A Halloween to Remember for Family of Baby Born with Bilateral Clubbed Feet
October 28, 2024
Categories: Orthopedics, Pediatrics, Children's Health
It’s fall in Michigan, and Halloween is fast approaching, a time for children to don their scariest costumes and participate in the annual tradition of trick-or-treating. For the family of one cute 5-month-old boy named Henrik Johnson, this year will be one to truly remember.
Henrik's mother, Amber, has already picked out his costume: "He will be the cutest scarecrow there ever was," she said with pride. She looks forward to making this memory with Henrik's entire family -- herself, dad Jason, and big sisters Lira and London.
The journey for Henrik to this moment has been filled with challenges.
Born with bilateral clubbed feet, a condition in which both his feet were turned inward at the ankles, his parents had immediate concerns following his birth in May 2024.
"Like any parent, we thought he was beautiful when he was born, but it was obvious to us that he had issues with his feet and we knew it was something we would have to contend with," said Amber. "We were anxious for sure. We wanted to get him the help he needed quickly, so he wouldn't be impacted later in life."
After receiving a referral from Henrik's Pediatrician, Geetha Nair, MD, from Trinity Health IHA Medical Group, the Johnsons sought specialized pediatric care at nearby Trinity Health Oakland, just a short drive from their Commerce Township home.
In 2022, University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital and Trinity Health Oakland partnered to open a pediatric multispecialty clinic on the campus of Trinity Health Oakland, located along Woodward Avenue. This clinic now offers access to top pediatric experts in cardiology, gastroenterology, hematology-oncology, orthopedics, ophthalmology, and urology.
For families like the Johnsons living in the tri-county area (Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne counties), their close proximity and easy access to this clinic has been a critical part of their children’s care. In the case of Henrik, part of his treatment plan required weekly visits to the clinic for serial casting of his legs during the first two months of life.
According to Amber, they met with Kristina Sinacori Walick, MD, a nationally renowned C.S. Mott pediatric orthopedic expert within two weeks of receiving the referral. Through a series of treatments, including heel chord surgery and casts, Henrik's feet have straightened.
"You know, there were days when Henrik would get frustrated with the casts, but his smile never faded," said Amber. "From the very beginning, he has just been a really happy, happy kid." Today, Henrik’s condition has been fully corrected. He has recovered from surgery, is out of casts, and has been outfitted with special boots, which will continue to support his growth into a healthy and strong boy. "He's much more comfortable now in boots," says Amber. "He's such a resilient little boy."
Henrik's progress has been remarkable according to mom, he is even learning to crawl. Mom and dad feel hopeful for his future, knowing that with continued support and progress, he will soon walk and enjoy his childhood without any limitation.
"Seeing Henrik's progress and his fantastic outcome is a true testament to our medical team and the partnership of C.S. Mott and Trinity Health Oakland," said
Dr. Walick. "His story demonstrates the vital role our clinic plays in the community, providing patients and their families easy and regular access to care with our expert team close to home."
Henrik's story is a beacon of hope, highlighting the power of medical expertise, parental love, and a child's unwavering smile.
The days of serious medical decisions are hopefully past for Henrik and his family. Now the Johnson kids can get down to what truly matters this time of year …. like which houses to visit first and how to maximize their collection of candy.
On behalf of the care team at Trinity Health Oakland and C.S. Mott, we wish Henrik and the Johnsons a Happy Halloween!
For more information about Pediatric Specialty Clinics available at Trinity Health Oakland, please visit http://trinityhealthmi.org/CSMottChildren or schedule an appointment by calling 248-287-7500.