Charlie C.
In October 2014, 3-year-old Charlie experienced a stroke and was rushed to Lurie Children’s for extensive testing. He was diagnosed with the rare, progressive cerebrovascular condition moyamoya disease, and underwent successful surgeries on both sides of his brain to restore blood flow to the affected areas. Charlie was doing well until two years later, when he began suffering from severe headaches, and the Castino family once again found themselves in Lurie Children’s Emergency Department. After placing Charlie on medicine that helps ease the headaches without side effects, recent tests indicated no progression of the disease. Charlie’s new arteries are delivering adequate blood flow, and he continues to have no signs of strokes. Charlie is still "winning the race!" He loves visiting the hospital, and often arrives in his own scrubs and nursing badge, because he can’t wait to be a nurse at Lurie Children’s when he grows up.