Leon's Recovery Story  

Leon experienced a choking episode when he was 2 years old. When it became clear that he was having difficulty swallowing, his parents took him to a Bay Area Children’s Hospital. He had recently experienced a viral illness which was followed by pain. He also began having difficulty walking and was eventually diagnosed with Guillain Barre Syndrome, which is a temporary disorder that affects the nerves in the body. After staying at the Children’s Hospital for 30 days, he was transferred to Pediatric Rehabilitation at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. Initially, Leon was unable to sit or walk by himself. During Rehabilitation, Leon and his parents worked with physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, child life specialists, a registered dietician, nursing, and his physicians to improve his function. When he left the hospital and went home with his family, he was able to sit and roll, but still relied on a stroller to get around. After outpatient therapy, Leon progressed to using a walker and then was able to walk by himself.

We recently caught up with Leon and his family for some updates:

Leon’s favorite and least favorite part of inpatient rehabilitation: Favorite part was watching a helicopter land with the child life specialist and his least favorite part was getting his pulse taken.

One thing Leon can do now that his parents didn’t know he would be able to do is: Run and jump!

Leon’s typical day now is: Playing at preschool with his friends, climbing trees, running, swinging, and doing everything a 4-year-old should be doing.

Leon’s family would like to share with other families: Being in the hospital with a child is scary and isolating. Reach out to your community and loved ones for support.

Other advice from Leon’s family: We are very fortunate that our son’s condition was acute and he’s making a full recovery. Also, that we were able to be with him 24/7 through the ordeal. It was a long and difficult year and half. But our prayers are with parents and families and children who have a longer road than we had. Also, seek help to do healing work on your own trauma.