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  • In Parenting a Preteen, Maybe Laughter and Friendship Aren’t out of the Question

    My almost 13-year-old son and I laughed so hard at a commercial on TV last night that we both cried. I cried big, crazy tears that exploded out of my eyes and laughed so hard I could not catch my breath. In his nearly 13 years on this earth, we have laughed together a million times, but I don’t think we’ve ever laughed together that hard, or in that way. For a moment, we were both hysterical over the same silly joke, not as mother and son but just two people hanging out and having a good time.

  • Children are the Silent Victims of Domestic Abuse

    Part one of a two-part series.

  • Children are the silent victims of domestic abuse

    This is the second part of our series where we’ll talk about the silent victims of domestic abuse- children. I’m sharing this information with you to help you understand how domestic abuse impacts children. The first part addressed different forms of abuse and how children could be exposed to it. This second part will talk about how they are affected and what can be done to help them.

  • Stitches of love: how a community of volunteers cares for children in the hospital

    Four years ago Georgy Cartwright, along with several other ladies, created their very own knitting, crocheting and sewing group which they named, “Stitches of Love.” Most of the members migrated to Florida and were looking to make new friends and put their skills to use. Now, every month they make a special trip to Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies to donate their handmade items.  

  • Emily's Heart Surgery - The Heart Center at Arnold Palmer Hospital

    Meet 4 year old Emily Joy. She was born with a heart defect called tricuspid atresia, meaning her heart only has one chamber. In this video hear from the co-directors of the Heart Center, Dr. William DeCampli and Dr. David Nykanen, and see Emily's heart surgery.

  • Free Down Syndrome Clinic at the Howard Phillips Center

    The 18th Annual Down Syndrome Clinic, presented by the Developmental Center for Infants & Children/Early Steps, provides free resources for infants, children and adults with Down Syndrome. Participating families can see dozens of developmental specialists including dentists, cardiologists, eye doctors, therapists and more. The clinic provides a unique opportunity to access resources and network in one convenient location absolutely free.

  • What Valentine's Day means to us at the Heart Center

    This Tuesday was the annual celebration of our miracle heart kids. This party is not just your ordinary Valentine’s Day party, but is a way for us to be able to celebrate our successes at the Heart Center and honor all of our patients who have fought and conquered the battle against heart defects. To be able to see these kids running around, laughing and playing, who were once struggling with life-threatening conditions, is a blessing that words alone cannot express. The families look forward to celebrating together with the doctors and nurses who have been their support system since the moment they heard the devastating news that their child has a heart defect. The continual appreciation and gratitude of our heart families is an encouragement to our doctors to know that they did a job well done. What a special day to celebrate the little miracles right here in our very own backyard.

  • The Heart Center delivers world-class cardiac care

    Dr. Susan DesJardins is a cardiologist at the Heart Center at Arnold Palmer Hospital. In honor of February's focus on heart health, she shares what makes The Heart Center the leader in children's cardiac care in Central Florida. 

  • What happens when we compare our child’s illness to another?

    Recently, a friend shared with me a book whose title and premise really upset her. She is the mother of a cancer survivor and friend to many cancer patients, and the title of the book offended her to the core. It’s called, “I wish my kids had cancer: a family surviving the autism epidemic.” I hesitated even to share the title of the book because it elicits such strong emotions, even to those of us who’ve never read the book. And, I’m not sure that this book deserves the attention we’ve given it, good or bad.

  • 6 Ways To Calm Your Child’s Medical Anxiety

    Let’s be honest: Going to the doctor can make anyone nervous. For children, the visits can be even more scary. But parents are the first line of defense in dealing with childhood medical anxiety. Every time your child visits the doctor, there’s an opportunity to make it a positive experience.