If Elizabeth Nario were to write a best-selling book, it would most likely be an inspiring story about the enduring power of love.
Elizabeth’s real life story is just as inspiring. It’s one of a 20-year-old woman with limited mobility, who is taking great strides toward her dreams and future.
“I’d like to teach English in secondary school. I’m actually majoring in English Literature,” says Elizabeth. “I’ve started writing in my journal every day, so I don’t forget the special moments.”
RISING ABOVE
Elizabeth was born with Spina Bifida, a neural tube defect that occurs when the spine fails to close properly during the first month of pregnancy.
Soon after birth, she was transferred to Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach.
An expert team of specialists diagnosed a tumor growing near the base of her spine, which was successfully removed. The location of the tumor and her Spina Bifida diagnosis meant Elizabeth would require crutches or a wheelchair for the rest of her life. In addition, Elizabeth would need lifelong specialty care from a physical medicine specialist, neurosurgeon, orthopedic surgeon and urologist. There is no cure for Spina Bifida; the goal is to achieve the highest level of function and independence possible for all individuals.
“My wheelchair doesn’t define who I am,” says Elizabeth. “In fact, it has in many ways empowered me to become who I am.”
As she grew, Elizabeth’s Spina Bifida complications had to be addressed with multiple surgeries, in particular involving her urinary tract and kidneys. Elizabeth developed a condition known as ureteral hydronephrosis, where an obstruction caused a buildup of urine and swelling of the kidneys. This required the expert care of a urologist to place ureterostomies, which allowed the kidneys to drain, while maximizing long-term urologic functioning and overall health.Elizabeth’s complex medical condition highlights the importance of Miller Children’s comprehensive Pediatric Urology & Nephrology Program, and dedicated Spina Bifida Center. For 20 years, Elizabeth has had the support and guidance of her care team at Miller Children’s to help her navigate the challenges, every step of the way.
COMBINING FORCES
The Pediatric Nephrology Center is one of the few centers in the region to provide renal replacement therapy for patients as young as 2-years-old. Renal replacement therapy is used when a child’s kidneys no longer work well enough to keep the body healthy.
The Pediatric Urology Center provides surgical intervention for a variety of urethra, bladder and kidney disorders and injuries, including voiding dysfunction, urinary tract infection, hydroceles and stone disease. The Pediatric Urology Center also offers state-of-the-art diagnostics, such as urodynamic testing, which measures a patient’s bladder function and efficiency.
The Pediatric Urology & Nephrology Programs at Miller Children’s will be joining forces to further enhance the patient and family experiences through seamless, coordinated care between these two specialties. A comprehensive Pediatric Urology & Nephrology Center will open this year to help current and future patients, like Elizabeth, navigate their complex medical conditions.
Miller Children’s is one of a few select children’s hospitals in Southern California that offers a combined Urology & Nephrology Program. A specialized care team provides patients and families with a comprehensive care plan that manages symptoms, from diagnosis to follow-up. The team of urology and nephrology specialists at Miller Children’s provide high-quality, innovative patient care in the treatment of all urological and kidney diseases, resulting in improved patient outcomes.
TURNING THE PAGE
Thanks to the care Elizabeth received at Miller Children’s, she is confident about her future. She turns 21 in July and will transition out of pediatric care.
“I’m ready for whatever life brings,” says Elizabeth. “I’ve been mentored by the best care team ever.”
For more information, please visit MillerChildrens.org.