Gregory Doucet
It was not until a routine visit to the paediatrician at a year-and-a-half old that led to the diagnosis that changed everything.
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Wanting to expand their family, Alicia and Joe Boutilier, and their children Bethany and Nick, travelled to China, not once, but twice, to adopt two sons – Jiesheng and Ben. Both boys had formed a strong bond to each other during their time together in an orphanage. After arriving home with Jiesheng it became clear to all of them that they needed to go back for Ben too.
Prior to Jiesheng’s arrival, the Boutilier family consulted with an orthopaedic surgeon at the IWK Health Centre and learned that it was likely he had a condition called Arthrogryposis. This was confirmed during his initial appointments at the IWK after he arrived in Canada. It’s a congenital disorder that has multiple joint contractures which essentially means the curving of joints. In Jiesheng’s case, the bottom of his feet were facing upwards. His initial treatment consisted of 17 weekly casts used to help slowly move his bones in the right direction. Following this he required surgery to help further correct his feet and then additional casting. Jiesheng proved how resilient he is by walking just hours after his final casting came off!
Throughout Jiesheng’s care and treatment at the IWK the family was preparing for the arrival of Ben. On May 20, 2013 he too joined the Boutilier family – an exciting and emotional day for everyone. And, just like his brother, Ben also needed support from the care teams at the IWK. Diagnosed with scoliosis, Ben regularly sees the Spina Bifida clinic for monitoring. He has what is called a ‘tethered cord’ which means his spinal cord is tethered around his spine restricting movement. He is currently monitored by the IWK team who will determine when surgical intervention is needed.
