Event
Seeking Wisdom: Navigating Decisions on Behalf of a Child with SNI
October 24, 2024 at 8:00 PM ET
Watch an archived recording of this event
Neurological diseases are often complex, and life, including decision-making, can be hard to navigate in the face of uncertainty about how the future may unfold. This was a discussion of how parents of children with neurological conditions can feel empowered to impact the things under their control, mitigate risk, and feel grounded in their family values.
Featured Dr. Lauren Treat and several experienced parents.
Lauren Treat, MD is a child neurologist who has special training in caring for individuals with life-limiting and life-altering diseases. She participates in both general neurology and pediatric palliative care clinics, working with families to balance the impact of disease and treatments with overall quality of life. Her focus is on helping individuals with serious illness live as well as possible for as long as possible.
Our Panel
Lauren Treat, MD
Lauren Treat, MD is a child neurologist who has special training in caring for individuals with life-limiting and life-altering diseases. She participates in both general neurology and pediatric palliative care clinics, working with families to balance the impact of disease and treatments with overall quality of life. Her focus is on helping individuals with serious illness live as well as possible for as long as possible.
Shannon McNeil, LCSW
Shannon is a bereaved mom of two children, Waverly and Oliver. She is also a pediatric hospice social worker and grief counselor for a not for profit hospice agency in DC. Shannon has presented on topics pertaining to pediatric palliative care and anticipatory grief. She lives in Virginia with her husband and two dogs.
Katherine Wallace
Katherine is a mom of two daughters – Gwen is 20 and in college out of state. Claire is almost 18 and a senior in high school. She is blind and deaf and had so many seizures that she will always need 100% care, and we plan for her to live with us her whole life. In my free time I like to garden and go on walks and help others along their way.
Amber Borton
Amber is a mom of three boys - Drake is 16 and a junior in high school, Dawson is 14 and a freshman in high school, and Ryker is 6 and has a few teachers come to their home weekly to engage with him. Ryker has Vici Syndrome which is a very rare and severe congenital multisystem disorder. He needs 24/7 medical care, so Amber is home with him full time. With his shortened life expectancy, each day is a day to make memories. Amber loves to take her boys camping and on road trips to make more memories. Drake and Dawson help care for their little brother which gives Amber time to bake. She enjoys baking cupcakes and bundt cakes for her boys and others!
Shalanda Juniel
Shalanda is a loving biological, foster, and adoptive mom with a deep passion for advocating for children through love, inclusion and encouragement. Her three youngest kiddos each have traumatic brain injuries that are further compounded by other medical conditions. Having opened her home and heart to children from diverse backgrounds and needs, she has firsthand experience in navigating the complexities of the healthcare system. Shalanda loves concerts, theater, travel, and cherishes making memories with her kids!
