Download the 2012 Annual Report - Arkansas Children's Hospital

When Laura and her husband, Mike, tickedthe “special needs” box on their adoptionpaperwork, their five-year wait quickly cameto an end 14 days later.The baby girl they brought home from China in 2007faced an uphill battle to correct a severe cleft lip andpalate – a condition that would certainly impactevery aspect of theirdaughter’s life.In 2010, before the ageof four, Chloe had herfirst two surgeries. InJanuary 2010, doctorsat Arkansas Children’sHospital repaired herpalate and then, just twomonths later, repairedher lip.This past year, Chloeendured two more tripsinto the operating room,having her tonsils and adenoids removed in May of2012 in preparation for follow-up surgery to lengthenher palate in June.Looking ahead, Chloe will have a bone graft transplantedfrom her hip in order to correct a hole in herpalate. “Chloe is missing bone in her upper jaw,“explained Emily Copeland, ENT specialty nurse andCleft Team coordinator. “Without this surgery, herpermanent teeth would have no place to reside. Inaddition, the surgery will enhance her facial growth,as well as her speech.”One final procedure will take place when Chloereaches the age of 16, when she’ll have surgeryto straighten the septum in her nose and improveher breathing. In addition, Chloe continues to havespeech therapy sessions twice a week.Chloe’s mom often thinks about what her daughter’schallenges would be had she not received ACH’sexpert care. How would she smile? How would sheapproach life? In Chloe’scase, surgery has changedthe entire course of herlife, revealing a differentchild.The new Chloe isconfident, happier,outgoing. Being more atease, she enjoys makingnew best friends in herpre-kindergarten class,and has even startedtaking piano lessons.Chloe, a typical daddy’sgirl, has so much to look forward to now. Includingthe family’s annual “Gotcha Day” celebrationcommemorating the day they brought home theirlittle girl. And because of this family’s commitmentto getting her the very best care, Chloe can greet notjust Gotcha Day, but every day, with a big smile.2012 was more than ayear of celebration.It was the yearChloe’s smile wastransformed.The Possibility of GivingMore than $26.7 million was raised for the constructionof the South Wing, the largest expansion in the hospital’s100-year history. But the need doesn’t end there. With yourhelp, even more kids can receive the critical care they need.1617