What was it like working with the Weisman Children’s team the last 20 years?
Kelly (Lauren’s mom) – Everyone was always so good and they knew exactly what to do and how to handle Lauren. She has cerebral palsy (a group of disorders that affect a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture) and they were very good with her. I never had an issue with any of the therapists over the years and I never wanted to leave. I am very particular with how my daughter was treated. Not everyone can do it and over the 20 years, I never felt like anyone at Weisman Children’s couldn’t handle her. All the therapists knew about different techniques and set us up with different programs over the years. They knew exactly what she needed.
Do you have a favorite memory of Lauren’s time with Weisman Children’s?
Kelly – When we worked with Jackie (one of Lauren’s therapists) we had a little Blue’s Clues music box. In order for her session to be successful, I would have to keep playing the Blue’s Clues music to calm her down and play it the entire time. We had to use it a few years at least. The team’s ability to adapt and still provide the best care is something I will always remember. And lastly, when we left Weisman Children’s it was a sad day for us. I was crying.
Jackie (PT, worked with Lauren for 5/6 years) – The first thing that comes to my mind is that Lauren would only work with you if you had Blue’s Clues on. Those days were when portal DVD players were just becoming a thing and she would not work without this episode playing. The only kid I ever treated that you had to have on a specific show.
What do you remember about your time with Lauren?
Dawn (PT, worked with Lauren 2 years) – How sweet she was, with everlasting determination. No matter what challenges she had been handed in life, she was smiling and pleasant.
Felicia (OT, worked with Lauren 5/6 years) – When I started with her she was two or two and a half. Tiny with a bunch of attitude. She would cry like half the session. It was early in my career as well, so we kind of grew up together. We became buddies. The things that came out of her mouth would just make you laugh. I use to have bad allergies and now whenever she hears my voice or hears my name, she sniffles her nose and says “love you”.
Meredith (PT, worked with Lauren 2 years) – The funniest thing that Lauren would do is say things just to catch you off guard. She would say things to make you laugh and get out of the hard work of doing therapy. She is the first to let therapists know that she doesn’t like something.
Katharine (PT, worked with Lauren 1 year) – I was lucky enough to be Lauren’s last therapist with Weisman Children’s. We would always put music on for Lauren. It made my Spotify playlist look very different. It made her sessions go so nicely and we had such a fun time with the songs and the music. We listened to Taylor Swift and Jonas Brothers all session.
Talk about the importance of family involvement in patient care
Dawn – Her mom and family were so dedicated, committed and trusting. We all became part of each other’s family.
Felicia – Once trust was earned, her parents would carryover all activities and splinting needed to assist in Lauren’s care. If Lauren did not have her parents to carryover all the exercises and splinting, Lauren could’ve been even more medically involved. And in the early years, if Kelly did not bring in Lauren’s current music choices, the sessions would’ve not been so successful. You can see the love Kelly has for Lauren, and through sessions we cried and laughed together at many of Lauren’s accomplishments and her funny comments.
Meredith – One thing to really focus on is how amazing her mom is. Lauren has come so far because of Kelly, she is a wonderful mom of child with medical needs. My memories of Lauren are more of the love that Kelly has for her and the amazing job her parents have done for her.
What contributed to Lauren’s success over 20 years?
Dawn – In the 20+ years Lauren has been with Weisman Children’s, receiving three different therapy disciplines, she has seen countless staff members. The fact that Lauren continually made progress, worked through episodes of care, and achieved goals year after year, demonstrates that clinical expertise of our staff with the commitment of the family accomplish great things through a lifetime.
Katharine – Her family! Her parents have been so dedicated to Lauren and her therapies. They put in the work at home, carried over our suggestions, and came back to us so we could best serve her.
Kelly – I just think the staff were so passionate and understanding. It was as if you are going to your family’s house. You always felt welcomed and not judged. They treated Lauren like a typical child and not like anything different. Everyone that has ever worked with her has been wonderful.
Lauren, Kelly, and the rest of the Campanera family, thank you for being a part of our lives and the Weisman Children’s family for the past 20 years. Our team wants you to know that while watching you grow and develop over the years, they have also grown. The staff misses you so much already and always will.