Meet Branwen

What does it mean to have someone believe in you?

For Branwen, having a trusted care team has changed her outlook—on life, career, and motherhood.

The postpartum period can come with many physical challenges for new moms. But shortly after the birth of her son, Branwen started experiencing unusual symptoms. Waking up with sudden hearing loss in one ear. Tearing her rotator cuff while simply wrapping Christmas presents.

It was a confusing and worrying time for the 36-year-old as she searched for the cause. Finally, one diagnosis tied all her symptoms together: Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a connective tissue disorder characterized by joint hypermobility, joint instability, and chronic pain.

Branwen first came to the Spaulding Outpatient Center in Framingham to work with her physical therapist, Annie Squires, on upper body mobility. But when Annie learned of Branwen’s EDS diagnosis, she shared that Spaulding has a special approach that considers all conditions a person with EDS may experience—not just the one that brought them in. It was the first time that Branwen had received the full care she needed.

A team of Spaulding physical and occupational therapists across Spaulding Outpatient locations specializes in Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome treatment. Our team approach stands out for being highly current, collaborative, and compassionate. “At Spaulding I felt heard, understood, respected, and believed,” says Branwen. “The holistic approach and detailed understanding make you feel seen, and truly cared for.”

At Spaulding, every patient is driven by a personal “why”—a reason to rebuild after injury or illness. Your support as a donor helps provide the “how”—the expert care and innovative therapies that make recovery possible. Spaulding donors play a critical role in our life-changing care.

“My son was a toddler when all this was happening,” Branwen says. “I was terrified to take him to the playground, because I couldn’t run to catch him if he fell.” When she first started treatment with Spaulding, Branwen couldn’t lift or hold her young son, a situation that often resulted in tears for both of them. “Thanks to Annie and Spaulding, I was able to be the mom I wanted to be,” Branwen says.

EDS is a lifelong condition with many ups and downs, progress and setbacks. A failed spinal fusion left Branwen again with an uncertain future. Help from a Mass General Brigham Home Care physical therapist helped her navigate the delicate post-surgery period when she couldn’t leave her home for treatment. “I was very weak,” Branwen says. “I honestly thought that I’d never work again.”

Branwen returned to see Annie, who gave her hope with an optimistic—but realistic—approach. “Annie never gave up on me,” says Branwen. “She listened to my goals and helped me work toward them.” In thanks for her care, Branwen chose to donate to Spaulding in honor of Annie.

“She changed everything for me,” says Branwen. “Not just physically, but how I think about disability. Annie taught me I can continue to have a full life. It might look different than I imagined, but it’s no less rich and fulfilling.”

In fact, Branwen now works for Spaulding, helping drive resources and support in her role on the development team. “It’s one way I can give back for everything that Spaulding has given to me,” she says.