Grateful for Life-changing Orthopedic Care at Shriners Children’s New England
Mariah was born with an underdeveloped lower leg, creating a severe leg length difference that greatly affected her movement.
As she grew, Mariah required three foot surgeries because of the way she walked. Following the care plan of her orthopedic doctor near their home in New York, Mariah’s parents, Cassandra and Charles, were prepared for her to undergo a leg lengthening procedure during adolescence. However, when that provider retired, Mariah’s new doctor no longer advised the same treatment.
By this time Mariah was 11 years old, and her life was greatly impacted by her condition. “She couldn’t play sports. If she walked long distances, she would get very tired and had to take frequent breaks,” said Cassandra. “Mariah started losing her confidence because she couldn’t keep up with her friends. We knew it was time to help her the best way we could.”
Concerned and seeking a second opinion, Cassandra found the Shriners Children’s website and called immediately. She and Charles were happy to get an appointment at Shriners Children’s New England in Springfield, Massachusetts, right away, with orthopedic surgeon and Medical Director Lael Luedtke, M.D.
At the conclusion of Mariah’s exam, Dr. Luedtke delivered some unexpected news: She determined the best course of action was to amputate Mariah’s foot and then fit her with a prosthesis, alleviating the mobility challenges caused by her congenital condition. Mariah and her parents were shocked. “That was a hard appointment,” said Cassandra. “I wasn’t sure we’d go back. No one had ever recommended the option of an amputation before.”
Mariah’s family took several months to decide if they wanted to move ahead. “Ultimately we left it up to Mariah,” said Cassandra. “It is her medical journey and her life, so we wanted it to be her decision.” Added Mariah: "It was a hard decision to make, and I worried a lot. I thought about all the pros and cons. In the end I was very happy with my decision to have the amputation.”
They make it a point to remember each individual family, something you don’t see elsewhere. Everyone involved in her care makes us feel like our decision was the right one every time we’re there.
Cassandra was grateful for Dr. Luedtke’s reassurance on the day of the surgery. “When Dr. Luedtke walked into the room she knew we were nervous,” said Cassandra. “She told us to think of it as Independence Day, because that was what Mariah would gain from the surgery. That just changed our perspective on everything.”
Although Mariah’s recovery went smoothly, she couldn’t walk for 6 weeks post-surgery. She couldn’t wait to receive a temporary prosthesis when the healing was complete. Mariah felt a difference immediately. “It was life-changing,” she said. “I never realized I had that much pain until I started walking again and noticed my hips didn’t hurt.”
Having their entire care team assembled in one place has given Mariah’s family peace of mind. “Mariah walks in and everyone knows her,” said Cassandra. “They make it a point to remember each individual family, something you don’t see elsewhere. Everyone involved in her care makes us feel like our decision was the right one every time we’re there.”
For Mariah, visits to Shriners Children’s are an opportunity to be heard by a care team that puts her first. “I’m excited to go because I’m going to see people that know me,” she said. “They don’t just talk to my parents like I’m not in the room. They ask me how I feel and that makes me happy.”
A huge Buffalo Bills fan, Mariah worked with prosthetist Eunice Wong, MSOP, CPO, to create a special design with the football team’s logo for her permanent prosthesis. On the day of her final fitting, Mariah walked out of Shriners Children’s New England celebrating both her favorite NFL team and the ability to be more active than ever before. Two months later, the team invited Mariah to attend her first-ever Bills game in Buffalo, an experience she’ll never forget.
Mariah is looking forward to playing soccer with her friends and enjoys shopping at the mall now that she can walk without pain. She has valuable advice for those sharing a similar experience. “Don’t give up on what you want to do, even if it feels impossible,” she said. “If you keep focusing on that dream, it is possible.”
At her first-ever Buffalo Bills game, Mariah wears her team hat, jersey and matching prosthesis with the football field behind her.
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