Kate Bianco was 13 years old when she enrolled in Nexus Children’s Hospital’s Jump Start Program. Diagnosed with Prader-Willi Syndrome – a rare genetic disorder that affects learning and behavior and also causes health problems related to overeating and weight gain – Kate and her mother Kim were excited for her to start.
“Kate went to Nexus Children’s Hospital in September 2017,” explained Kim. “I tried to get her into another clinic, but it closed. Then I heard Dr. Cassidy was restarting his program, and after calling, Kate was accepted right away.”
Experiencing many of the symptoms common to Prader-Willi Syndrome, Kate was having a hard time wanting to go to school and even adjusting while at school school, causing her to elope, or leave, twice. She was becoming non-compliant and finding it difficult to talk about her feelings. Kate also experienced significant weight gain. Her mother remembered her food-seeking behaviors were at an all-time high and it seemed she was getting into food a lot more.
“For us, going in was rough,” said Kim. “But now, Kate is doing great and she feels better overall.”
In the 16 weeks Kate was in the Jump Start Program, she went from weighing 223 pounds to 146 pounds. Her mother explained that a nutritionist created a tailored diet for Kate right away. Plus, she didn’t have access to food at any times besides structured meal time that had portion-controlled dishes. The goal was to teach Kate strategies to cope with the food-seeking behavior and her feelings.
“Kate also participated in exercise time and physical therapy,” said Kim. “She also would play in the activity room and worked with a tutor from Alief School District. It was all about getting into a routine.”
Kim also commented on how Dr. Cassidy and Kate’s endocrinologist, Dr. Miller, worked well together. Through all she learned at Nexus Children’s Hospital and the collaboration between Dr. Cassidy and Dr. Miller, Kate is now taking her medications regularly and is still making progress now that she has left the program.
“I have recommended the program to other families,” shared Kim. “Kate made friends and such strong connections with the staff and especially Dr. Cassidy. We just loved him!”
