Child Life On Call: Parents Of Children With An Illness Or Medical Condition Share Their Stories With A Child Life Specialist

At just six years old, Susan's son began complaining of belly pain along with other alarming symptoms. After a trip to the doctor, they were quickly sent to meet with a Pediatric Gastroenterologist and would eventually learn the news that one of her sons, Preston, had Crohn's disease. Susan shares personal details about their journey, procedures, and treatments that are associated with Preston's experience with Crohn's. She discusses how she and her family cope with living with this disease. Susan is honest, articulate and gives priceless advice to parents who may be going through similar situations.   Susan says that reaching out to her own doctor and support system was invaluable in helping her cope with a child who has an illness. She and her husband face each challenge with trusting fully in her sons health care team, leaning on each other, and prayer.    If you would like to connect with Susan, you can follow along with her on Instagram or Facebook. She recommends the Crohn's section on kidshealth.org a