Honduras to Spokane: Siblings with Rare Bone Condition Treated at Shriners Children's Spokane

Shriners Children's Spokane, a leading pediatric specialty hospital, provides exceptional care to children with orthopedic conditions from around the world.

That care is giving three siblings from Honduras, all born with the same rare bone condition, a new outlook on life.

The siblings live with skeletal dysplasia, leaving them with debilitating impairments. It is a genetic condition affecting how their bones grow. In their case, it has caused their femurs and tibias to bow inward or outward. It also causes severe hip and knee pain, limiting their ability to participate in their favorite activities, like sports.

Beyond Borders: Undergoing Treatment at Shriners Children’s Spokane

The oldest sibling, Ricky, was the first to receive treatment at Shriners Children's Spokane at the age of 14. Now, his sisters, Gwendolyn and Valerie, are also receiving care under the guidance of Shriners Children’s Spokane pediatric orthopedic surgeons.

Their mother, Wendy, was devastated when she first learned about her son's condition. She struggled to find adequate medical care in Honduras, and Ricky faced many challenges, including walking.

“Over and over, I heard, there is nothing that can be done,” said Wendy. “But I am his mother and I was determined to find the best possible care.”

When Wendy learned of an outreach clinic three hours away, led by a Shriners Children’s Spokane orthopedic surgeon, Chief of Staff Glen Baird, M.D., she wasted no time setting up an appointment. While there, she learned promising news that would soon change the family’s outlook on the future. Dr. Baird said he could help, but Ricky would need to travel to Shriners Children’s Spokane for surgery and rehabilitation.

Over the course of the next year, Ricky underwent several procedures at Shriners Children’s Spokane. He also received specialized care, including physical therapy, to help him gain strength and mobility.