osteogenesis-imperfecta-patient-with-staff-1200x852-stk801s0vd48521sbd

Radiating Positivity: Elisabet's Story

Apr 7, 2025

Elisabet, 12, lights up every room she enters with her vibrant personality and bright spirit.

Elisabet was born with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), a rare genetic disorder that prevents the building of strong bones and affects between 25,000 and 50,000 people in the U.S.

Originally from Honduras, Elisabet and her mom made their first trip to Philadelphia in 2018 when she was just 5 years old. Now 12, Elisabet is learning how to thrive independently with the help of her multidisciplinary care team, including Sarah Nossov, M.D., Josh Pahys M.D., Scott Kozin, M.D., Eugene Park, M.D., Daniel Zlotolow, M.D., Sean Waldron, M.D., Mark Bulson, MPT, MHA, and Meghan Gossenberger, OT, MS, OTR/L.

While there is no cure for her condition, treatment for OI may include bracing, casting, surgery, physical therapy and occupational therapy, all of which Elisabet has received under one roof at Shriners Children's.

“When we first met Elisabet, she needed a lot of treatment. She first underwent spine surgery with Dr. Pahys. Once she was fully recovered, she was able to come back for multiple operations on her legs and arms with Drs. Kozin, Park and Waldron along with myself, which have allowed her to be more independent in her life. She has been so optimistic through it all, and we’re so proud that she took her first ever steps in our hospital. Her success is truly a team effort,” said Dr. Nossov.

Loading component...

I need more fingers to count all of the good people that are here.
Elisabet, Shriners Children's Philadelphia patient

Share Your Story

Loading component...

Elisabet and her family could not be any more thankful for the specialized care she has received. To date, she has had eight surgeries, including procedures on her spine, arms and legs. For any patient, surgery and treatments can be scary, but, for Elisabet, she is less scared because her whole care team has made her feel safe and comfortable during every surgery and appointment.

“Shriners Children’s gives my daughter the confidence to be strong for her surgeries," said Elisabet’s mom. "She sets goals for herself at every appointment, and tracks how many steps she can take now at each physical therapy session."

“Elisabet has the uncanny ability to see obstacles merely as present conditions, which can be overcome. An obstacle, to Elisabet, simply highlights the opening to an alternate route to her goals. By focusing on the alternate route instead of the obstacle, Elisabet allows the pathway of possibility to grow while minimizing any obstacles. Elisabet’s hard work and dedication to her therapy allowed Elisabet to flourish and inspire others from her example,” said Bulson.

During her time at Shriners Children’s, she has enjoyed the many activities and programs provided by our child life and recreational therapy team, including art therapy, music therapy and holiday parties! Elisabet has many hobbies including singing, podcasting, coloring and scratch art, and when she grows up she hopes to become a graphic designer. While she will be heading back home soon, she will always be a part of the Shriners Children’s Philadelphia family.

“I need more fingers to count all of the good people that are here,” said Elisabet.

Loading component...

Meet Elisabet

Elisabet, 12, is learning how to thrive independently thanks to her care team at Shriners Children's Philadelphia.

a child in a wheelchair and an adult woman outside holding two signs that read "We Are #ShrinersPhilly" and "Thank You Centurions Motorcycle Club"

Elisabet and her mom hold signs at last year's Christmas in July motorcycle toy run event. Her mom's sign reads "We Are Shriners Philly," and Elisabet's sign reads "Thank You Centurions Motorcycle Club."

an adult woman playing guitar for a patient in a walker and two other adults

Elisabet works hard in physical therapy and loves singing along with Becky, our music therapist, during her sessions.

a child with glasses painting a picture with a paint brush

Art is one of Elisabet's favorite activities. She is painting here, and has created many beautiful pieces during her time at Shriners Children's.

a child in a wheelchair holding a large teddy bear

Elisabet holds her new stuffed bear that she received from our friends at Easter for Eli.

a child in a wheelchair holding a teddy bear surrounded by four smiling uniformed police officers

All smiles are had with Philadelphia police officers during our recent Heroes for Heroes lunch program.

Next Steps

Share Your Story

Our patients and families are at the heart of everything we do at Shriners Children's. We invite you to share how the team at Shriners Children's has helped your child.

Tell Your Story

Loading component...

Give to Shriners Children's

Through the generosity of donors like you, we've helped over one million children lead more fulfilling lives, regardless of their families' ability to pay.

Make a Donation

Loading component...

Contact Us

Have a question or request? Need to make an appointment? We're here for you.