Events Child Life Story

Eva Papermaster was a perfect weight at birth but by age 2, her parents knew something wasn’t right. They’re a tall family and Eva was at the zero percentile for height and weight. She had trouble staying awake and staying asleep, wasn’t hungry, and seemed overly tired, especially for a toddler. Their pediatrician was concerned too and referred the family to an endocrinologist.

The Papermaster’s journey continued without answers or relief from worry for two years until they decided to try a different endocrinologist – this time at Texas Children’s in Austin.

“It just felt right, right away,” says Emily. “It feels more like a children’s museum than a hospital.”

At age 5, Eva’s bones were the right size for a 2- to 3-year-old and she had trouble staying awake in school. Eva wasn’t a picky eater, says mom Emily, she just wasn’t hungry. The good news – Eva’s brain was just the right size for her age.

Dr. Ryan Stewart, endocrinologist, reassured Emily that while they might not know what was going on yet, Texas Children’s would find answers to Eva’s bone growth delays.

Eva needed a grueling series of tests, including an all-day pituitary gland stimulation test that required IVs in both arms, and an MRI to rule out brain tumors. This is where a Child Life specialist made all the difference to Eva’s hospital experience.

After so many years of blood tests, Eva knew she didn’t like needles, but a Child Life specialist helped her prepare. Child Life professionals use guided play, art, music, and dance to explain procedures, reduce anxiety, distract from pain, and brighten hospital stays.

“As soon as Child Life came in the room, the atmosphere completely changed,” recalls Emily.

In this case, a Child Life specialist brought Eva a bear, toys, books, and play versions of the “bendy straws” the doctors would use during her pituitary test. Eva was able to touch the “straws” and practice inserting them into her new bear. Then, when the test began, Emily read her a book while the Child Life specialist held her hand.

“The preparation made all the difference,” remembers Emily. “I expected tears and fighting it, but Eva stayed calm and we got through the day.”

Later, when Eva needed anesthesia to keep her still during the MRI, Child Life was there to reassure Emily as well as Eva. This time Eva got a mask she could decorate and got to choose the scent of her anesthesia.

The tests confirmed what Dr. Stewart suspected. Eva was officially diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency and began receiving weekly shots to stimulate bone growth.  

Today, Eva is well on her way to growing as she should and she loves going to Texas Children’s Hospital. She asks to walk the halls to visit the art, especially her favorite Axolotl, and the security guard who always gives her a sticker.

“Eva’s personality is shining through in such a big way,” says Emily. “The doctors and the Child Life specialists really care and hold the hands of the children and parents throughout this entire process and it makes all the difference.”