Creating Happiness

When Rachel was thirty-four weeks pregnant, her doctor noticed that her baby, Isaac, had clubfoot, a congenital condition that causes one or both of the baby's feet to turn inward or downward. With that news, she consulted specialists and learned that this condition was secondary to other medical issues, so they weren't certain what to expect when he was born.

Rachel delivered Isaac at a hospital with direct access to Cook Children's. As soon as he was born, Isaac was rushed to our medical center where we immediately began running tests.

"It was amazing to have all of those doctors there to look after him," said Rachel, "and to have all of the specialists coming in to check on him."

Isaac was diagnosed with spina bifida, a birth defect that occurs when the spine and spinal cord don't form properly.

Isaac and his family quickly became part of the Cook Children's family. He started physical therapy when he was just three weeks old and has had multiple surgeries and procedures over the past 15 years.

During his visits to Cook Children's, Isaac unleashes his creativity through art and enjoys the process of creating in different forms. He starts by envisioning what he wants to make, then works to create it, whether on paper, in Legos or even with origami. His mom says it's not always the cleanest process, but it always works out in the end.

Isaac has a very positive attitude and outlook on life. He doesn't let his disabilities slow him down. He is active in his local 4H chapter where he is on a plant Identification team. He enjoys art in many forms, video games, Pokémon, spending time with his siblings and building Lego creations.

"He is always making friends wherever we go," said Rachel. "The people that we've met through this journey, they're so special. I can't imagine our lives without them. It's been really amazing."