"We had a typical pregnancy and expected an equally typical birth," Ann says, recalling the birth of her second child, Chloe.  "But I knew after she was born that something was wrong, because they didn't bring her over to me."

Ann and Matt's pediatrician diagnosed Chloe with spina bifida.  "We didn't even know how to say it, let alone what it was," Ann remembers.

In fact, spina bifida is a birth defect.  It occurs during the earliest stages of pregnancy, causing the spine to develop abnormally.  Its effects can include paralysis and multiple health issues.

Two weeks after Chloe was born, Ann and Matt brought her to Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare.  "The first time we walked into the hospital, everyone was commenting on how cute she was," recalls Engstrum.  "We were still dealing with the news of her diagnosis, so it was so incredible to come to a place where everyone saw her for the cute, wonderful person she is."

Today Chloe is 5 years old.  She loves to swing, play with dolls, have tea parties and, most of all, meet new people.  Chloe walks with leg braces, which she calls her 'helpers,' and arm crutches. 

<< Back to Meet the Kids