When 13-year-old Will Moore began to have severe reactions to foods that had previously been safe for him, his family turned to James P. Franciosi, MD, Gastroenterology Division Chief. Dr. Franciosi had diagnosed Will’s younger brother, Charlie, with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) when he was just nine months old. Their mother, Laura, remembers the EoE journey with Will, citing his status as a patient of Dr. Franciosi as a positive aspect of dealing with the disease. She explained, “Dr. Franciosi is very passionate about helping kids with EoE and excited for all the recent advances in the field, including biologic therapies and new ways to test patients.”

A precision medicine pilot research project studying the right drug and dose for pediatric patients with EoE and upper gastrointestinal tract disorders — along with the extraordinary care they’d received for more than a decade — moved the Moore family to make a gift in support of Dr. Franciosi and his team. They are searching for the key to determining the maximal efficacy and minimal toxicity for individual patients with EoE.

While nearly 20 years has passed, the Hohn family has never forgotten the experiences and care their family received when their son Matt was treated at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware. Their recent gift was made in honor of T. Ernesto Figueroa, MD, Division Chief of Urology. Developed in partnership with Dr. Figueroa, their contribution will be used to support and name a urology lectureship. Matt Hohn expressed the motivation for the family’s gift saying, “Only our closest family and friends can understand the challenges that period of time presented to our family and the value you carry in my life. Dr. Figueroa, we consider you part of our family, as you have continually shown a love that transcends blood. You have gone so far beyond the call of your profession for us. I’m sure that is a common compliment you’ve heard many times in your career.”

The Smith family is grateful for the care their son, Greyson, has received at Nemours Children’s Health, Jacksonville. Greyson has broken multiple bones over the years which were healed with orthopedic casts administered by doctors at Nemours Children’s.  Greyson was lucky enough to receive a waterproof cast which can be worn in showers and pools. This allows Greyson to continue his normal activities while his bones are healing including seemingly simple activities like swimming in a pool and showering. Unfortunately, waterproof casts are not covered by insurance and begin at $100.

As parents, you understand the desire to give your children every opportunity to enjoy life to the fullest. As lifelong Jacksonville residents, it is recognized that many fellow citizens struggle to make ends meet and often can’t afford a water-resistant cast for their child. That is why the Smith Family has partnered with Nemours Children’s Health, Jacksonville to create the Splash Academy. Splash Academy gives children with broken bones a water-resistant cast, regardless of their families’ resources. To learn more information or how you can get involved with Splash Academy please visit their website here.

Keely Lynn was just five years old when she developed skin rashes, swelling, and muscle and joint pain. Keely’s undiagnosed symptoms were made worse by sun exposure, causing her to miss out on recess and PE during school. After many ineffective trips to urgent care, Keely’s family found hope with Brandon Dorion, MD, a Nemours Children’s Health, Pensacola physician that specializes in pediatric rheumatology. After meeting with Keely and her family, Dr. Dorion felt confident Keely was experiencing juvenile dermatomyositis. He immediately began treatment and Keely’s symptoms began to improve. Keely is now healthy, happy and enjoying her time at school again. Keely’s grandparents, Donita and Tim Lynn, are so grateful for Dr. Dorion’s help getting their granddaughter back to her healthy, happy self.