Penfield’s Special Care Nursery Provides Families with Needed Support

Like other families with children experiencing serious health issues, medical conditions, and developmental delays at Penfield Children’s Center, Joandy and her son Myles, age 1, have relied on Penfield’s Special Care Nursery to provide medical care, therapy, and education early in the Myles’ development.

Myles came to Penfield’s Special Care Nursery when he was seven months-old with profound medical and physical needs. He was born with Down syndrome, an atrioventricular (AV) canal defect, and tetralogy Fallot – a condition characterized by underdeveloped chambers and holes in the heart – resulting in him needing two heart surgeries, one of which was required shortly after birth.

Joandy knew that Myles not only needed specialized care but also had to be in an environment that would focus on his distinct needs and provide individualized attention. After her first visit at Penfield’s Special Care Nursery, Joandy knew that Myles would receive the best child care in Milwaukee from a warm, knowledgeable staff of registered nurses, Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), and care partners.

While at Penfield, licensed therapists help develop Myles’ skills as he grows by providing him with occupational, physical, and speech therapies. The Special Care Nursery also supports his family by encouraging questions about Myles’ development, helping with the financial burden, involving them in his therapies, and building a network with other families.

“I felt comfortable from the very beginning,” stated Joandy. “Each time I drop him off, it feels like I’m leaving him in the care of a family member.” Joandy further commended Penfield saying, “I don’t know what I would do without Penfield. The love and support we receive from the Center and our service coordinator is amazing.”

Joandy and Myles, and other families like them, will continue to get the support and resources needed from Penfield’s Special Care Nursery thanks to local community partners like Potawatomi Bingo Casino. Through a partnership with Milwaukee Radio Group, Penfield Children’s Center is one of 10 charities chosen to take part in Potawatomi Bingo Casino’s signature charitable program, Miracle on Canal Street. The program, with the mission to improve the quality of life for children in southeastern Wisconsin, focuses the joy of holiday giving onto those who are the hope for the future. Miracle runs through December 13, with funds raised from special bingo games and the generosity of Potawatomi Bingo Casino guests. Half of each $3 Miracle bingo game, played during each bingo session, goes to the Miracle fund, which totaled nearly $1 million last year benefitting 30 local children’s charities. The grand total for this year’s campaign will be announced at the Miracle Bingo Bash on December 14 at Potawatomi Bingo Casino.

"It’s children like Myles and his family that bring perspective to Miracle on Canal Street and the need to support these kinds of services in southeastern Wisconsin,” said Mike Goodrich, General Manager of Potawatomi Bingo Casino. “For 19 years, the generosity of our guests has shone brightly, and because of that, so many fantastic organizations have been able to serve the needs of a great number of children.”

Through hard work and determination, Myles will accomplish all of his milestones, just in his own timeframe. Myles celebrated his first birthday in August and is currently working on crawling with help from the Center and his family. With the support of Penfield Children’s Center and valued community partners like Potawatomi Bingo Casino, Joandy and her husband are excited for what the future holds for their son.