6. A thank you note - Elisa Spano's 12 yr old son, Rafferty and his long road with Perthes Disease

In episode 6 of The Long Road podcast, we sit down with Elisa Spano, a dedicated mother of 2, to discuss her son's journey with Perthes Disease. Elisa shares her story, shedding light on the emotional, physical, and medical hurdles their family has faced since the diagnosis. From the initial signs, Elisa offers insight into what it's like to advocate for a child with a rare and often misunderstood condition. This episode is a must-listen for anyone touched by chronic illness or seeking inspiration in the face of adversity.

Perthes Disease is a rare childhood condition that affects the hip, where the blood supply to the head of the femur (thighbone) is temporarily disrupted. Without blood flow, the bone cells die, and the femoral head can collapse. Elisa details her son Rafferty's diagnosis at age 8, the treatments they've pursued, and how they've adapted family life to accommodate his needs while ensuring he still experiences childhood to the fullest.

Elisa's story is one of resilience, determination, and the power of a mother's advocacy. She discusses navigating the school system, managing pain and mobility issues, and finding the right medical team. Most touchingly, she shares how Rafferty's condition has shaped his character and their family bonds.

The episode title "A thank you note" reflects Elisa's gratitude for the medical professionals, family members, and community who have supported their journey, as well as her desire to pay it forward by sharing their story to help other families facing similar challenges.