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Pediatric partnership brings Disney magic to Rezen

Kapi’olani Medical Center for Women & Children has been Rezen’s home away from home for more than a year. The 10-year-old was diagnosed with aplastic anemia, a rare and life-threatening blood disorder. Last year, she received a bone marrow transplant and spent months in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Despite these challenges, moments of joy and comfort shine through her journey. When Rezen was nervous before a routine MRI, her child life specialists gave her a Disney Princess-themed Starlight Hospital Gown to add a little magic to her stay. The Walt Disney Company and the nonprofit Starlight Children’s Foundation bring Disney Princess-themed Starlight Hospital Gowns to pediatric hospitals across the nation, helping patients like Rezen feel more comfortable during treatments. Through this long-standing collaboration, Rezen has received numerous princess gowns, building up an impressive collection. In December, Rezen completed her princess collection, receiving a Moana-themed gown, and attended a special private showing of Moana 2, experiencing the movie’s adventure before its official release! Navigating a rare disease comes with immense obstacles, but collaborations like this bring light on difficult days. Disney-themed Starlight programs, along with her care team, help make Rezen and thousands of other pediatric patients feel the magic and inspiration every child deserves.  

Kapi’olani Medical Center for Women & Childrenaplastic anemiabone marrow transplantrare diseaseadvanced carespecialized care
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Thriving with Cleft Lip and Palate Thanks to MUSC

Caitlin’s pregnancy with Jack was going well until a 20-week ultrasound revealed cleft lip and palate. After learning that this condition can cause problems with feeding and speaking, among other complications, Caitlin and her husband Patrick were scared for what the future might hold. Thankfully, they found a doctor at MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital who walked them through all the surgeries, speech therapy, and other treatments Jack would need. But as Caitlin neared her due date, she was diagnosed with a hypertensive disorder, causing Jack to be born early at 36 weeks. He spent his first three weeks in the NICU, and after he came home, he prepared for his two cleft surgeries. The surgeries went well, and now, as a toddler, Jack is an adorable curly-haired boy who is developing and talking normally. Jack will continue to visit the team at MUSC to combat any complications that may occur as he grows and develops.  

MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospitalcleft lip and palateNICUpremature birthspecialized care
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Sarah Pack, Medical University of South Carolina

South Carolina Doctors Make Hearing Possible for Young Ukraine War Refugee

A family that fled Ukraine last year came to the United States in desperate need of answers – and a miracle. They feared their young daughter, 2-year-old Zlata Kuzmina, was completely deaf. But all hope wasn’t lost. When they settled in South Carolina, a hearing specialist at the Medical University of South Carolina found some function in her right ear. The team at MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital surgically placed a cochlear implant in her ear. The surgery was a success, giving Zlata the gift of sound.

MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospitaldeafnessspecialized care
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