Mason's Journey to Independence at Shriners Children's Spokane

At Shriners Children's Spokane, every child's journey is unique, and success can look different in many ways.

One inspiring patient is Mason, a spirited 10-year-old boy living with cerebral palsy. Determined to help him walk better using his left leg, Mason's parents explored orthopedic care at Shriners Children's Spokane in the fall of 2022. Little did they know their decision would expand treatment options and shape Mason’s future.

A Comprehensive Approach to Care

Upon arriving at Shriners Children's Spokane, Mason and his parents were greeted with warmth and compassion. Staff wasted no time getting to work. Thanks to the cutting-edge facilities available at the hospital, Mason was able to undergo a motion analysis center study that same day.

Mapping the Path to Progress

The motion analysis center at Shriners Children's Spokane is a state-of-the-art facility that utilizes advanced technology to evaluate a child's movement patterns and identify areas for improvement. For Mason, this study provided crucial insights into his unique gait and helped guide the development of his personalized treatment plan.

“It’s hard for providers to understand everything that is going on at once with Mason’s gait,” said Ted Sousa, M.D., a pediatric orthopedic surgeon with a fellowship in cerebral palsy. “The motion analysis center helps us break down his gait (pelvis, hip, knee, ankle and foot) in segmental analysis and come up with a surgical plan to address all of those components.”

Collaborating With the Best

Under the skilled guidance of Dr. Sousa, Mason underwent a surgical procedure aimed at enhancing his mobility. Dr. Sousa and his team meticulously worked towards the goal of improving Mason's ability to walk, enabling him to perform simple tasks like navigating stairs and putting on shoes and socks with ease.

The specialized care and the use of the motion analysis center have not only improved Mason’s life in the present, but also spared him from enduring multiple surgeries and lengthy recoveries in the future.

A Vision of Independence

For Mason's parents, Jodi and Joel, their hopes extend beyond the physical aspects of his care. Success to them is seeing Mason experience the joy of running, playing and keeping up with his peers. Their hope is that Mason will one day be able to lead a full and independent life.

A Personal Touch

Jodi found solace in the one-on-one care and intimate nature of the treatment at Shriners Children's Spokane. She felt supported every step of the way, knowing that her son's well-being was of utmost importance to the entire care team. From the initial evaluation to the post-operative care, Jodi witnessed the dedication and compassion that defines the hospital's approach to patient care.

A Journey Filled With Hope

With his infectious optimism, Mason is facing each day with a smile. He works hard following the guidance of his physicians and therapists. Through their collective efforts, Mason is expected to gradually experience significant improvements in his mobility, strength and overall well-being.

Mason's journey at Shriners Children's Spokane is a testament to the power of personalized care. Every child who walks through our doors brings with them a unique story and different goals in mind. As we continue to celebrate the achievements of children like Mason, we are reminded how specialty pediatric care can significantly improve the outlook for other children.