Division of Neurosurgery Patient Stories

Broc was 7 years old when he had his first tonic-clonic seizure (also known as a grand mal). He lost consciousness and had violent muscle contractions. It was extremely frightening for his parents, Heather and Dave, to see.

Elana was born with abnormalities of her skull requiring surgery. When her parents came to CHOP, ‘We knew it was going to be OK.’

Selective dorsal rhizotomy surgery followed by intensive physical and occupational therapy enabled Nadia to walk without an assistive device for the first time at age 6.

While Julia’s diagnosis of a brain tumor was a shock to her family, the location and type of tumor meant surgery at CHOP was the only treatment she needed.

There was no “book” Ellen could refer to for medical guidance on her son, Evan, who has a rare genetic mutation.

Devon underwent surgery, chemotherapy and proton therapy for a brain tumor the size of a softball. Within months, she started college and made the Dean’s List.  

Sara lived with seizures until age 9. Her family flew 7,000 miles from United Arab Emirates so she could undergo epilepsy surgery at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Every day since, Sara has told her mom how happy she is to have had the procedure.

Learning that their child has a brain condition was a traumatic experience for Samia and Andre.

Thanks to the support of his adoptive parents and the relentless commitment of his care team at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, 5-year-old Colton has come a long way since suffering traumatic brain injury as a newborn.

Matthew has been through a lot in his young life. Thankfully, between his adoptive parents and his medical team at CHOP, he’s got a great support team in his corner.