We asked CommunityCARE and KIDMED providers, across the state, to take time from their busy schedules and share their success stories. These stories are testimony to early intervention and active medical treatment significantly reduces the frequency and severity of many diseases and conditions. Through the conscientious work and dedication of our CommunityCARE and KIDMED providers, many lives are positively impacted! Please cheer with us as you read the success stories relayed by these caring providers.

1. At birth, a baby girl was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect described as interrupted aortic arch type B with bicuspid aortic valve, severe sub aortic stenosis and small ascending aorta. During her 2 years she has had surgery twice to repair heart defects and must depend on a gastrostomy tube for liquid nourishment; however she is now taking some solid foods by mouth.
   
   From a cardiac standpoint, the little girl is doing well and has been referred to Early Steps for a speech delay. She now walks and speaks a few words. She is growing normally and will continue in speech therapy. Her parents take her to the clinic for regular KIDMED visits and when other medical needs occur. Her Provider continues monitoring her progress closely.


2. This family has 8 success stories in their immediate family. All 8 children are successful because their mother sees that they are up to date with their KIDMED screenings with their Provider. We applaud the commitment of parents who make this kind of determined effort to keep their children healthy!


3. A mother expressed concern about her 2-month old daughter exhibiting digestive difficulty and not gaining weight when she took her to the clinic to be checked. The Provider ordered blood tests and after examining the child determined that she was dehydrated. The clinic made arrangements for admittance to the hospital where further tests and evaluations were completed. Her formula was changed to Nutramigen with rice cereal and she was placed on Prevacid.


4. A few days before Christmas last year, a mother took her 8-year old daughter to her Provider because of pain and weakness in her hip, pelvic and ankle muscles. The child's Provider observed musculoskeletal pain and coordination difficulties. Her functional ability was preventing full and safe participation in age appropriate recreational activities.
   
   With a diagnosis of pes planus, commonly know as flat feet or fallen arches, the little girl was referred to a therapist for an initial physical therapy evaluation in February. There she received an assessment and plan to strengthen lower body muscle weakness of the hip/pelvic and ankle muscles.
   
   After a second visit with the physical accompanied with a series of home exercises that the child's mom helps her perform, the little girl is now playing soccer in school.


5. A one year old boy was taken to his Provider for a KIDMED screening in July 2007. He was diagnosed with moderate to severe eczema and it was determined that he also had an attached frenulum. The treatment for eczema was begun and his mother scheduled the surgery to correct the frenulum in January 2008.
   
   Currently, the little boy's eczema is much improved by treatment with Protopic and only has involvement to his hands, wrists and ankles. After the surgery to correct the attached frenulum, his parents are pleased with the results and state that his speech is better.