The Division of Neurology at CHOP, which
is among the largest in the world offering
cutting edge strategies to diagnose and treat
both common and rare neurological disorders,
remained the beneficiary for 2017.
"The Neurology faculty at CHOP is
committed to cutting edge research and
treatments to help children with stroke,
traumatic brain injury, seizures, headache,
multiple sclerosis, inherited diseases such as
leukodystrophies, neuromuscular disorders
including muscular dystrophy and spinal
muscular atrophy and more," said Dr. Brenda
Banwell, division chief and co-chair of the
Black Tie Tailgate. "We are very excited to
be the beneficiary of the Black Tie Tailgate
again this year."
Funds raised through the 2017 event will
be used to accelerate care and research for
children with neurological disorders, as
well as newborns and children with acute
brain injury or critical illness. The program
staffs numerous general neurologists located
in eight satellite locations ready to serve
the needs of the community. Some of their
exciting advances include:
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A genetic epilepsy program where they
investigate the cause of a child's seizure
disorder, design models to test what is
going wrong, investigate what medications
might work best, and then bring the most
appropriate treatment to the child.
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A leukodystrophy center of excellence that
has recruited one of the world's experts in
the field, adding to their already very strong
medical and research teams. The goal
is to bring the newest and most exciting
advances in treatment to children with
these rare but very serious disorders.
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A nationally recognized program for
children with multiple sclerosis that not
only offers a comprehensive care team,
but also leads the way in clinical trials
and major research into the causes of this
disease.
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A neuromuscular program that is involved
in over 15 clinical trials for children with
muscular dystrophy and very exciting
life-saving therapy for babies with spinal
muscular atrophy - essentially a childhood
Lou Gehrig's disease.
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A headache program that is growing in
both scope and treatment opportunities.
Infusions, Botox, and pain injection
sites are among the treatments offered to
children who need them. Pain psychology,
wellness and nutrition are key components
of headache management for all children.
Did you attend this year's Black Tie Tailgate?
If so, we thank you! If you weren't able to
join us and wish to support the Division of
Neurology and the patients it serves, donate
online at phillyautoshow.com.
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Continued from page 13
MEET THE PATIENTS
Some of the patients that benefit from the
services of the Division of Child Neurology
include Jacob, Grace, Claire and Hailey.
Jacob suffered an
ischemic stroke at 2 1/2
years old resulting in
significant weakness in
the left side of his body.
He had to relearn how to
crawl, cruise and walk.
With the help of the division's Dr. Rebecca
Ichord, Jacob has completely recovered. Now
7 1/2 years old, he loves playing sports and
swimming in the ocean.
Grace was diagnosed
with Friedreich's Ataxia,
a relentless, progressive
neuromuscular disorder
that inhibits a body's
ability to regulate its
coordination and can
trigger heart problems, diabetes and scoliosis.
She is in 9th grade at Episcopal Academy.
Grace doesn't dwell on her disease. Though she
is often tired by the end of her school day, she
loves learning and is a voracious reader with a
keen scientific mind.
In August 2015, 6-year-old
Claire suffered a mild fall
that caused her to become
very dizzy and her right
side to become very weak.
She could not keep her
balance to walk, was not
able to talk and lost consciousness. Claire was
diagnosed with Hemiplegic Migraine. She spent
two months in rehab doing therapy everyday
building her strength relearning how to talk,
walk and eat. Claire continued outpatient
therapy and thanks to Pediatric Neurologist Dr.
Daniel Licht she is now a happy little girl in
first grade who just loves life.
On the morning of July
5th, 2013, 13-year-old
Hailey was reading a
newspaper story when her
speech became slurred and
she quickly lost the ability
to speak. After being
admitted to CHOP, she was diagnosed with
Anti NMDA Receptor Encephalitis. CHOP
became her family's home for the next 261
days. Hailey is now in 11th grade, has joined
four different clubs at her high school and was
inducted into the prestigious National Honor
Society. Hailey's future plans are to go to
college where she will pursue her dream of a
career helping children.
Dr. Brenda Banwell,
division chief and co-chair of the Black Tie Tailgate
WE ARE VERY EXCITED TO BE
THE BENEFICIARY OF BLACK TIE
TAILGATE AGAIN THIS YEAR AND
WE LOOK FORWARD TO EXCEEDING
OUR FUNDRAISING GOALS.
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