Kennedy Krieger Institute

Did you know that tomorrow is World Sickle Cell Awareness Day?

Our Sickle Cell Neurodevelopmental Clinic and Research Center is dedicated to supporting individuals living with sickle cell disease through patient-centered care. Our team assesses the neurological, developmental and behavioral functioning of children, adolescents, and adults, providing each patient with a full neurodevelopmental evaluation.

We work closely with each patient’s care team to ensure supportive care at every stage of their journey.

What a way to start the summer!  
 
Our Child Life and Recreation Therapies Department hosted an amazing kickoff-to-summer party for our patients. The therapy garden came alive with bubbles, pool floaties, and water blasters—filling the day with laughter, sunshine, and unforgettable memories.
 
A special thank you to WIN for Kennedy Krieger for sponsoring the ice cream truck, and to Quinn's Ice for serving up the sweet treats! 🍦
 

Unbox the new ARC-EX from with us!

We’re so excited to start using the first FDA-approved Transcutaneous Spinal Stimulation (TSS) device. For years we have been using TSS and Activity-Based Restorative Therapies to uncover new movements. Now, the ARC-EX will give our patients even more ways to level up. ⚡

From patient to interviewer!
 
Meet Aaron, a resilient 13-year-old who made an incredible recovery after a traumatic brain injury. He recently sat down with Dr. Ploetz to learn more about her journey into medicine and her passion for caring for children with brain injuries.
 
Aaron’s curiosity, courage, and commitment to helping others continue to inspire us every day.
 

At 9 months old, Matias was paralyzed from the hips down. Today, he can walk, dance, play soccer, and even ride a bike.
 
It’s National Cancer Survivor Awareness Month, and we’re proud to celebrate this incredible story.
 
Matias survived a rare pediatric cancer called Neuroblastoma, facing unimaginable challenges from the start. Before emergency surgery to remove the tumor, it pressed into his spinal cord, leaving him paralyzed at just under a year old. Determined to give him the best chance forward, his family brought him to work with the International Center for Spinal Cord Injury at Kennedy Krieger—where, over the past six years, he has made incredible progress.
 
At first, Matias could not crawl or barely move his hips. But little by little, and eventually step by step, he regained function. Today, he moves independently—even though he has no sensation in his legs.
 
Matias is a powerful reminder that with perseverance, support, and hope, even the toughest obstacles can be overcome.