Giving a Teen the Freedom to Laugh: Our Life-Changing Partnership with Kids In Crisis

We’d like to thank our valued partners at Kids in Crisis for this story. Published with permission.

For most teenagers, laughter is spontaneous and free. But for one 17-year-old who came to Connecticut Children’s, every laugh meant choosing between joy and pain – until we partnered with Kids in Crisis to change his life.

Through our extraordinary collaboration with Kids in Crisis, we were able to transform this young man's future. His condition – a severe hernia that had restricted his childhood – represented more than a medical challenge. It symbolized the barriers many vulnerable children face in accessing essential healthcare.

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Healthcare partnerships can transform lives

What started as a routine case at Kids In Crisis evolved into a remarkable example of how our healthcare partnerships can transform lives. Working together, our teams helped a young boy achieve something many take for granted: the ability to laugh without fear.

When the teen arrived at Kids In Crisis with a condition that had shadowed his entire life, we learned he couldn't enjoy basic childhood activities like running, playing sports, or even laughing freely. "He had learned to catch himself before laughing because he knew it would hurt," recalls Melissa Malone, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) at Kids In Crisis.

Despite facing chronic pain, the youth's resilient spirit shone through. The Kids In Crisis staff noted his remarkably positive attitude and grateful nature, even though simple actions like sneezing caused him significant discomfort. What made his case particularly challenging was an additional diagnosis of latent tuberculosis, which complicated potential surgical interventions.

This is where partnership between Connecticut Children’s and Kids in Crisis proved invaluable. Together, we demonstrated our commitment to removing healthcare barriers for vulnerable populations. Christine Rader, MD, FACS, pediatric surgeon at Connecticut Children’s, immediately recognized the urgency of the situation. "When he walked into our clinic, we knew we had to help him," she explains.

A joint effort, 100% dedicated to kids

Our collaboration showcased excellence in patient-centered care in the following ways:

We provided comprehensive support, including detailed explanations of medical procedures in ways families can understand
Our medical team developed specialized treatment plans accounting for his unique medical history
His care team went beyond imagination, providing entertainment to brighten his hospital stay

Making an impact and helping to pursue dreams

"We don't want patients to have to run around to get healthcare," said James Healy, MD, MHS, pediatric surgeon at Connecticut Children’s. "It's what we would do for anybody."

The impact of this partnership extended far beyond medical care. "This surgery changed this child's life, forever," said Melissa Malone. "He was a kid who just wanted to laugh, jump and run around - and now he is finally able to do that."

Shari Shapiro, Executive Director of Kids In Crisis, emphasizes the broader significance: "This is the reason we do what we do. Every day we make an impact, some more visible than others. It just shows how important our medical program is."

Today, the teenager lives hernia-free with his family, finally able to pursue his dream of playing soccer and laugh freely with friends.

His story exemplifies how our strategic partnerships with organizations like Kids In Crisis can break down barriers to care and create life-changing outcomes for vulnerable youth in our communities.

This successful collaboration demonstrates the powerful impact that occurs when we align our mission with other organizations to serve those in need, regardless of their circumstances or challenges.