It’s important to remember – and for parents to remind providers – that these children really do have rich lives outside the hospital. They aren’t just patient X with Y problem. They have a rich home life.

Erin Ward, mother of Will, age 17, who had spinal fusion therapy at age 14, John Emans, MD, pediatric orthopedic surgeon, and Jay Berry, MD, General pediatrician, Complex Care Service, Boston Children’s Hospital, in discussion.