10-year-old travels from Houston to Boston and wows her surgeon with piano performance

Jessica Lewsley’s annual follow-up appointment with her orthopedic surgeon Dr. Peter Waters is a fairly routine affair—x-rays and strength and function testing. Jessica was born with a birth defect to her left hand, which developed only a thumb and little finger. “Dr. Waters always shares little pearls of wisdom, and we all look forward to our visit every year,” says Jessica’s father Mike. This year’s visit, however, was a bit different. Mike pulled out his iPad and showed Waters a Jessica playing “Alouette” on the piano. “It will move you to tears,” says Waters. “Rather than focusing on what is missing, Jessica and her family have been great about celebrating all that she can do. Their acceptance, love and support has had a major impact on her life.” Pearls of wisdom The Lewsleys, Mike and his wife Juliet, first met Waters when Juliet was pregnant with Jessica. The couple was living in Boston, and doctors had detected a problem with their unborn daughter’s left hand during a routine ultrasound. The parents-to-be were shocked and wanted to learn as much as they could about their baby’s prognosis. After genetic testing showed Jessica’s condition was limited to her hand, the Lewsleys responded as many parents do. They were relieved but also worried about Jessica’s future. What would she be able to do? How would her life be affected? Would she be bullied? How could they ensure a happy, healthy childhood? Waters answered every question th...
Source: Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Our patients’ stories cleft hand Dr. Peter Waters Hand and Orthopedic Upper Extremity Program Source Type: news