Renee Branche

My daughter Renee is a dancer and competes at a high level. For several months she had been complaining about chronic back pain that interfered with her ability to dance. Renee was examined by doctors at other hospitals, but their solution was to prescribe her with pain killers. The painkillers did little to alleviate the pain. Renee did not find a solution to her chronic back pain until she was examined by Dr. Raggio at her school during Hospital for Special Surgery’s Leon Root, MD Pediatric Outreach Program.

After examining Renee and learning that her back pain had lasted for close to one year, Renee was referred to the Pediatric Orthopedic Clinic at Hospital for Special Surgery. Due to the duration of her symptoms, the doctors there immediately referred Renee for an MRI of her back. The result of Renee’s MRI showed that she had a renal cyst on her right kidney, an uncommon diagnosis in young children. The doctors recommended that Renee take physical therapy sessions as a more effective means of coping with her back pain. Renee is currently following up with her doctors to monitor the renal cyst.

I would like to thank the Leon Root, MD Pediatric Outreach Program for offering the free orthopedic screening at Renee’s school, the hospital staff for the excellent care they provided to my daughter, and the Senior Program Coordinator, Vilma Briones, for her help connecting me with the best doctors at the hospital.

Thank you for all you have done!