At Shriners Children’s New England, they found a multidisciplinary team committed to helping him build strength, mobility and independence. Fifteen years later, Aiden is achieving goals that once seemed distant: caring for himself, charting a career path and even getting his driver’s license.
Aiden became a patient at Shriners Children’s New England when he was 3. The therapy services team was an integral part of his care. Physical and occupational therapists worked with Aiden to promote proper gait, increase strength and enhance flexibility. He received various pieces of assistive equipment, including wheelchairs, walkers and arm crutches.
In the early days of his treatment, Aiden also worked with the Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services (POPS) team. He was fitted with a brace for his right hand to manage muscle spasticity, a common symptom of cerebral palsy. Over time, it became clear that Aiden’s left hand would be more functional. “When he became a patient, we knew we might not fully understand what Aiden’s capabilities would be until he got older,” said his dad, Richie. “Eventually we learned he would be predominantly left-handed.”
As Aiden grew, he participated in gait studies in the Shriners Children’s New England motion analysis center (MAC). The MAC uses advanced diagnostic techniques to evaluate the movement of children with conditions such as cerebral palsy and to help their care team develop an appropriate treatment plan. It was determined that a series of orthopedic procedures could improve Aiden’s mobility.
Aiden’s family and care team placed him at the center of the discussion about his surgical options. “My doctors explained that there were a couple of surgeries I needed,” said Aiden. “I knew they would help me, so I wanted to have them. I felt ready.” Added Richie: “Aiden felt comfortable communicating with his doctors. He wanted to have the surgeries because he knew where he wanted to be.”
It’s taken a lot of hard work and determination to get to where Aiden is today. Everyone at Shriners Children’s New England has played a part. They’ve always done what is best for Aiden.
Aiden had surgery on both hips when he was 10, remaining in a full-body cast for eight weeks as he recovered. When he was 14, he had reconstructive surgery on both feet. Physical therapy at Shriners Children’s New England was vital to his recovery. With the ongoing support of his care team, Aiden gained the function and skills needed to fully accomplish activities of daily living like eating, bathing and dressing.
Now 18, Aiden is also learning to drive. He received his learner’s permit earlier this year and is logging practice hours with Richie in preparation for his driver’s license test. The procedures for his feet were especially important in reaching this milestone. “Without that surgery, I wouldn’t be able to drive,” he said. “I use my left hand to drive, and I can use my right foot now, too.”
After 15 years as a patient, Aiden recently graduated from care at Shriners Children’s New England. He received a power wheelchair that will help him navigate his future with independence and confidence. A rising high school senior, Aiden has been accepted into a highly selective program at the University of Albany designed to prepare him for a career in school administration. He will participate in an internship with his high school principal and be trained as a teaching assistant. An honors student, Aiden enjoys all subjects in school, particularly math.
Richie credits Aiden’s perseverance and the dedication of his care team with his ability to reach his goals. “It’s taken a lot of hard work and determination to get to where Aiden is today,” he said. “Everyone at Shriners Children’s New England has played a part. They’ve always done what is best for Aiden.”
