Help us raise money

On Saturday, June 4th, we are participating in the 4th Annual Brace for the Race 5k & Ninja Warrior Course!!  On World Clubfoot Day, we celebrate the birthday of Dr. Ponsetti, who's impact had a great effect on the correction of patients with clubfoot.  The proceeds from this race will benefit Nemours Orthapedics, specifically Club Foot and Limb Deformities.  Please consider a donation toward our team, Chase and his Achilles Heals, in honor of Chase!

In March of 2015, during a routine pregnancy ultrasound, it was suspected that Chase could have a clubfoot.  It was recommended I visit the Orthopedic Surgeon at A.I. DuPont Hospital for Children.  

Shortly after, we met Dr. Nichols, the clubfoot guru!  She explained that Chase would be born with unilateral (right foot only) talipes equinovarus.  Essentially it's a deformity of the cavus, often shared with a shortened Achilles tendon.  Dr. Nichols was very personable and bubbly!  She was understanding and reassured nervous parents that Chase would be just fine.  She and staff would take the best care of him and, as a result, he would not have long term challenges.  

At a week old, Chase got his first cast.  He was miserable through the first night.  I was *certain* the cast was cutting off his circulation & his leg would surely fall off!  Back to see Dr. Nichols.  On the side of caution, she put him [and my mind] at ease, and re-casted him the next day.  Chase experienced months of weekly appointments, casting, and later 23 hours per day in his Ponsetti brace.  

At each visit, Dr. Nichols completed a thorough assessment on Chase, disguised as tickles and jokes.  She asks about family members who she hasn't seen recently, offers encouragement, and understands the real life of a parent (after all, she is one).  From weekly visits to the cast room,  waiting at Lawall's to be fitted for new boots, and visits to the Gait Lab, every staff member has taken the best care of our family.