Patient Stories
These stories illustrate some of the complicated surgeries and treatments provided at Advocate Children’s Hospital – procedures that changed the lives of children and their families.
Families choose us for their children's care because of our international reputation for excellence. You can see a neurosurgeon within 48 business hours of contacting us. And you can see a neurologist within a few days of contacting us – an advantage very few programs in the nation can offer. If you're looking for a second opinion, our experts can confirm your child's diagnosis and review their treatment plan to ensure it will deliver the best results possible.
Internationally recognized for neurosurgery
Our neurosurgery team performed a complex procedure for baby Dominique, who was born with a parasitic conjoined twin. This rare condition put extra stress on Dominique's heart and lungs. The multidisciplinary team treated her successfully – changing her and her family's lives.
Advocate Children's providers make the difference
Our team of experts is here when your child needs us. Over the years, families have shared their appreciation for the expertise and compassion of their Advocate Children's health care teams. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, art therapy, and our Child Life program also play an important part in physical and emotional healing. These stories of hope show how these treatments combine to save lives.
Finding the right doctor: Alexander’s story
After getting multiple opinions about Alexander’s brain tumor, his parents decided that our neurosurgeon had the expertise they were looking for.
Support and compassion: Andrew’s story
Doctors found the cause of 7-year-old Andrew’s headaches – an ependymoma (tumor) the size of a lemon. After surgery, physical therapy helped him recover from partial paralysis.
Preserving his vision: Anmol’s story
A combination of surgery and monitoring protected Anmol after he was diagnosed with a tectal glioma (brain tumor).
Comfortable at the hospital: Bobby’s story
Bobby’s parents chose Advocate Children’s Hospital to treat his medulloblastoma (brain cancer) and Bobby found caregivers he could trust.
From brain surgery to college: Colleen’s story
As a teen, Colleen was diagnosed with a cerebellar astrocytoma (brain tumor). With the surgical and emotional support of the Advocate Children’s team, she recovered her life.
Expertise and trust: Donovan’s story
When Donovan's parents learned that he had a Chiari malformation 1, they searched for the best path for dealing with his complicated condition. Our neurosurgeon worked closely with Donovan, getting to know him and listening to his parents' concerns.
Regaining her balance: Gracie’s story
Gracie had hydrocephalus as a baby, only to be diagnosed with a pilocytic astrocytoma (brain tumor) at the age of 4. Our neurosurgeon successfully removed the entire golf ball-sized tumor.
Surviving brain cancer: Isaac's story
Diagnosed with a highly malignant medulloblastoma (brain cancer), Isaac had surgery, radiation and chemo. Occupational therapy, physical therapy, art therapy, our Child Life therapists and our cancer survivors' clinic (P.O.S.T.) were also vital to his recovery.
Calm and faithful care: Joshua’s story
When he was 4 years old, Joshua's parents learned that he had a metastasized tumor spreading into his spinal column. Our team helped him and his family get through his surgery and recovery.
Journey to recovery: Matthew’s story
When Matthew was in high school, he developed bad headaches and learned he had a brain tumor. Through many challenges post-surgery, Matthew recovered with the help of our and physical and occupational therapy teams.
Radiation therapy results: Shannon’s story
At age 10, Shannon was diagnosed with a benign brain tumor. Relying on our expertise, Shannon's parents found the right nonsurgical treatment.
In the news
Read stories featured in health enews, a news service from Advocate Health, about children who had surgery and treatments for brain cancer and other neurological conditions.
Repairing the spine of a little girl from Africa
All the best wishes to a miracle
How "The Lion King" helped me through brain cancer
The next chapter after brain cancer
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