“When Alysia Peddy’s children were born, she felt grateful for their good health and delighted in experiencing all of their firsts. Even when Pierce, her second child, started missing some of his standard milestones she wasn’t overly concerned knowing all kids develop at their own pace. But when her active and precious toddler started having seizures at two years old, she knew something more was going on. Pierce was diagnosed with an extremely rare genetic disorder. This disorder caused traumatic brain injuries, a trache for breathing, a g-tube for eating and a lifetime of 24/7 intensive care.
When Alysia found the Plasencia Chronic Complex Clinic at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, which is a national model in coordinating care for children like Pierce, it changed everything. The clinic ensures Pierce, and medically complex children like him, have a place to go to handle all their medical, physical, and emotional needs. A specialized medical team knows each child personally – from their medical history to their favorite sports team – and tailors their healthcare accordingly.
Currently there are over six-hundred children being treated at the clinic, with nearly fifty in the process of transitioning out because of their age. St. Joseph’s Hospitals Foundation in partnership with St. Joseph’s Hospitals raised over $1.5 million to establish an Adult Chronic Complex Clinic, delivering a seamless transition of care so these medically fragile patients and their loved ones won’t have to scramble to find the same level of extraordinary care they so desperately need.”