Welcome to our stories page ...
Dominick White
When you first meet Dominick White, you realize something very quickly. He's a go-getter. Then, he stops, blows a kiss, and warms up the room with his smile. His therapists' hearts begin to melt. What an awesome privilege it is for us to know him.
Born with Schizencephaly, a rare genetic disorder that affects brain development, Dominick had trouble engaging many of his motor skills. An MRI confirmed the diagnosis, and he's been working with Pediatric Therapists at KDH for about a year-and-a-half. Now three-years-old, Dominick is walking with a walker and learning how to go up and down stairs. He is able to pick up an individual crayon and color.
Amazing Progress ...
"It's amazing how far he's come," said Cyndi White, Dominick's mother. "When we first started we thought that if he could just walk with a walker that's so much more independent than a wheelchair. Now, all of a sudden, he's walking with a walker. You see him reach a goal, and you start thinking what else you want him to be able to do. We want to take him as far as we can, and the therapists here want to push him as far as he can go."
Every child with Schizencephaly is unique. Some children will progress farther than others. In Dominick's case, going to therapy twice a week makes a big difference. He receives physical, occupational, and speech therapy.
Therapy as play ...
"He sees therapy as play," Cyndi said. "He has a wonderful rapport with all of his therapists. He enjoys coming to therapy. The staff is very professional and knowledgeable, dedicated, and easy to work with."
During one of his sessions, Cyndi was talking with a patient in the waiting room who had observed many children coming in for care. She said the patient noted how she had received therapy at several places over the years, but said she had never seen so many kids - noting that KDH must have great therapists who work with children.
One of Dominick's therapists is Angie Watson, PT. She can vouch for his enthusiam.
"He's very motivated," Watson said. "He's come a long way. He really wants to be mobile."
At home, Dominick enjoys pushing Tonka trucks around and playing computer games. He's five-year-old sister, Andi, agreed that her brother is "very busy."
Dominick is blessed to have such a loving family supporting him. His Dad, Joe White, is equally proud of Dominick's progress. It's not always easy, but Dominick's personality shines through. He's even earned the nickname, "The Little Mayor."
What is Schizencephaly?
Schizencephaly is a rare developmental disorder characterized by abnormal clefts or slits in the brain's cerebral hemispheres. Cases range from severe to mild. Most cases are confirmed through an MRI of the brain.
KDH Rehab Center is great for kids ...
The KDH Rehab Center provides a broad range of therapy services for kids. These include physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy. Helping kids achieve their highest outcomes is one of our biggest joys. To learn more, please call 812-265-0545.
Janice Chandler
Janice Chandler knows the importance of regular mammogram screenings. She also knows the benefits of having exceptional cancer services close to home. In July 2010, Chandler was scheduled to have a couple of basal cell skin cancers removed from her arm and decided to schedule her regular mammogram appointment for the same day. As it turns out, the mammogram detected an early-stage breast cancer.
Great care ...
Dr. Amy Gifaldi, a General Surgeron with KDH, promptly removed the cancer and referred Chandler for a consultation with Dr. Mian Mushtaq and Dr. Eileen McGarvey at the KDH Cancer Treatment Center. Chandler said the specialists determined that follow-up radiation was her best course for treatment. She began a series of 33 treatments of 6-and-a-half weeks.
"I never thought of going out of town," Chandler said. "It's great that Madison has this type of care here. Dr. McGarvey is just tops. We're very fortunate to have her. She's so thorough. I was very impressed."
Chandler said she can't imagine having to drive an hour or more every day for her radiation therapy. The staff here made her feel special.
Caring staff members ...
"I was scared at first, but they make you feel so much at ease," Chandler said. "After that first day, there wasn't one day that I dreaded coming in for treatment. Everyone was so nice, friendly, and helpful. For something that could have really been scary, they made it as easy as they could. I couldn't have asked for better treatment, and I wouldn't have gotten any better treatment in Louisville or Indianapolis or anywhere."
With a positive outlook and wonderful heart, Chandler looks forward to visiting family, playing Bridge, reading, and just have a fun time.