The surgery went perfectly, and Keilany began the long road to recovery that follows a traumatic brain injury. Nurse Steven Nalewajk kept her spirits up during her stay in the pediatric intensive care unit, sharing that when he was Keilany’s age, he’d come to Connecticut Children’s for a similar experience.
“He knew what I felt, and was there to help with whatever I needed,” says Keilany. “He told me, ‘It’s okay, it’ll get better. See me? I’m perfectly fine, and someday you’ll be too.’ It was motivation.”
Keilany’s complex recovery was coordinated by the Pediatric Hospital Medicine team, doctors who specialize in the unique needs of a hospitalized child and their family. The team, led by division head Anand Sekaran, MD, was at Keilany’s bedside throughout her weeks of recovery, ensuring she and her family always had access to the answers and support they needed. They partnered with the Neurosurgery team to oversee Keilany’s treatment, coordinating care from numerous Connecticut Children’s specialties into an integrated plan.
All told, Keilany’s care included pediatric experts from Ear, Nose & Throat, Craniofacial, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Psychology, Pain Medicine, and Nutrition – in addition to the Critical Care and Neurosurgery teams who performed emergency surgery.
“We had a lot of people behind us,” says Gilberto.
> Related: Message with Connecticut Children’s doctors from your phone with the MyChart app
“It was a sign of hope”
Eventually, Keilany was strong enough to move to a regular room in the hospital. Her pain lessened, and with the support of Connecticut Children’s pediatric specialists, she steadily regained her strength, balance and motor skills. She started to feel more like herself.
“I’m a chatterbox,” she laughs. “I have a lot of stories to tell. The nurses were very fun, and always there to listen.” One nurse, Alma, was a special comfort. “She stayed with me a lot,” says Keilany. “She was like a grandma to me.”
The family’s faith was a constant source of strength too. Friends and family sent prayers and care packages. Connecticut Children’s arranged for a priest to visit Keilany in her room. “It was a sign of hope that I would get out of hospital soon,” she says.
When Keilany left the hospital, she was walking well, speaking clearly and eager to return to school – she’s in seventh grade at Saint Martin de Porres Academy in New Haven. She no longer suffers from headaches or neck pain.
“Honestly? I feel great,” says Keilany. “I’m excited to do normal stuff again!”
> Related: Care is right around the corner! Find a Connecticut Children’s location near you
