NINA'S STORY

At only 5-months-old, easy-going Nina Subramanian turned inconsolable. Once strong, her neck became weaker and her head started tilting dramatically to the right. Her pediatrician believed it to be torticollis, a common injury occurring in utero that can often be corrected with physical therapy. But noticing no improvements after several visits and as her fussiness and head droop persisted, Nina's mother, Francesca, became more concerned. Having just started eating solid foods, Nina was tested for allergies, but the answer was not there either.

The unpleasant answer arose when her doctor measured the size of her head, and determined it to be the size of a 2-year-old, indicating hydrocephalus. Nina was immediately referred to the CHOC Neuroscience Institute.

At CHOC, she was diagnosed with a life-threatening brain tumor. The type of tumor Nina had is called choroid plexus papilloma. It is a rare, benign tumor most common in children under the age of 2 that puts tremendous pressure on the brain.

"I was shocked,? explains Francesca, "but I also felt a great sense of relief that there was now something we could do about it. My husband and I knew we were in a good place at CHOC."

Nina was admitted that very night to CHOC where the risky four-hour operation, a tumor resection or tumor removal, occurred three days later by pediatric neurosurgeon William Loudon, M.D., Ph.D.

"Dr. Loudon is amazing," raves Francesca. "He is the perfect combination of brilliance and bedside manner. He told us that he would take care of Nina like she was his own daughter. He didn't candy coat and he always told us the complete story."

Nina spent the next two weeks in the PICU, where she experienced a postoperative seizure. Her life was saved yet again by CHOC, when Denise Twitchell R.N., performed CPR.

Francesca describes with appreciation the interaction between the two registered nurses that cared for Nina while in the PICU, Denise Twitchell and Rachael Acord, as a "beautifully choreographed ballet". She says, "They were always on top of the game by keeping us informed and up-to-date."

Today, Nina is bright, blissful and tumor free. She attends occupational and physical therapy sessions twice a week at CHOC and has made tremendous strides in her physical development. This beautiful little girl exhibited much resilience and tenacity through her experience at such a young age. Nina will celebrate her first birthday in February.

"I can?t say enough about CHOC in general," explains Fracesca Subramanian, "CHOC has become our home away from home."