Tessa Quinn
Hadley is a patient at Shriners Children's Hospital, where she has been receiving treatment for osteogenesis imperfecta, or brittle bone disease. She was born in China without her left forearm and hand and was adopted by a family in the United States when she was two years old. Hadley has endured numerous fractures and surgeries but has not let that hold her back. With the support of the hospital staff and her family, she has achieved goals she never thought possible, such as becoming a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and learning to play the drums. Although her age is not explicitly mentioned, she was eight years old eight years after her diagnosis, which would make her 16 years old.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Hadley |
| Age | 8 years old |
| Hospital | Shriners Children's |
| Location | Salt Lake City |
| Diagnosis | Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), brittle bone disease |
| Number of fractures | 109 |
| Number of surgeries | 22 |
| Musical instrument | Drums |
| Martial arts | Tae Kwon Do black belt |
| Ambassador | Patient ambassador |
| Fundraising | Raised money through a lemonade stand |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Hadley's diagnosis
Hadley was born in China and lived in an orphanage for the first two years of her life. She was born without her left forearm and hand. At five months old, one side of her ribs started bulging out, and her head tilted to one side. She was diagnosed with torticollis, but her parents remained unconcerned as her sister had also had this. However, at six months, an X-ray revealed that Hadley had idiopathic infantile scoliosis with a 30-degree curve. Her parents sought a second opinion at Shriners Hospital in Chicago, and she was diagnosed with infantile scoliosis. Hadley's spine had progressed to 74 degrees while wearing a brace, so the surgeon recommended casting.
At 11 months old, Hadley underwent surgery and was put in a cast. The first cast corrected her spine from 74 degrees to 47 degrees. The second cast provided a further 8 degrees of correction, and the third brought her spine to 33 degrees. The Shriners Hospital team expressed optimism that they could beat the statistics that say anything over 50 degrees cannot be corrected with a cast.
Later, Hadley was also diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), commonly called brittle bone disease. She has endured 109 fractures and 22 surgeries. Hadley's parents were initially worried about her diagnosis and the implications for her future. However, the specialists at Shriners Children's Salt Lake City provided reassurance and comprehensive care. They explained that Hadley's bone density would always be a concern, and bone breaks would be a reality. To strengthen her bones, Hadley underwent infusion therapy with zoledronic acid, which has allowed her to pursue her passions.
Despite her diagnoses, Hadley has achieved many goals, including becoming a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and teaching the sport to others. She has also learned to play the piano and the drums and has become a patient ambassador. With the support of Shriners Hospitals for Children, Hadley has been able to live a life with "no limits" and achieve more than she thought possible.
Hospital Waiting Times: How to Check and Compare
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Her treatment
Hadley was born in China without her left forearm and hand. She lived in an orphanage for two years before being adopted by a family in the United States. She was diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), or brittle bone disease, which causes low bone mass and makes her susceptible to fractures and breaks. She has endured 109 fractures and 22 surgeries and has received life-changing care from Shriners Children's Hospital, including therapy, training, and prostheses.
The treatment for osteogenesis imperfecta aims to manage the condition and improve bone health. One of the key treatments for Hadley has been infusion therapy with zoledronic acid, which helps to strengthen her bones and allows her to be more active. This treatment is likely to be ongoing as she continues to grow and develop. Hadley's bone density will always be a concern, and bone breaks are a reality she will have to navigate.
At Shriners Children's Salt Lake City, Hadley has access to a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including orthopedic surgeons and consulting physicians from other specialties. This comprehensive care approach ensures that all aspects of her condition are addressed. The hospital also provides emotional support, helping Hadley and her family understand and cope with the challenges of her diagnosis.
Hadley's treatment plan also includes physical therapy and other interventions to improve her bone health and overall well-being. The medical team at Shriners Children's Hospital works closely with Hadley and her family to set goals and provide the necessary support for her to achieve them. This includes helping her pursue her passions, such as music and martial arts, by finding adaptations that work for her.
Hadley's treatment is an ongoing process, and the medical team at Shriners Children's Hospital continues to monitor her progress and adjust her treatment plan as needed. The combination of medical interventions, emotional support, and practical assistance has enabled Hadley to live a life without limits and achieve more than she thought possible.
Holland Hospital: Corewell Health's Vital Part
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Her family's experience
Hadley's family's experience with Shriners Hospital has been a positive one. Her mother, Connie, has been vocal about the support they received from the hospital staff, who helped ease their worries and turn their despair into hope. She also acknowledged the kindness and care shown by the staff, which made a difficult situation more manageable.
Hadley's parents were understandably worried, scared, and uncertain about her future when she was first diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) or brittle bone disease. However, the comprehensive care and support they received from the specialists at Shriners Children's Salt Lake City OI clinic helped them feel more confident and optimistic.
Hadley's orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Carroll, has been with her since the beginning of her journey. She speaks highly of Hadley's family and their unwavering support for her, and she is grateful to be a part of their lives. Dr. Carroll loves Hadley's determination and confidence in setting and achieving her goals, and she is proud to see her grow and thrive.
Hadley's family has also been actively involved in giving back to the hospital and its patients. At age five, Hadley started a lemonade stand that brought in nearly $1,300 over two days. She used the money to buy toys for the children at the hospital, bringing joy and comfort to those undergoing surgeries or clinic appointments. The following year, she set up her stand again and, with additional donations, was able to purchase items for teenagers as well.
The family's experience with Shriners Hospital has been transformative for Hadley and her family, and their gratitude has translated into generous acts of kindness that continue to benefit other patients and families facing similar challenges.
US Psychiatric Hospitals: How Many Are There?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Her fundraising efforts
Hadley, a patient at Shriners Children's Hospital, has osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), or brittle bone disease, which has resulted in 109 fractures and 22 surgeries. Despite this, Hadley has remained determined to achieve her goals, including becoming a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and teaching the sport, learning to play the piano, and becoming a patient ambassador.
Hadley's fundraising efforts began at the age of five when she started a lemonade stand that brought in nearly $1,300 over two days. This money was used to buy five cartloads of toys for other children at the hospital. The following year, she set up her lemonade stand again, raising another $850, which she combined with $450 donated by Anne Koleson, a raffle winner, to purchase items aimed at teenagers.
In August 2019, attendees at a Williamson County Shriners Club event donated $240 in Angel Dollars, which are bills with a 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9 in the serial number. Family members added to this amount to give her an even $300, which she used to buy toys and gift cards for Shriners kids.
Hadley's fundraising efforts have not only brought joy to other children at the hospital but have also helped turn despair into hope for her family. Her inner strength and determination, coupled with the life-changing care she received at Shriners Children's Hospital, have enabled her to achieve more than she ever thought possible.
Hospital Stay: Tips for a Smooth Experience
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Her future goals
Hadley, a patient at Shriners Children's Hospital, has big dreams for her future. Despite facing unique challenges since birth, she has shown remarkable resilience and determination. Born in China without her left forearm and hand, Hadley was adopted by a family in the United States at the age of two. She was later diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), or brittle bone disease, which has caused numerous fractures and surgeries throughout her life.
One of Hadley's future goals is to become a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and teach this martial art to others. She has already achieved significant milestones in this pursuit, thanks to the support she has received from Shriners Hospitals for Children. Through their assistance, she has been able to receive therapy, training, and prostheses that have empowered her to reach for her goals.
Hadley also has a passion for music and dreams of playing in a live band one day. She discovered her love for music through playing the drums, which she took up after learning that her condition prevented her from pursuing the violin like her siblings. With her determination and the support of her incredible family, there is no doubt that Hadley will be able to achieve her musical aspirations.
In addition to her musical pursuits, Hadley has a heart for helping others. At just five years old, she started a lemonade stand that raised over $1,300 to buy toys for her peers at the hospital. This selfless act demonstrates her desire to give back and bring joy to other children facing similar challenges.
Hadley's future goals are made possible by the life-changing care she has received from Shriners Hospitals for Children. They have not only provided physical therapy and treatments but also helped her overcome emotional challenges. With their support, she has developed the inner strength and confidence to set ambitious goals and work tirelessly towards them.
There is no doubt that with her determination, the support of her family, and the life-changing care provided by Shriners Hospitals for Children, Hadley will continue to achieve her dreams and inspire others along the way. Her journey serves as a testament to the impact of specialized care and the power of human resilience.
Safe Hospital Waste Disposal: Best Practices
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Hadley is 8 years old.
Hadley has osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as brittle bone disease. She has endured 109 fractures and 22 surgeries.
Shriners Hospital has helped Hadley by providing life-changing care and emotional support. They have provided her with therapy, training, and prostheses throughout her childhood.
Hadley has many goals for the future, including becoming a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and teaching the sport to others, learning to play the piano, and becoming a patient ambassador. She also has a dream of playing in a live band as a drummer.
