of her school’s varsity team and takes inspiration from her favorite team: the University of Connecticut women’s squad.

A longtime patient ambassador for Shriners Children’s Shreveport, Mattie will represent the hospital this fall as the facility’s ‘standard bearer’ at the 2022 Shriners Children’s Open PGA golf event. She is also a regular participant of the hospital’s annual radiothon events, providing on-air testimonials and helping to relate the mission and expertise of Shriners Children’s facilities.

Leslie | Age 16 | Shreveport, LA

Leslie

Leslie has been a patient at Shriners Children’s Shreveport for six years. From an early age, the perpetually active 16-year-old has been involved in a variety of dance and sporting programs, from tumbling and gymnastics to serving as captain of her middle school dance line. When a routine visit to her family doctor identified an imbalance in her shoulders, Leslie’s family sought care at the Shreveport Shriners Hospital.

Leslie was initially diagnosed with mild scoliosis. Over subsequent visits to monitor her condition, Leslie’s curvature steadily progressed, and her medical team recommended bracing to stall further progression. Despite a yearlong regimen that included wearing her brace up to 23 hours each day, Leslie’s scoliosis eventually required surgery. She underwent a spinal fusion in January of 2020, and after a brief recovery, was able to return to her dance squad and other active endeavors.

Leslie is now on track to graduate high school early through Pathways, where she is active in community service and has recently started her own apparel resale business. She also remains active with the Northwood High School athletics program as a volunteer. She is an avid reader and is particularly skilled in crafting and home improvement projects.