Jeanine Burke

Diagnosed at age 4 with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, I was about 20 years old when I started seeing Dr. Linda Russell for treatment. In the 20 years that have passed since I first walked into HSS, I have had 6 orthopedic surgeries - knee replacements, ankle fusions, and most recently, after three years of failed surgeries elsewhere, I owe great thanks to Dr. Austin Fragomen for getting me back in my game - being a parent to my children, Quinn age 6 and Maeve age 4. After my daughter was born, my medication stopped working and I was in horrible pain and unable to care for my newborn daughter. Dr. Russell was always there to answer my calls and calm my fears that I would never find another medicine to work. It took time, but after about 6 months, the arthritis was once again manageable. Surgeries to my ankle came next, when the 35 years of joint damage required surgical correction. Insurance pushed me elsewhere, and after two surgeries I was left unable to walk. Not ideal for a mother of an infant and a toddler. It was depressing. But I found my way to Dr. Fragomen, who gave me hope once again upon our first meeting. The surgery, the staff, the Hospital, the protocol, and the follow up care was everything that I needed and didn't receive at the other hospital. And now it is almost two years since that life-changing surgery that made me walk again, and I am continuously grateful for being able to be an active parent to my children and participate in their lives. Both Drs. Russell and Fragomen got me back in my game - being a healthy happy mom - exactly where I want to be.