Some things are just meant to be

CUMBERLAND — In September 2012, Brogan Amick, then 2 years old, was brought to The Children’s League. She was referred for muscle weakness and not being able to support herself to walk, and was evaluated by Dr. John Tis, pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Brogan was born three months premature and weighed just 2 1/2 pounds. At just 7 months old, she had already been through several surgeries, had a multitude of issues, was struggling with the after effects of a brain bleed and was a patient at Mount Washington Pediatric Hospital in Baltimore, a facility where care is provided to children who need rehab or have complex medical needs.

Her mother, Sharon Amick, had been doing foster care for a few years and received a call regarding this very sick baby who had a lot of medical challenges and would need intensive therapies. Amick knew this meant that specialized training was in order for whomever would be caring for Brogan and was told that because of this, many families felt that they could not help.

Just two days later, along with her caseworker, a trip was made to Mount Washington Hospital, where Amick was updated on the status of the baby and told that the prognosis was unclear due to the severity of her issues. “As I walked into the ‘pod,’ I saw the nurse and three huge metal cribs; each held very small, very sick babies,” Amick said. “To my right, I saw two of the biggest, blue eyes that I have ever seen, watching me as I walked into the room. I began speaking to her as I made my way to her crib, and as I reached in to touch her hand, she furled her brow and that tiny hand grabbed my bracelet. At that moment, she looked into my eyes and I immediately fell in love! Our amazing journey of adoption and recovery had begun.”

Amick spent 12 hours that day talking to physicians, specialists and nurses, learning how to care for this special baby girl who could not roll over, sit up or support herself. Four days later, she drove back to Mount Washington, completed eight more hours of training and was finally allowed to leave with this sweet baby girl. “I was scared to death of this serious little girl, who never smiled and had all of these health problems, but I knew that I had the support of my nurse and doctor friends from Western Maryland Health System where I work,” she said. “All offered that they were just a phone call away.”

One of those friends was her physical therapist, Jenny Vought, who also was the physical therapist at The Children’s League. Vought suggested that Brogan see one of the League’s pediatric orthopedists from Johns Hopkins Hospital. Vought and Amick noticed that Brogan could not support herself to walk. She had definite muscle weakness due to the brain bleed; however, there seemed to be something else going on, so the referral to the League was made. Brogan saw Tis and was diagnosed with hip dysplasia. She was given a walker and began a physical therapy program to address the problem.

Cathy Growden, executive director of The Children’s League, remembers the day that Brogan was seen at the League. “I have known Sharon for quite some time and was very excited to meet Brogan and watch unfold what I know the League does best, which is helping and taking care of children and their families. Some things are just meant to be. Brogan and Sharon were meant for each other, and I know The Children’s League was meant to be here to help and serve them as they are for all of our patients and families.”

Brogan continues to be followed in orthopedic clinic by Tis. Although she receives physical and occupational therapy at her school, she still sees “Miss Jenny” during the summer months in an effort to keep up with her physical therapy program. She is thriving.

“Everyone at The League is awesome,” Amick said. “This area is extremely lucky to have such kind, knowledgeable and compassionate professionals available to help all of our children. Our journey has been long, and sometimes difficult; however, it has been one of the most rewarding to witness. Brogan is excited to be able to finally ‘give back’ by participating in the Kid Walk/Kid Talk event. She loves that she can help raise money so that other children can receive the help they may need.

“I am delighted to say that Brogan is a sweet and happy 7-year-old who is always smiling. She continues to work hard to develop new skills and is able to walk, unassisted, albeit with a slight limp. Our family is truly grateful to The Children’s League.”

The League serves children birth to 21 from Maryland, West Virginia and Pennsylvania providing free orthopedic, cerebral palsy and cleft lip/palate clinics as well as free speech evaluations/therapy and physical therapy. To have a child evaluated for any of the provided services, call the League office at 301-759-5200.

The Times-News will occasionally run “Telling Our Story” submissions from The Children’s League. The stories will feature past clients of The League and highlight how they benefited from the organization’s services.