“They did a tremendous amount of work and follow up. We were able to come home feeling confident. We’ve stayed with CSH services ever since.”
At just 23 weeks gestation, Emmanuel Oluwadare defied the odds and entered the world as a micro preemie. He survived despite the heartbreaking loss of his twin sister and spent the first 11 months of his life in the hospital. Children’s Specialized Hospital’s (CSH) New Brunswick Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital was his last stop before heading home.
In CSH’s infant and toddler program, Emmanuel was provided intensive and comprehensive rehabilitation services with 24-hour medical and nursing care. “This was my first birthing experience, and it was traumatic losing his sister, but Children’s Specialized Hospital helped to prepare us be caregivers to Emmanuel,” stated his mom, Issata. “The nurses gave us a timetable for his medication and trained us on his care, while the social worker helped to set us up with private duty nursing, Medicaid Managed Long Term Services and Supports (MLTSS), made sure he was sized for his equipment, and appointments were pre-scheduled before we even left the hospital.”
“They did a tremendous amount of work and follow up. We were able to come home feeling confident. We’ve stayed with CSH services ever since.”
Outpatient Services at Children’s Specialized Hospital
Now at 7 years old, Emmanuel receives Special Needs Primary Care, Rehabilitation Technology Services, and just began physiatry at Children’s Specialized Hospital.
“Our Special Needs Primary Care physician, Dr. Colleen Stalter, and her team advocate for Emmanuel and understand his complex needs. They even work with other hospital systems that we go to and provide care for our other son who has no special health care needs. It’s a dream to have one care team that can handle the needs of both my children,” highlighted Issata.
"The Oluwadare family has been with Special Needs Primary care for many years now. Emmanuel and his family have faced many medical challenges over the years, but they always show up at clinic with a bright disposition and a positive attitude. He has captured us all with his charming personality and we have been able to support his development by having him seen by specialists within Children's Specialized Hospital as well,” added Dr. Stalter.
When it comes to rehabilitation technology, Emmanuel needs his specialized equipment to ensure he can live life to the fullest. “For seven years, this team has been consistently fantastic. As a mom, I was afraid and anxious dealing with insurance appeals and denials for his equipment, but the department would tell me ‘No, this is what we do’ and continued to advocate for Emmanuel,” stated Issata. “The CSH recommended equipment that we have in our house has lasted the longest because they were thoughtful and ordered for growth.”
“We also had an excellent experience at Emmanuel’s physiatry appointment in East Brunswick with Physiatry Nurse Practitioner, Madelyn Cannone,” added Issata. "I always enjoy getting to know my patients, like Emmanuel and his family, and take pride in being able to provide them with the knowledge and tools to succeed in caring for their child,” emphasized Madelyn.
Major Wins for Emmanuel
When Emmanuel first came home from the hospital, he had 18 different diagnoses, and he was not very responsive. His family was told that he could not hear or see, and would not be able to eat/swallow on his own. Today, Emmanuel can eat purees, see with his glasses, follow sounds, and hasn’t had a major hospitalization in the last year. “These were huge wins for us,” exclaimed Issata.
When asked what advice Issata has for other parents facing similar challenges, she highlighted the importance of tapping into CSH’s Family Faculty team members and social workers. “Ask, engage, and take the support. So often we’re afraid of letting people in, but the benefits outweigh everything else,” said Issata. “CSH has always been a place where I can go for clarity, and it’s been consistent. It doesn’t matter who you’re speaking with, we didn’t just get lucky, it’s how the hospital is designed. Everyone who I engage with provides clear information and it’s a huge load lifted off my shoulders as his mom.”
Learn more about Children's Specialized Hospital's Inpatient Rehabilitation Programs and Services.