Lisa Wadden

We have two sons who have both received excellent care at CHEO.

Our youngest son, Luke, has two syndromes – Down Syndrome and a seizure disorder called West syndrome (a severe form of epilepsy). Luke’s seizures did not respond to medications but they are extremely well controlled by the ketogenic diet which is supported by our amazing dietitian and neurology team. Like many children with DownSsyndrome, Luke was born with a heart defect called a PDA which was repaired at CHEO via cardiac catheterization when he was 6 months old. Luke was also born with a kidney defect called hydronephrosis. In caring for Luke our family has been supported by many departments at CHEO/OCTC including the following – Down Syndrome clinic, neurology, cardiology, nephrology, gastroenterology, ENT, Audiology, Dentistry, infectious disease, RSV clinic, emergency medicine, general surgery, discharge planning, phlebotomy, nursing, CHEO volunteers, social work, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology and the seating and mobility clinic.

Our oldest son, James, has also had many visits to the CHEO Emergency department. James is a very active and athletic boy and had three concussions in one year as well as a nasty abdominal injury from a bike accident which required monitoring by the CHEO surgery team. James has participated in two research studies at CHEO about concussions. James also has anaphylactic food allergies so we are very grateful to have CHEO in Ottawa.