The Remarkable RJ

When Amanda and Nick welcomed their baby boy, Russell James (RJ), into their family, they didn’t realize how much Children’s Wisconsin would become a second home. 

RJ was born with a brain injury and suffered several seizures shortly after he was born. After only a few days at home, RJ came down with an eye infection that caused the family to take him to the Children’s Wisconsin Milwaukee Hospital to be admitted for testing and observations. This was one of many hospitalizations for RJ.

At four months old, RJ was already seeing five different specialists at Children's Wisconsin and was referred to the Complex Care Program. This team brings compassion and a unique perspective on the whole child and family, coordinating medical and nonmedical services to enhance care in and out of the hospital. They are constantly striving to find new ways to optimize health and well-being for medically complex kids like RJ.

“The Complex Care Program is the best thing ever thought of. [They] have been so helpful in keeping all of RJ’s appointments straight,” said Nick, RJ’s dad, “They’re flexible in rearranging our appointments and even rescheduling them for us. Children’s has helped connect us to other departments and has helped create referrals to see other specialists as well. They have a caring attitude and want to help families to the best of their abilities.” 

Now five years old, RJ is a frequent face at Children's Wisconsin – having appointments to help support his physical, social and mental health. RJ has been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy (CP), autism, and more, but that doesn't define who he is. RJ loves parks (especially slides), playing games on his tablet and is growing into the best version of himself through the support of specialists at Children’s. 

Due to RJ’s health, he spends quite a bit of time at Children’s, but the family never feels like outsiders to his health or the medical treatment he receives. All the caregivers RJ sees hold a place in his heart, too. Whenever something doesn't go his way at home, he wants to go to the doctor. Children’s has become a safe place for RJ. 

As RJ grows, behavioral challenges become larger – he isn't a tiny person anymore. Caregivers have helped the family navigate his growing emotions, which Nick, said is a different kind of challenge, one that the family knows they will be supported in by the Mental and Behavioral Health (MBH) program at Children’s. 

“We are so blessed in this community to have Children’s so close to us. There are so many people that have to come from far away to be treated here.” Nick says. “The services they provide are second to none. There isn't anything nearby like this. We are so lucky; we must support it and continue to help Children’s Wisconsin grow.”