When our daughter was first diagnosed with VATERs Association, we felt so helpless. We began searching for as much information
as we could, but the more we looked the more we realized we were unable to find another example of someone with the EXACT
conditions as our Abby. When searching for treatments for her vertebral and rib abnormalities we again realized how
unique each child is with his/her "problems". This "uniqueness" for us caused a great deal of anguish. We wanted
to read about another child that had the exact same problems as she and how that child was treated for those problems.
We wanted so desperately to find reassurance that she was going to be okay - and we thought if we could find another
child, just like Abby, that had been successfully treated it would mean she could be too.
When we found Shriners and discussed treatment for Abby's
complex spinal deformity, we again wanted to know of an exact similarity so we would be able to know 100% what to expect for
our daughter. Unfortunately no two children are identical and so there is no 100% similarity with each experience.
But, there are many, many commonalities between the surgical experiences that all of our children are being considered for
or have undergone. The very fact that each child is a potential candidate/recipient for surgery to deal with a spinal
deformity means that we all have a common experience. Sharing these commonalities is what this website is about.
