Paige’s Rehabilitation Goal: Get Home for the Holidays
November 22, 2024
When Paige began experiencing neck pain and numbness in her limbs one day, her family brought her to the emergency department near their home in New Hampshire out of an abundance of caution. But within 30 minutes of arriving, Paige’s symptoms had rapidly progressed.
The active, healthy 12-year-old was paralyzed from the neck down.
Paige spent a month at Mass General for Children, where she was treated for transverse myelitis, a rare neurological condition where the spinal cord is inflamed. She came to Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Boston for her extensive recovery.
“We met the most amazing, kind, positive people at Spaulding,” says Paige’s mom, Courtney. “Paige wanted to work hard on her recovery, for herself and also for the staff.”
When Paige arrived at Spaulding, she had limited mobility and was unable to sit up in bed by herself. “The therapists made rehab fun for Paige,” says Courtney. “They tapped into her interests like art and swimming.” Paige was able to take advantage of Spaulding’s therapeutic pool to engage in aquatic therapy, beaming the entire time.
Not every moment was easy, however, especially given the time of year. “It’s hard to be in the hospital over the holiday season,” says Courtney. “The Child Life team went above and beyond to keep all the kids on the unit excited and having fun.” Paige made many friends among her fellow patients, which played a special role in her recovery.
Whether it’s through festive activities funded by donations to the pediatric program, care packages created by Spaulding Professionals Council members, or special performances for patients and families, community support helps bring light to people going through the most challenging times in their lives.
“The support for Paige and for our whole family was apparent at Spaulding,” says Courtney. “The clinicians encouraged us to be involved and included us in her treatments. They really helped our entire family heal.”
Paige was admitted to Spaulding in late November and had a goal to be home for Christmas. When the time came, the family felt secure going home because of Spaulding’s support and guidance on the transition. Paige was discharged on December 24, going home with presents donated to the pediatric program as well as specialized leg braces and arm slings—everything the pre-teen needed for a happy, healthy holiday back home.