Inspiring Moments: Recent Episodes
WYPR Baltimore
Inspiring Moments is made possible by Kennedy Krieger Institute. Kennedy Krieger Institute is internationally recognized for improving the lives of more than 24,000 children and young adults with disorders and injuries of the brain, spinal cord, and musculoskeletal system each year. The Institute is a non-profit, specialty pediatric healthcare and education organization that's headquartered in Baltimore and has locations throughout Maryland.
They serve patients, students and families with inpatient and outpatient clinics; home and community services; and school-based special education programs. Kennedy Krieger trains nearly 1,000 professionals each year and conducts critical research to help unlock the full potential of children right here in Maryland, and around the world.
Early assessment and therapeutic interventions for autism spectrum disorder can greatly influence a child’s development. No matter how young, expert assessment and intervention can positively change a child's life trajectory. Listen to Dr. Christine Hess from Kennedy Krieger’s Center for Autism and Related Disorders share Milo’s story of how therapy as an infant made a huge difference in his life.
Inspiring Moments is produced in partnership with WYPR.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A multi-vehicle car accident might have landed Katie in several hospitals for more than six months, but her hard work and dedication put her back on the path to graduate from college. Listen to Dr. Danielle Ploetz share Katie’s story of courage and determination.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Josie was diagnosed with spina bifida, a condition where the spinal cord protrudes outside the body, while still in her mother’s womb. Dr. Sarah Korth met her parents as they navigated the very difficult decision about whether to have risky prenatal surgery to potentially improve Josie’s life. Listen to the inspiring story about this family’s journey.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Elliott was born with Down syndrome, which has created some difficulties in his life. But this charming, energetic young man has not let that diagnosis stop him. Elliott lives life to the fullest through his participation as a Special Olympics athlete and starring in his many videos. Listen to hear how Ellicott has inspired Dr. Carmen Lopez Arvizu.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A mutual passion for Kennedy Krieger reunited two families after 40 years. Orlee Engler Kahn, director of planned giving at Kennedy Krieger, had a front row seat to their joyful reunion. Listen to their story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kennedy Krieger’s iconic Festival of Trees event could have been sidelined because of COVID. But, especially this year, families need uplifting entertainment to enjoy together Thanksgiving weekend. Listen to the inspiring commitment of those whose support will make this year’s virtual event a reality.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Maintaining a positive attitude when you are a high school student who has had to endure multiple surgeries, as well as a brain injury, sounds like a difficult challenge. However, for Ronen, being positive and encouraging others is just part of his personality. While undergoing physical therapy at Kennedy Krieger’s Specialized Transition Program after several surgeries to repair injuries to his feet and ankles, Ronen inspired his fellow patients and therapists with his work ethic and enthusiastic attitude.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ryleigh is a determined five-year-old who has worked hard over the past year to reverse the effects of acute flaccid myelitis, including paralysis. She has about twelve hours of therapy a week, which is a lot for a little girl. In honor of Physical Therapy Month, Ryleigh’s physical therapist, Lia Brunn shares a story about this inspiring little girl.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Middle school, homework, and all the changes that adolescence brings can be overwhelming for any 13 year old boy. However, imagine that you are unable to read like your peers. You become upset at the thought of reading in front of others and you have never been able to read anything for pleasure. Hear how Jaidyn, working with a Kennedy Krieger speech language specialist, is learning how to overcome his reading disorder through hard work, professional guidance and dedication.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Imagine starting your teenage years by facing yet another surgery. And this time the surgery is to attach metal frames--that will stay in place for six months--to each of your legs, followed by three months in the hospital for Intensive physical and occupational therapies. That's what Ellie faced in 2018 when she was just 13 years old. Listen to Ellie's physical therapist, Heather McLean, tell of Ellie's spirit, grit and determination--and above all--her sense of humor.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kelly Anastaci, a special educator at Kennedy Krieger’s Montgomery County School, tells Dr. Jacqueline Stone about a student who refuses to be limited by his diagnosis with autism spectrum disorder and how he is helping others understand those with autism better.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Val was born at 23 weeks and 5 days gestation and spent 120 days in the NICU. As a result, she struggled throughout her life with what she calls “invisible disabilities.” Today, Val is a dynamic college student who majors in music and has presented on Tedx Youth Talks about her journey. Listen to Kennedy Krieger pediatric neurologist Dr. Joanna Burton as she shares Val’s remarkable story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When Marcus first came to Center for Autism and Related Disorders at Kennedy Krieger, he was a two-year-old boy who wasn’t speaking and would run laps around the furniture at home for hours at a time. After being diagnosed with autism, Marcus started therapy at the Center for Autism and joined our achievements program. Today, years later, Marcus is a friendly and social young man. In recognition of Autism Awareness Month, Melanie Pinkett-Davis, Clinical Director for the Center for Autism shares his inspiring story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Life can change in an instant. That is what happened to Purnell after being injured while crossing the street. As a result, Purnell had to relearn everything, including how to walk, talk and eat. Through very hard work with his therapists at Kennedy Krieger Institute and his own determination, today Purnell is a typical teenager looking forward to his junior prom. In recognition of Brain Injury Awareness Month, we are inspired by patients like Purnell who have overcome so much.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It takes tremendous effort to come to terms with the death of a child, an event that no parent can ever truly move beyond. Dr. Connie Smith-Hicks talks about Liz, who, inspired by the memory of her daughter Tory, honors her by reaching out and supporting parents of children with a diagnosis of Rett syndrome.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Abigail has conquered life-threatening health issues that would sideline many people. When her failing health pushed her to depression, she and her family turned to experts for help. Listen to her inspiring story told by Dr. Bradley Grant, one of her doctors and a child psychiatrist at Kennedy Krieger’s Psychiatric Mental Health Program.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dr. Brad Schlaggar, president and CEO of Kennedy Krieger Institute, shares a heartwarming story about a mother’s perseverance in helping her son, a young teen with severe autism who blossoms into a talented artist after receiving treatment for his harmful behaviors.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A struggling, young, homeless mother learns self-confidence and how to be a better parent through a photo story book project. Listen to this inspiring story by Kim Cosgrove at Kennedy Krieger Institute’s Therapeutic Nursery about how a special program helped a mom and baby find much needed stability and hope for the future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
At Kennedy Krieger Institute, Shannon gets the treatment she needs to stay healthy and start her journey towards medical school. Listen to her physical therapist Chris Joseph talk about how Shannon, despite having osteogenesis imperfecta, or brittle bone disease, is charting a path forward to realizing her dream of being a neonatologist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Imagine losing your father to an incurable genetic disorder when you are just a child and then finding out that you carry the same genetic condition that could be passed on to your kids, and effect your life, too. Listen to how Taylor, now a young woman, has turned her personal adversity into advocacy for research for a cure and inspiration to others to never give up.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Adverse experiences in a child’s younger years often have negative impact on that child’s future, but with proper help, there is hope. Listen to Dan Hoover share the story of Da’quan who realized that with support and assistance from his foster family and caring therapy from his therapists at the Center for Child and Family Traumatic Stress at Kennedy Krieger Institute, he could have a bright future, despite his early traumatic experiences.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Seventeen years after Miss Debbie, a foster parent, took a chance on a 10 year-old boy who had been to 11 different foster placements. Today that same young man is now a father and husband himself, and helps other potential foster parents understand boys like he once was.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“We got our Jackie back!” That was the sentiment of Jackie’s parents after their daughter had been treated for chronic pain at the Kennedy Krieger Institute Pediatric Pain Rehabilitation Clinic. With an interdisciplinary team approach to treatment, Jackie learned how to manage her pain and to get back to the things she loves.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Gerry Herman, co-director of the Bennett Institute for Physically Challenged Sports Program at Kennedy Krieger Institute, shares how Samantha went from being a shy six-year-old when she first started in the program to a confident, 17-year-old accomplished athlete who is going to college on a scholarship to play wheelchair basketball.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Yuva is a nationally-ranked chess player, an excellent student and a scientific researcher who also has Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Hear how he inspires Dr. Kathryn Wagner, his physician at Kennedy Krieger Institute’s center for muscle disorders, with his remarkable tenacity, fortitude and drive and by the contributions he’s making to research for new treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dr. Beth Slomine shares a story about Amy Dykes, a former patient who had a large tumor removed from her brain when she was 18. Now fully recovered, Amy applies the lessons she learned as a patient to teaching students with learning differences at Kennedy Krieger’s Fairmount school.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In recognition of Rare Disease Day, that occurs later this month on February 28th, Kennedy Krieger Institute’s mitochondrial disease specialist, Dr. Hilary Vernon, introduces us to a patient who benefits from Dr. Vernon’s expertise and from whom she received an accurate diagnosis for her rare, mitochondrial disease.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hear how Kristin, and her mom, refused to except dire prognoses about Kristin’s medical challenges and went on to defy the limitations that others predicted.Dr. Jackie Harris, MD, a pediatric neurologist with Kennedy Krieger Institute shares how mother and daughter came to the Institute to find answers to Kristin’s mysterious illness. Diagnosed with the rare, genetic disease Kabuki Syndrome, Kristin has gone on to success in college and life despite her learning challenges, and inspires others to defy limits.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
At this holiday season, we are inspired by two families who have joined together, from different corners of the globe, to combat the rare disease afflicting their children.Leslie Marsiglia from Kennedy Krieger’s philanthropy group shares how the McGinns from the D.C. area, and the Fergusons from New Zealand, have partnered to raise money to help Kennedy Krieger Institute find a cure for LBSL, the potentially fatal genetic disorder that both Ellie and Marco are battling.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Michele Mueller, Director of Special Events for Kennedy Krieger Institute tells us about the Kemp sisters. A close-knit, generous family who meets every year at Kennedy Krieger’s annual Thanksgiving weekend fund raising event, Festival of Trees, to design and decorate a tree together. The proceeds from the sale of their fabulous trees, and other items, go to help the children and families Kennedy Krieger serves in their hospital, clinics, schools and community programs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aaron Parsons, vice president of special education at Kennedy Krieger Schools, shares his pride and excitement about Lauryn, a young woman who has successfully made the transition from special education student to committed, hard-working intern through a special program called Project SEARCH that trains young people with special needs to enter the workforce.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dr. Erin Michael, with Kennedy Krieger’s International Center for Spinal Cord Injury recounts her experiences with Jerry, an inspiring patient who defies the odds by competing as part of Team Kennedy Krieger in the 26.2 mile, handcycling marathon at the Baltimore Running Festival. Go Jerry!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Worldwide there are about 466 million people, or about 5% of the population, who are deaf or hard of hearing. And recently, one of my trainees, broke a huge glass ceiling. She became the first deaf psychology intern at the Kennedy Krieger Institute. Dr. Danielle Previ, a fellow alumni of Gallaudet University.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dr. Jennifer Reesman, from Kennedy Krieger’s deafness and related disorders clinic shares a story about a therapist who is deaf, and a fellow PhD and graduate of Gallaudet University, who inspires patients who are deaf and hard of hearing, and their families, by being a living example of all that can be accomplished because of, and despite, hearing differences.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sherry Fisher, a Kennedy Krieger Institute child life and therapeutic recreation special programs staff member, shares a special memory of how the affection and attention of a therapy dog made a long hospital stay better for a native American boy far from home, and his family.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A staff member from Kennedy Krieger’s PACT Therapeutic Day Care Center tells how an apprehensive new staff member learned a valuable life lesson from a little boy who refused to be limited by his disability.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We’re honoring Nurses Week with one of thousands of stories about our patients and their families as told by nurse Lisa Trotta, who works in our hospital and cares for children with brain, spinal cord and other serious neurological injuries. Lisa has been a nurse at Kennedy Krieger Institute for more than 30 years. Michael was a seriously injured 12 year old boy who was determined to recover and get back to his life. Lisa and Michael’s care team were determined to help. It’s children like Michael, and their families, that inspire us every day.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
April is Autism Awareness Month where we honor and recognize the millions of children, families and individuals around the world who are impacted by autism.Dr. Rebecca Landa, Director of the Center for Autism and Related Disorders at the Kennedy Krieger Institute, shares a story about a boy who was diagnosed with autism at Kennedy Krieger as a toddler and through treatment, education and perseverance is realizing his wishes and living a fulfilling life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A brain injury can happen to a child in a matter of seconds, changing their life forever. Dr. Stacy Suskauer from Kennedy Krieger’s Center for Brain Injury Recovery shares a story about Ben, a boy whose life changed in an instant at the age of 10 when a car struck the bike he was riding. Hear how Ben was determined to play a sport he loves again, and have a college life, despite a traumatic brain injury.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Greg is a young adult who, as a teen, was diagnosed at Kennedy Krieger with a rare, currently incurable, neurogenetic disorder. Greg has turned his adversity into motivation to help others.Dr. Ali Fatemi, Director of Kennedy Krieger’s Division of Neurogenetics, shares how Gregg is educating physicians about rare disorders like his and encouraging families to seek diagnoses from experts, like those at Kennedy Krieger.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lisa Carey, a special education consultant with Kennedy Krieger Institute’s Center for Innovation and Leadership in Special Education, tells about a teacher from Baltimore City Schools who inspired her. She shares how she was reminded of why she loves her job of helping teachers learn ways to be even better teachers, especially for students who learn differently.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.