Our son Noah was born with Fibular Hemimelia and we noticed it immediately because he had a smaller foot and missing toe. We live in Houston TX and soon discovered that most Pediatric Ortho doctors have minimal to no experience treating this condition. We bounced around a bit and ended up at the best facility in Texas. We were following another patient who has similar severity a couple of years ahead of us at the Texas clinic and noticed that she had a failed surgery. This caused us to want to find a second opinion on what surgery Noah should have.
We came across the Paley institute and scheduled a consultation at the beginning of covid in 2020, when Noah was 11 years old. Dr Paley took the time to explain all the options and what he would do if he were in our shoes. The two options we were considering were growth plate arrest surgery or leg lengthening. We chose lengthening so Noah would not lose his overall height. He said he could get him in that summer because of international cancellations and that due to his slight case the discrepancy would be negligible between doing the surgery at 11 years old vs 15 yrs old. Dr Paley’s expertise and treatment plan was such a gift to us and our family is so grateful to the Paley institute.
Our 2 months in Florida was not easy but the therapy was the best part because we loved the team and how they built a relationship with Noah. Now Noah is 16 and when I asked him the other day what he remembers about Florida, he said it was the best because we fished every day! I was so surprised I thought he would say pain, or how hot it was, or missing friends; no, he remembers fishing, legos, video games and family games. Now Noah wants to go to college in Florida, his favorite state, besides Texas of course.
Noah is now about 6’ tall, swimming competitively, involved in FFA in high school and such a confident young man. When we went to the Paley institute Noah was just a little boy with a leg discrepancy, now he is on his way to being a man.
We are so thankful for the impact Dr. Paley and his team made on Noah’s life. The Paley Institute was an answer to many of our prayers.
If you have FH or any other complex ortho issue the Paley institute is the best on the planet and you or your loved one will be in good hands.
If you find yourself in West Palm Beach, eat a Cronut at Jupiter Donuts and enjoy a sunset stroll at Lighthouse Park.
Love,
The Costons
