In pediatric rehabilitation, there are defining moments that change everything. A teenager grips a utensil for the first time after a spinal cord injury. A 4-year-old takes her first steps on a prosthetic leg. For patients like Elvin and Joy, these breakthrough moments represent more than medical milestones — they are gateways to independence, connection and possibility.
Finding his grip
When Elvin arrived at Shriners Children’s Chicago in 2023, the teenager could barely move below his neck. He was a victim of gun violence, caught in the crossfire as a bystander. He sustained a C4 complete spinal cord injury that suddenly stripped away his independence. “I was scared when I got here. I ain’t gonna lie,” he recalled. “I could not feed myself, brush my teeth or even scratch an itch.”
Elvin has made terrific gains over the years with help from his occupational therapist, Ashley Umali, and physical therapist, Nicole Viverito.
Three months of intensive inpatient rehabilitation followed, coordinated by physiatrists, physical and occupational therapists, recreational therapists, child life specialists and pediatric psychologists. Occupational therapist Ashley Umali recognized that connecting with Elvin through his interests would be key. “Music, snacks and a couple rappers,” she said. “We’d play music in his room, and to practice self-feeding, we’d bring in different chips to try. We’d make things fun even though he was in a lot of pain.”
The strategy worked. “They basically said, ‘we’re with you,’” Elvin reflected. “Nurses, doctors, cooks — everyone played a part in my recovery.”
A breakthrough came in 2025 when orthopedic surgeon Felicity Fishman, M.D., performed tendon transfer surgery on Elvin, moving tendons in his arm and hand to enable him to extend his elbow and grip items. This new, literal grasp on life opened enormous possibilities. Using a universal cuff (an adaptive device that straps to his hand), Elvin now operates his laptop and phone, drives his power wheelchair, and can manage or assist with his personal care.
Hospital teacher Mary Vokoun helped Elvin re-enroll in online high school, where he discovered a talent for digital art. Now 18, Elvin has been named Student of the Month, with artwork displayed in an all-city virtual exhibition and in Shriners Children’s Chicago’s teen lounge. He continues outpatient therapy while finishing high school and plans to attend college online, hoping to help children as he was helped. “There is no quit in him,” said Mary.
Joy’s first steps
The day 4-year-old Joy took her first steps with her new prosthetic leg in the hallway outside the Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services department at Shriners Children’s Erie was unforgettable. Guided by Hannah Clark, MS, L/CPO, a certified prosthetist-orthotist, and hand-in-hand with her mother, Alice, Joy walked toward a lifetime of confidence and possibility.
After learning to walk with her prosthetic leg, Joy approached physical therapy with fearless determination. She hasn’t stopped smiling since.
Born with tibial hemimelia, a rare condition where the bones in her lower leg did not fully form, Joy has been receiving care at Shriners Children’s Erie since she was 6 months old. After her care team determined that a prosthesis would provide the best long-term mobility, Joy underwent amputation of her left leg and began the fitting process. “By having a prosthesis, she is going to have a life like any typical kid,” explained her physician, Sarah Nossov, M.D.
After months of anticipation, the moment arrived. Once Hannah confirmed Joy was pain-free and ready, Hannah guided Joy into the hallway. As Joy began to walk on two legs for the first time, she looked up with excitement and called out, “I’m walking, Momma!”
Immediately after her hallway triumph, Joy headed to physical therapy with Laurie Hudson, PT, where she kicked a soccer ball for the first time and scored multiple goals. “Watching her transition from walking with support to taking unassisted steps is an honor to witness,” Laurie shared.
The family continues to receive comprehensive care at Shriners Children’s Erie. “They take such good care of her,” Alice shared. “They treat you like family.” That sense of belonging creates an environment where children like Joy can flourish, where first steps lead to confident strides, and where possibility becomes a bright new reality.
