Cook Children's Pediatrics Lake Forest

Shanley Stuteville, 25, has been a lifelong patient at Cook Children’s since she was diagnosed with epilepsy at 3 years old.

When she was 19, she underwent life-changing lesionectomy surgery and hasn’t had a seizure since 2020.

This year, she decided to give back to the community of patients at Cook Children’s by donating a work of art to the “neuro art collection” at the Jane and John Institute for Mind Health.

Throughout her experiences living with epilepsy, her surgery and all of the ups and downs of life, she’s always tried to look for the “rainbow after the storm” and hopes to convey that in her art.

Read Shanley’s story here: https://tinyurl.com/3depke3y

A Work of Heart: Former Patient Donates to Neuro Art Collection After Life-Changing Epilepsy Surgery By Amber KaiserShanley Stuteville, 25, has been a lifelong patient at Cook Children’s after she was diagnosed with epilepsy at 3 years old. When she was 19, she underwent life-changing lesionectomy surgery and hasn’t had a seizure since 2020. This year, she decided to give back to the community ...

from all of us at Cook Children’s! 🎃👻

We had a spook-tacular time celebrating today – our patients and their families at Cook Children’s Medical Center – Fort Worth and Prosper went trick-or-treating and our employees showed off their Halloween spirit by dressing up in creative costumes!

Click here to see more photos from the festivities:

Patients Celebrate Halloween at Cook Children's Happy Halloween from all of us at Cook Children’s! We're excited to share some of the fun and spooky happenings from this week. We have had a spook-tacular time celebrating in many ways:Beetlejuice-Inspired Haunted House: Our Child Life Zone at Cook Children’s Medical Center – Fort Worth has ...

The NICU’s spookiest crew! 🎃👻

Our tiniest patients and their families are ready to celebrate their first !

Thank you to the Cook Children’s Child Life team for bringing the Halloween spirit to our NICU patients and families. 🧡

Halloween is a magical time as children dress up to be whatever they can imagine!

While your little vampire, princess, or superhero prepares to gather all the candy possible, consider how to make this spooky night spectacular and avoid mishaps. Our experts at Cook Children’s share a few tips on how you can keep your family safe while embracing the Halloween spirit.

As you prepare for a night full of fun, we wish you and your family a safe and happy Halloween! Read more here:

How to Avoid Safety Scares this Halloween By Ashley JoyceHalloween is a magical time as children dress up to be whatever they can imagine. While your little vampire, princess, or superhero prepares to gather all the candy possible, consider how to make this spooky night spectacular and avoid mishaps.“Trick-or-treating is what my kids are ...

Logan Magane entered the world as a bundle of joy in June 2023. While his parents were surprised by his Down syndrome diagnosis at birth, they quickly embraced the unique journey ahead.

According to the CDC, Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal condition diagnosed in the U.S. It’s also called Trisomy 21 because a baby with Down syndrome is born with an extra chromosome 21. Down syndrome affects how the brain and body develop, leading to varying levels of lifetime care needs.

When Logan was 2 and a half months old, he and his family met Cook Children’s Geneticist Alexandra Garza Flores, M.D. “Logan has been a happy and charming little guy ever since I first met him,” Dr. Garza Flores said. “His diagnosis was not known prenatally, and so it was a surprise to his parents. However, they have been wonderful, proactive advocates for him from day one.”

Logan is now 16 months old. His body naturally takes more time to develop motor skills and other growth milestones. Thais advises others to focus on every child’s unique timeline.

“The amazing thing about Logan is that he surprises my family every single day,” Thais said. “And I work hard not to compare. Logan will show us in his own time.”

Dr. Garza Flores also keeps an eye on Logan’s growth. “Today, Logan is cruising, blowing kisses and finding his voice! He loves his big brother and can charm anyone he meets,” Dr. Garza Flores said. “It’s a privilege to be part of Logan’s health care team and watch him grow.”

Thais and her husband’s unwavering love and dedication are a testament to the extraordinary potential that lies within every child.

During , read more about Logan's story here:

A Mother's Journey: Finding Community and Hope for Her Child with Down Syndrome By Amber KaiserLogan Magane entered the world as a bundle of joy in June 2023. While his parents were surprised by his Down syndrome diagnosis at birth, they quickly embraced the unique journey ahead. “My labor had already been very different from what I had envisioned, as we both had complication...

When 12-year-old Deacon Swaim sits at his desk in math class, his peers might notice how focused he is. What they don't see is the journey that led him there. Deacon is one of just 16 students selected out of 332 to participate in his grade’s accelerated math and science program. He also has Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)—a fact that might surprise people given his academic achievements.

"I'm always the quiet kid, but I'm really smart," Deacon says, prompting a laugh from his mother Jennifer Swaim. She adds, "Yes, and humble!"

Jennifer, who has worked in the Cook Children's psychology department for almost 17 years, said she recognized signs of ADHD in Deacon when he was still a toddler. According to Deacon’s psychiatrist—Kristen Pyrc, M.D., medical director of Psychiatry Outpatient Services and the Partial Hospitalization Program at Cook Children’s Medical Center – Fort Worth—ADHD presents in different ways.

But Dr. Pyrc commonly reassures her patients that ADHD can be like a superpower. "Kids with ADHD tend to be more creative because their brain takes those rabbit trails,” she explains. “They work really well in groups because they think outside of the box, and they're very energetic."

In honor of ADHD Awareness Month, Deacon shows how neurodiversity can be a strength. Read more about his superpower here:

Seventh Grader With ADHD Embraces His Superpowers When 12-year-old Deacon Swaim sits at his desk in math class, his peers might notice how focused he is. What they don't see is the journey that led him there.Deacon is one of just 16 students selected out of 332 to participate in his grade’s accelerated math and science program. He also has Attent...

There’s still time to purchase your ticket for this special charity exhibition game! TCU Men's Basketball will face Arkansas on Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth.

TCU will donate proceeds from the charity exhibition to Cook Children's.

Let’s go Frogs! 🐸 💜

Only 1 week until the TCU – Arkansas Men’s Basketball Charity Exhibition Game Presented by Simmons Bank! 🏀

Grab your tickets to see which coach, Jamie Dixon’s or John Calipari’s, team will bring home the win for their charity! 🏆

🎟️ Link in bio.

Tarrant County’s maternal mortality rate remains significantly higher than the national average, and our region has the second-highest maternal mortality rate among Black women in Texas. These are complex and urgent challenges affecting the health of mothers in our community.

Cook Children’s Gynecologist Shanna Combs, M.D. will be on a panel tomorrow at Fort Worth Report’s "Candid Conversation: Health Care Disparities in Tarrant County" event. The event will bring together local leaders and health experts to explore how to improve maternal health in Tarrant County.

Learn more here:

How can Tarrant County improve the health of mothers? Leaders to discuss solutions | Fort Worth Report Tarrant health leaders will address high maternal mortality rate and opportunities for improvement at a free Oct. 24 Candid Conversation.

When she was 15 years old, Madisyn Green went from competitive swimmer to quadriplegic in a matter of hours. While at swim practice, a seemingly minor jar to her neck while planting her feet in the pool turned tragic.

“The pool was very shallow,” Green said. “So I just sat on the edge and scooted in and I guess I jarred my neck. So I practiced for two to three hours. And after I left the pool and was getting ready in the locker room, I just started going tingly and numb on my shoulders.”

By the time she arrived at the Emergency Department at Cook Children’s Medical Center – Fort Worth, Green was paralyzed from the neck down, unable to do anything but blink her eyes.

All indications were that Green would be a life-long quadriplegic and never walk, or swim, again.

Now, 11 years later, she’s recounting her journey and sharing her miracle story: https://tinyurl.com/mhxk6se5

Green also shared her story on Cook Children’s new podcast series, “Untold: The Stories of Cook Children’s.” Tune in on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!

Swimmer to Survivor: Spinal Cord Stroke Paralyzes Competitive Swimmer By Ashley AntleIt came to her like a whisper. The subtle, yet undeniable urge to stand. Something Madisyn Green, then 15, hadn’t been able to do on her own for months after being told she would live the rest of her life as a quadriplegic and never walk again.There, in the physical therapy room at ...

When you’re picking out your epic Halloween look, swing by Spirit Halloween and show them this coupon. You’re helping make hospitals a little brighter for kids! 🌟🎃

One in 26. That’s the number of people who will develop epilepsy in their lifetime. Each November, Cook Children’s Comprehensive Epilepsy Program creates original T-shirt designs to raise epilepsy awareness. This year’s theme is “Lights, camera, take action!”

Megan was the “one.” She was born in 1997. Her mom, Mary Overfield, had a healthy full-term pregnancy. However, shortly after birth, Megan began experiencing infantile spasms and was later diagnosed with a rare form of epilepsy, Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS), at 4 years old. At 16, genetic testing revealed that Megan also had a rare genetic anomaly known as PURA Syndrome.

Sadly, Megan passed away earlier this year at the age of 26. Despite her struggles with LGS and other medical complexities, Mary said Megan was a bright light in her life – as well as the lives of her husband, Dane, and their older daughter, Emily.

“She always showed the strongest spirit,” Mary said, “Megan taught all three of us many important life lessons without ever saying a word.”

While Megan never received care at Cook Children’s, her family had a special bond with Cook through the annual epilepsy awareness T-shirt campaign. This year’s design celebrates that connection and Megan’s story.

Learn more about Megan’s story and how to support Cook Children’s epilepsy awareness here:

Megan’s Life with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome and Her Legacy on Family and Epilepsy Research By Amber KaiserOne in 26. That’s the number of people who will develop epilepsy in their lifetime. Each November, Cook Children’s Comprehensive Epilepsy Program creates original T-shirt designs to raise epilepsy awareness. This year’s theme is “Lights, camera, take action!”Megan was the .....

Today is a special day! Wishing a very Happy Birthday to Barry Corbin, narrator of The Cook Children’s Story.

Thank you for helping us share our story for our Golden Deeds Award recognition. It was an honor to have you involved in this video!

Read more and watch our video here:

Cook Children's Receives Golden Deeds Award from Exchange Club Cook Children's has been honored with the prestigious Golden Deeds Award by the Exchange Club of Fort Worth. The recognition is given annually to a person or organization the club views as the city's most outstanding citizen that year. This award is a true reflection of the profound impact we make o...

Navigating your child’s ADHD diagnosis? We’re here to help.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start after your child’s ADHD diagnosis, you’re not alone. We understand the challenges, and we’ve got the resources to support you every step of the way!

Cook Children's has collected many resources to help you and your family.

Learn more here:

ADHD Resources | Cook Children's Supporting a child with ADHD is not always easy. Cook Children's has selected these resources for you. It is our hope that they provide comfort and guidance to your family.

A medication that protects babies against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is available now at Cook Children’s primary care offices and neighborhood clinics.

It’s a dose of antibodies that works right away to help fight off severe RSV infection for at least five months. Getting the shot in October – just before RSV season -- provides an infant with extra antibodies to build their immunity during the fall and winter months.

Learn more here:

Cook Children’s Urges RSV Shot to Boost Immunity in Infants A medication that protects babies against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is available now at Cook Children’s physician offices and neighborhood clinics.It’s a dose of antibodies that works right away to help fight off severe RSV infection for at least five months. Getting the shot in October ...

We’re changing our digits!

Starting Nov. 7, all text messages from Cook Children’s will come from 73157, making it easier than ever to stay on top of your child’s care. Families will continue receiving updates like appointment reminders, prescription notifications and even text-to-pay options – just from this new number!

Learn more here:

MyCookChildren's Text Messaging We're changing our digits! Starting Nov. 7, all text messages from Cook Children's will come from 73157.

Friday night lights are beaming bright in high school football stadiums all across the country. Players are suited up, taped up and ready to rumble in an inherently unpredictable game where anything can happen. A turnover that shifts the momentum. A missed tackle that gives up a touchdown. A Hail Mary that wins the game. In football, only one thing is for sure — the risk of injury to players.

Among all high school sports, football ranks No. 1 in injury rates, according to a study published in the Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. It’s no surprise given the nature of the game, says Dan Guzman, M.D., an emergency medicine physician at Cook Children’s Medical Center – Fort Worth.

“It's a violent sport, and we know players are trained to go out and get that ball and hit hard,” Dr. Guzman said. “So we're going to, unfortunately, have injuries as a result of that aggressive play.”

Read to learn more about how to protect your athletes:

Down, Set…Safety First: Protecting Players in the High Stakes Game of High School Football By Ashley AntleFriday night lights are beaming bright in high school football stadiums all across the country. Players are suited up, taped up and ready to rumble in an inherently unpredictable game where anything can happen. A turnover that shifts the momentum. A missed tackle that gives up a touch...

We are proud to announce that seven of our specialty programs have been ranked among the best in the country by U.S. News and World Report’s 2024-2025 Best Children’s Hospitals rankings.

"It's a tremendous honor to be recognized by U.S. News & World Report once again," said Rick W. Merrill, President and CEO of Cook Children's. "This recognition is a testament to the exceptional work of our doctors, nurses, and staff, who consistently strive to provide the best possible care for every child, every day. Our dedication to our promise and values, combined with our strong culture, sets us apart, and we're proud to be named a top children's hospital."

Read more here: https://tinyurl.com/pr26d4dh

Cook Children's Delivers Exceptional Care: Seven Specialties Ranked Among Top 50 by U.S. News & World Report Fort Worth, Texas (Oct. 8, 2024) – Cook Children’s Health Care System is proud to announce that seven of its specialty programs have been ranked among the best in the country by U.S. News & World Report’s 2024-2025 Best Children’s Hospitals rankings. This recognition underscores the hospital...

Like health care organizations nationwide, Cook Children’s is being impacted by a shortage of IV fluids caused by Hurricane Helene.

This shortage is the result of damage at a North Carolina manufacturing plant operated by the country’s largest IV fluid supplier, Baxter International. There is no timeline available for when it will be resolved.

At Cook Children's, we do everything for the child. That’s why we’re taking steps to conserve IV fluids whenever possible.

Any changes in protocol will be communicated directly by your provider or provider’s office.

We appreciate your understanding and support as we work through this challenge together.

Children experience many anxious moments in a day whether at school, at home, or in other settings like a doctor’s appointment. In these moments, they need some quick coping skills to count on to help them calm and ground themselves.

Ashley Pagenkopf, MS, CCLS, a child life specialist at Cook Children’s, provides a few quick coping techniques for parents to share with children for use in every day settings. It is best to practice these tools with your kids so that they can recall them quickly when needed. It is also a great idea to try them yourself as they can help adults and kids alike!

Cook Children's Health Plan (CCHP) is grateful to announce that a Travis County court has granted a Temporary Injunction, preventing the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) from awarding, signing or implementing any new contracts for the Medicaid STAR and CHIP managed care programs. This decision is a major win for the 125,000 children and families who rely on CCHP for their health care coverage.

For more than two decades, CCHP has been a trusted provider of high-quality health care coverage to low-income families, expectant mothers, and children with complex medical needs. We believe this ruling will help ensure that our Members continue to have access to the care they need, when they need it.

We would like to express our gratitude to the court for their careful consideration of this matter and for their decision in our favor. Cook Children’s will continue to monitor the situation closely and work with all stakeholders to ensure that our Members continue to receive the best possible care.

For all of the latest news regarding this issue, visit: www.savecookchildrenshealthplan.com

Adrian is a former Cook Children’s patient of Dr. Bankole Osuntokun, one of our beloved gastroenterologists. Adrian, who battled a rare stomach condition called Psuedo-Obstruction as a child, grew up under Dr. Osuntokun’s care. For nearly 10 years, Adrian and his family would travel from Corpus Christi to Fort Worth to be seen by Dr. Osuntokun and they developed a close bond.

Now 20 years old, a recent college graduate, and headed to Oklahoma as a youth pastor, Adrian stopped by to see his longtime doctor and friend on his way to his next chapter. Reflecting on his journey, Adrian says, “Dr. O wasn’t just my doctor, he was an angel sent from God. He fought to figure out what was wrong with me and never gave up. I could never forget someone who cared that much.”

Their connection remains just as strong after all these years. We’re so proud of you Adrian, and grateful for doctors like Dr. Osuntokun who go above and beyond for our patients.

Two-year-old Lawsyn Mayeux is known for being a warrior princess. Her mom, Payton, describes her daughter who has two older brothers as girly, frilly and a little spitfire.

When she was 18 months old, Lawsyn spiked a temperature that would not break and Payton noticed a bulge on the side of her stomach that was painful when touched. Her parents made the hour-long drive to Cook Children's Medical Center - Prosper – a place her dad, Officer Wesley Mayeux, knows well. Wesley is a police officer for the Prosper Police Department and has worked as a security officer there for many years.

That night, Payton and Wesley received unexpected news – Lawsyn had a large mass on her kidney that they were 99% sure was Wilms Tumor.

“We were devastated,” Payton said.

Two days later, Lawsyn underwent surgery to remove her left kidney. Payton said Drs. Akers and Rothenbach reassured them before surgery and explained every detail – making them feel comfortable that Lawsyn was in the best hands.

After two weeks of recovery time in the hospital and a confirmed diagnosis, their new normal began with regular radiation and chemotherapy treatments. During week 13 of treatment, Lawsyn’s scans revealed an abdominal aorta.

“We have an amazing team of doctors collaborating with others across the country to determine next steps,” Payton said.

Lawsyn continued treatment and throughout it all, her determined spirit shined through. She knew all the nurses’ names and couldn’t wait to go see her “friends” during each visit. On August 1, Lawsyn had her last treatment, and the Prosper Police Department hosted a bell ringing celebration complete with Disney princesses.

“We 1000 percent felt like we were at the right place,” Payton said. “It was all God because it worked out that when Wesley was at work he could be at every treatment. We are very appreciative of all the amazing care we have gotten at our ER visits, hospital stays and weekly chemo. It made a world of difference to be there in those hard times.”

One of the many dangerous ways kids and teens are coping with their physical and mental pain is through the use of drugs, putting them at risk of fentanyl poisoning.

During Pain Awareness Month, The Cook Children’s C.A.R.E. Team and Fostering Health Program organized a fentanyl awareness art exhibit. This exhibit shared the importance of knowing how to use Naloxone in case of emergency. Carrying Naloxone could save a life as accidental opioid overdoses are increasing.

The art pieces portrayed powerful messages about the fentanyl crisis and the signs of an overdose. Many art pieces also included stories from families who have lost loved ones to opioid overdoses.

These teams also kicked off their Naloxone sample initiative, providing patients and families with information and access to this life-saving medication.

To learn more about poison prevention, visit https://www.cookchildrenscommunity.org/injury-prevention/poison

Swipe to see the impactful exhibit created by our C.A.R.E. Team.

Exciting news! Cook Children's Medical Center - Prosper has been named Best Hospital and Best Emergency Department by the readers of Living Magazine Texas! 🎉

We’re grateful to serve our wonderful communities of Prosper, Celina and all surrounding areas! 💙

We're thrilled to announce that Cook Children's Medical Center - Prosper has been named Best Hospital and Best Emergency Department by the readers of Living Magazine! 🏥✨ Thank you for your continued support. We’re honored to provide world-class care to our patients in Prosper, Celina and beyond.

Showing a little love to our clinical staff this Nurse's Week. Our team works hard to care for all of families and we so appreciate them !

This week is International Nurses Week! We celebrate our nurses and all that they do for us every day. Thank you for the many moments of magic that you create! To honor a nurse in your life, share your thanks in the comments.

We will be closing early tomorrow to spend extra time celebrating the New Year with our families. We will return to normal business hours on January 2, 2024.
Wishing all of y'all a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

We will be closing early today to allow our staff extra time with their families this holiday season. We will return to normal business hours on Tuesday, December 26, 2023.

We wish y'all a happy, safe and joyous holiday!!!

December is National Safe Toys and Gifts Month! As the holiday season approaches, it's important to remember the importance of choosing safe toys for children. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
o Check the age recommendations on toys.
o Avoid toys with small parts.
o Be careful with toys that have sharp edges or points.
o Inspect toys for broken or damaged parts.
o Supervise children while they are playing with toys. This is the best way to prevent accidents and injuries.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your children have a safe and happy holiday season!

Won't you join us in bringing comfort and joy to our littlest and most vulnerable this holiday season. We will take your donations at our Front desk. Happy holidays to all!

The Dr's and staff of Lake Forest wish you and yours a very happy Thanksgiving!
We are blessed to have time off next week to celebrate with our friends and families! Please note our hours next week:

HAPPY A.P.P. DAY Kim Andrews our wonderful NP! We are blessed to have you caring for patients here at Lake Forest!

Enjoy your bouquet of favorites!

September is National Su***de Awareness Prevention Month. Su***de is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. It can affect anyone. This month, let's raise awareness about su***de and how we can prevent it. Let's remind ourselves to take care of yourself and others. 988 is the new National Su***de Prevention Lifeline. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out for help. It could save a life. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against su***de. ***deAwarenessMonth ***dePrevention #988

Does your child need a check-up, sports physical, or wellness visit? We’re here to help! Call to schedule an appointment with us today. We’re here to keep your children happy and healthy while protecting your family. https://www.cookchildrens.org/services/primary-care/lake-forest/

Even though summer is just starting, school will be back before we know it! It’s never too early to be prepared for the fall while checking up on your child. Get your sports physicals done today! Read the article below and call your pediatrician to schedule an appointment:
https://www.checkupnewsroom.com/get-a-head-start-on-sports-physicals-for-next-school-year/

Ready to make a splash in the pool? Be sure your child and your family does so safely. Swimsuit experts are emphasizing the importance of choosing safety over fashion this summer. This will protect your loved ones and make it easier to protect each other while still having fun in the sun.
https://www.checkupnewsroom.com/what-color-is-your-childs-swimsuit-experts-say-choose-safety-over-fashion/

Join us for a sidewalk CPR event hosted by the Cook Children’s Heart Center and the Project ADAM program on Wednesday, June 7. In honor of National CPR and AED Awareness Week, this training will be at the Pruitt Street Plaza from 12:30 to 3:30pm. Included in this event will be demonstrations with mannequins, AEDs, snacks and more. There is no registration needed -- come and learn how to save a life!

National Cancer Survivors Day is a celebration for those who have survived, an inspiration for those recently diagnosed, a gathering of support for families, and an outreach to the community. Today is important as it recognizes those who have survived and challenges us to support those who are struggling. We are celebrate those who are fighting, surviving, and living through their cancer journey, whatever it may be.

 Memorial Day honors and remembers those who have died in our nation’s wars. These men and women have dedicated their lives to our country and will be remembered for this sacrifice. We remember and honor them today.