Let’s Talk CP

Are you interested in neurosurgical interventions for cerebral palsy or have you considered consulting with a physiatrist for care for your child? Listen up to learn more!

In Episode 10 of "Let's Talk CP" host, Jen Lyman, talks with physiatrist, Dr. Debbie Song and neurosurgeon, Dr. Marcie Ward, from Gillette Specialty Healthcare about interventions neurosurgeons and physiatrists use to treat the symptoms of cerebral palsy, including baclofen pumps and selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR). They also discuss how this team works together with families in their approach to treatment and interventions at Gillette Children’s, to focus on maximizing function and participation for their young patients.

Gillette Specialty Healthcare in Saint Paul Minnesota is one of the world’s top cerebral palsy centers, home to leading specialists in treatments for cerebral palsy, including orthopedics, neurology and neurosurgery, as well as operating one of the world’s busiest and most respected clinical gait and motion analysis centers.

Dr. Marcy Ward is a pediatric physiatrist, short for Pediatric Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physician, at Gillette Specialty Healthcare. She treats pediatric patients who have cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and other conditions that result in childhood-onset disability. She is a member of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, the American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine, and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Debbie Song is a pediatric neurosurgeon at Gillette Specialty Healthcare where she evaluates and treats patients with a wide range of brain and spinal cord pathologies including tumors, Chiari malformations, craniosynostosis, hydrocephalus, and cerebral palsy and spina bifida. She is a member of Congress of Neurological Surgeons, American Association of Neurological Surgeons.

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Have you wondered if gait analysis might be helpful for you or your child or how gait patterns develop in someone with cerebral palsy across the lifespan? Let's Talk CP host, Cynthia Frisina talks with Dr. Tom Novachek and Dr. Andrew Georgiadis from Gillette Children's about gait, gait analysis, and what makes Gillette Children's such a special place in this new 2022 episode of "Let's Talk CP."

Gillette Children's in Saint Paul Minnesota is one of the world’s top cerebral palsy centers, home to leading specialists in treatments for cerebral palsy, including orthopedics, neurology and neurosurgery, as well as operating one of the world’s busiest and most respected clinical gait and motion analysis centers.

Using innovative computer technology, gait and motion analysis captures movements, muscle activity and forces that the eye can’t see and helps clinicians understand and recognize how orthopedic, neurological and muscular conditions can hinder motions that are critical to daily living. This  information can lead to better treatment decisions and outcomes for patients and their families.

Tom Novacheck, MD, is a pediatric orthopedic surgeon and Associate Medical Director of the James R. Gage Center for Gait and Motion Analysis at Gillette.  He  is also the current president of the American Academy for Cerebral  Palsy and Developmental Medicine www.aacpdm.org  Dr. Novachek specializes in treating cerebral palsy, scoliosis or other complex orthopaedic conditions in children and adolescents. Dr. Novacheck's research and education activities for residents, fellows, and healthcare professionals have focused primarily on outcomes studies of management of gait disorders in individuals with cerebral palsy, development of motion analysis testing methods, and the biomechanics of running.

Dr. Andrew Georgiadis  is a pediatric orthopedic surgeon and Clinical Manager of Center for Gait & Motion Analysis at Gillette. Dr. Georgiadis has a particular clinical interest in congenital conditions of the hip and lower extremities and in pediatric orthopaedic trauma, as well as decision-making for patients with cerebral palsy.

Learn more about Gillette Children's and Dr. Novachek and Dr. Georgiadis here  https://www.gillettechildrens.org

Don't forget to subscribe to "Let's Talk CP" on your favorite podcast platforms including Apple podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Google podcasts, Stitcher and many more.

Don't miss Part Two of this very special episode series, when CPF podcast host Cynthia Frisina dives deeper with Michael Kutcher into his life growing up in Iowa with cerebral palsy, his "coming of age" and life as the twin brother of actor Christopher "Ashton" Kutcher.

Throughout his childhood, Michael worked to overcome issues with eyesight, speech, and motor skill development. Unfortunately Michael’s uphill battle was only getting started. Diagnosed with heart failure at age 13, Michael was once again faced with an unthinkable challenge of survival. After being given a life expectancy of just three to four weeks, Michael again defeated the odds and successfully received a life saving heart transplant. It was this second close brush with death that opened Michael’s eyes to the fragility of life and inspired him to take control of the future he once thought he wouldn’t have.

His medical triumphs and perspective on Cerebral Palsy have led him to work directly with Reaching for the Stars, A Foundation of Hope for Children with Cerebral Palsy (now part of the Cerebral Palsy Foundation) as an advocate and public speaker. His determination and passion brought him as far as Capitol Hill in Washington D.C., where Michael worked to raise awareness and funding for cerebral palsy research. Michael has also brought his profound story and message to the Centers for Disease Control as well as the National Institutes of Health.

When he’s not advocating for Cerebral Palsy awareness or inspiring audiences around the nation, Michael resides in Denver, Colorado, where he’s built a successful career as an Assistant Vice President for Transamerica Retirement Solutions. In his free time, Michael enjoys spending time with his family, traveling and playing golf. Michael’s message is one of inspiration, hope and appreciation. Having overcome unthinkable challenges against extraordinary odds, Michael is living proof that perseverance and unwavering positivity can surmount even the most seemingly impossible of obstacles.

Subscribe to "Let's Talk CP" on your favorite podcast platforms including Apple podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Google podcasts, Stitcher and many more.

Are you interested in learning more about possible genetic causes of Cerebral Palsy?Let's Talk CP host, Cynthia Frisina talks with Dr. Michael Kruer about this topic and his ground-breaking research in part two of a fascinating discussion about the possible genetic causes of CP and new research. When Michael Kruer was in medical school, he knew he wanted to work with children.With advancements in gene therapy opening up incredible opportunities in neuroscience, he realized he could be a part of something much bigger than himself and give children affected by movement disorders like cerebral palsy hope that didn’t seem possible just a few years ago.

Today, working with a consortium of physicians and researchers from around the world, Dr. Kruer is using cutting-edge technology to discover the genes that can lead to some causes of cerebral palsy. His work has the potential to remove some of the mystery that comes with a cerebral palsy diagnosis, by giving families greater insights and helping doctors improve outcomes.

Growing up Kutcher. Michael Kutcher on Life with Cerebral Palsy Part One

From the moment of birth, Michael Kutcher has overcome challenges and conquered obstacles that most people never experience. Born February 7th, 1978 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa as the unexpected twin brother of actor Christopher “Ashton” Kutcher. By age three, Michael was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy.

Throughout his childhood, Michael worked to overcome issues with eyesight, speech, and motor skill development. Unfortunately Michael’s uphill battle was only getting started. Diagnosed with heart failure at age 13, Michael was once again faced with an unthinkable challenge of survival. After being given a life expectancy of just three to four weeks, Michael again defeated the odds and successfully received a life saving heart transplant. It was this second close brush with death that opened Michael’s eyes to the fragility of life and inspired him to take control of the future he once thought he wouldn’t have.

His medical triumphs and perspective on Cerebral Palsy have led him to work directly with Reaching for the Stars, A Foundation of Hope for Children with Cerebral Palsy (now part of the Cerebral Palsy Foundation) as an advocate and public speaker. His determination and passion brought him as far as Capitol Hill in Washington D.C., where Michael worked to raise awareness and funding for cerebral palsy research. Michael has also brought his profound story and message to the Centers for Disease Control as well as the National Institutes of Health.

When he’s not advocating for Cerebral Palsy awareness or inspiring audiences around the nation, Michael resides in Denver, Colorado, where he’s built a successful career as an Assistant Vice President for Transamerica Retirement Solutions. In his free time, Michael enjoys spending time with his family, traveling and playing golf. Michael’s message is one of inspiration, hope and appreciation. Having overcome unthinkable challenges against extraordinary odds, Michael is living proof that perseverance and unwavering positivity can surmount even the most seemingly impossible of obstacles.

Learn more about Michael Kutcher at  https://www.michaelkutcher.com

Learn more about cerebral palsy and the Cerebral Palsy Foundation at www.yourcpf.org

If you're interested in learning more about what is involved with genetic testing  and  how a visit with a genetic counselor might be helpful, join Cynthia Frisina, the host of Let's Talk CP, as she dives deep with licensed genetic counselor, Danielle Lemke and they talk about what genetic counseling really is, how it can help and  what it might be used for as it relates to potential genetic causes of cerebral palsy. 

Danielle explains how some of the genetic causes of cerebral palsy can be identified through genetic counseling and how a family might qualify for no cost testing.  

This episode is made possible by PTC Therapeutics, a science-driven, global biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of clinically differentiated medicines that provide benefits to patients with rare disorders.

Learn more at https://www.genomemedical.com/programs/ptc/

Can there be a genetic cause of Cerebral Palsy in some cases?Let's Talk CP host, Cynthia Frisina talks with Dr. Michael Kruer about this topic and his ground-breaking research in Part 1 of a two-part discussion about the possible genetic causes of CP. When Michael Kruer was in medical school, he knew he wanted to work with children. With advancements in gene therapy opening up incredible opportunities in neuroscience, he realized he could be a part of something much bigger than himself and give children affected by movement disorders like cerebral palsy hope that didn’t seem possible just a few years ago.

Today, working with a consortium of physicians and researchers from around the world, Dr. Kruer is using cutting-edge technology to discover the genes that can lead to some causes of cerebral palsy. His work has the potential to remove some of the mystery that comes with a cerebral palsy diagnosis, by giving families greater insights and helping doctors improve outcomes. Learn more about Dr. Kruer's genetic research and clinical studies at https://www.kruerlab.org. To make an appointment with Dr. Kruer click here https://www.phoenixchildrens.org/find-a-doctor/michael-c-kruer-md

“We are doing things that have never been done before and it’s so exciting. We really feel like we can do something great.” Dr. Michael Kruer, Phoenix Children's Hospital.

Wondering what to expect if your child has an appointment with a pediatric orthopedic surgeon?Still confused about the different types and levels of cerebral palsy?Cerebral Palsy Foundation host, Cynthia Frisina talks in depth with pediatric orthopedic surgeon Dr. Hank Chambers, who is also the father of an adult son with CP, about different considerations for different ages and stages of a child with cerebral palsy. Dr. Hank Chambers is refreshingly compassionate and informative with great insight for families.Calls-to-Action:​ Don’t forget to visit www.cpresource.org and subscribe to our e-newsletter for all the latest updates.Subscribe to our podcast – Lots more great topics to come!Visit us on social media at @yourcpf and join the conversation

Preparing yourself and your child well for medical appointments means a better experience for everyone. Our “Let’s Talk CP” podcast series continues Cerebral Palsy Foundation host, Cynthia Frisina talking with Physiatrist Dr. Lisa Thornton about cerebral palsy, spasticity and what to expect at many kinds of medical appointments.Questions include what to expect when procedures like botulinum toxin injections are recommended, how to talk with a clinician when “little ears” are listening, and much more.Calls-to-Action:​ Don’t forget to visit www.cpresource.org and subscribe to our e-newsletter for all the latest updates.Subscribe to our podcast – Lots more great topics to come!Visit us on social media at @yourcpf and join the conversation

Introduction of Let’s Talk CP.What Questions Should You Be Asking Your Child’s Clinician?Episode summary and introduction:​Our “Let’s Talk CP” podcast series kicks off with a great conversation about what questions to ask your child’s clinician when your child has cerebral palsy.How should you prepare for a medical appointment?What questions should you ask?Should you get a second opinion?Join Cerebral Palsy Foundation host, Cynthia Frisina as she shares candid talk, lessons learned and great advice with fellow moms, Wendy Sullivan and Jennifer Lyman.Calls-to-Action:​ Don’t forget to visit www.cpresource.org and subscribe to our e-newsletter for all the latest updates.Subscribe to our podcast – Lots more great topics to come!Visit us on social media at @yourcpf and join the conversation