Cerebral palsy (CP) is a complex brain disorder involving movement and muscle control. Children with CP require more than routine medical care; their condition requires a nurturing, inventive care that goes beyond a body-based approach, and incorporates the emotional and developmental needs of the child and family. Shriners Children’s is one of the leaders in this sphere, and its teamwork-oriented approach is well known for ensuring that every child is guaranteed the most beneficial care no matter their family’s financial status.
Shriners Children’s is not merely a pediatric care facility, but the light and hope to affected families in regard to CP. They integrate modern medicine with therapy, research, and follow-up care to design individualized care plans to allow each child to be more independent and mobile. Underlying their work is a sincere concern about children and their families.
As the President of Shriners Children’s, Dr. Leslie D. Stewart leads the healthcare system that embarks upon this valuable work with fire in the belly and vision enlightened by fairness and innovation. Dr. Gaby Martinez, MD, a leading pediatric expert at Shriners Children’s Chicago, one of more than 30 locations in the international health care system, demonstrates the collaboration and skill that makes the CP program at the organization one of the most successful. Their work emphasizes the difference that Shriners Children’s brings in and what the future of treatment of children with neurological issues has.
Let’s explore the innovative, family-focused approach Shriners Children’s uses to improve outcomes for kids with cerebral palsy!
A Leadership Driven by Mission and Heart
Dr. Leslie Stewart’s leadership at Shriners Children’s is closely tied to the organization’s core mission: giving life-changing care to every child, no matter their family’s financial situation. Dr. Stewart reflects on this calling with profound sincerity, noting, “My passion for leading Shriners Children’s is deeply rooted in our mission—providing life-changing care regardless of a family’s ability to pay.” This core value transcends typical healthcare delivery and permeates every aspect of the organization’s operations.
What continues to inspire Dr. Leslie Stewart daily is the extraordinary dedication of the multidisciplinary teams—physicians, clinicians, researchers, and support staff—who share a relentless commitment to helping children with cerebral palsy achieve their fullest potential. He emphasizes, “The complexity of care they require demands not only medical excellence, but also compassion, innovation, and long-term partnership with families.” This comprehensive, patient-centered philosophy sets the organization apart in a field often constrained by fragmented care models.
For Dr. Leslie Stewart, leading Shriners Children’s is more than an administrative role; it is a profound responsibility and a personal calling. “To be entrusted with leading this organization is not just a role—it’s a calling,” he explains. This sentiment underscores the depth of commitment that drives Shriners Children’s mission and its remarkable outcomes in cerebral palsy treatment.
The Mission That Propels Innovation and Compassion
Shriners Children’s reputation for excellence in cerebral palsy care stems from a steadfast commitment to combining compassion with cutting-edge innovation. Dr. Leslie Stewart highlights how the organization’s integrated model harnesses diverse medical expertise alongside rehabilitative therapy and rigorous research to offer life-changing treatments. “Our commitment to excellence in cerebral palsy care stems from the life-changing impact we’ve seen through our interdisciplinary approach, combining advanced medical treatment with rehabilitative therapy, research, and long-term support,” he explains.
For Dr. Stewart, the true reward lies in witnessing the resilience and milestones achieved by young patients, each step a testament to the organization’s impact. He recounts the profound moments: “Every milestone—no matter how small—is a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. It may be hitting a baseball off the tee for the first time, walking with a bipedal gate unaided, grasping and using a cell phone, and other things we just take for granted.” These everyday achievements are emblematic of the hope, mobility, and independence the care at Shriners Children’s strives to instill.
This sense of purpose continuously fuels the organization’s efforts to innovate, collaborate with leading experts, and maintain its role as a trailblazer in pediatric neurological care. “We’re not just treating a condition; we’re empowering children and families with hope, mobility, and independence,” Dr. Leslie Stewart affirms. Such a holistic approach exemplifies the organization’s ethos: to treat children as whole individuals, not just their diagnoses.
A Truly Integrated and Patient-Centered Model
What makes the approach to cerebral palsy care at Shriners Children’s truly unique and effective is its deeply integrated, patient-focused model. Dr. Leslie Stewart describes how the institution brings together a diverse team of pediatric specialists—orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, physical and occupational therapists, motion analysis experts, and prosthetists—who collaborate closely to design personalized care plans. “We bring together a multidisciplinary team of pediatric specialists, all collaborating under one roof to design individualized care plans that evolve with the child’s needs,” he notes.
This collaborative framework ensures that every dimension of a child’s development—physical, emotional, and functional—is thoughtfully considered and addressed. One of the organization’s technological cornerstones is its Motion Analysis Centers, where data-driven insights allow clinicians to tailor surgical and therapeutic interventions with unparalleled precision. “We also leverage cutting-edge tools like our motion analysis centers, which provide data-driven insights that help us tailor surgical and therapeutic interventions for the best possible outcomes,” Dr. Leslie Stewart explains. Moreover, the journey with Shriners Children’s extends well beyond isolated procedures or therapy sessions. The organization’s commitment to continuity of care and compassionate engagement creates a supportive environment for families throughout their long-term treatment journey. “Our care doesn’t end with a procedure or therapy session—it’s a journey we take with our patients and families over the long term,” Dr. Stewart affirms. This continuity, combined with a culture of innovation and research, cements the institution’s status as a leader in pediatric cerebral palsy care.
Meaningful Breakthroughs Through Patient-Centered Relationships
For Dr. Martinez, the most rewarding breakthroughs come from building deep, trusting relationships with patients and their families. Reflecting on her career, she shares a memorable experience that highlights the importance of trust and patient engagement in effective cerebral palsy treatment.
Dr. Martinez recounts an initial encounter with a patient referred specifically for Botox injections under general anesthesia. However, she prefers performing these procedures with only local numbing cream and cold spray in a clinic setting, which initially caused tension with the family. To meet the family halfway, she arranged light sedation administered by an intensivist, though the experience proved traumatic for the child. Over subsequent visits, as rapport was established, the family allowed Dr. Martinez to perform the injections in the clinic, supported by nursing staff and child life specialists providing distraction. “Fast forward to now and this family invites me to his sled hockey games on the weekends and trusts me 100% with his care,” she reflects.
This story illustrates how effective communication, empathy, and persistence are as vital as medical interventions in cerebral palsy care. Such patient-centered relationships are fundamental to the long-term success of treatment plans and the empowerment of families.
Navigating Challenges with Compassion and Innovation
Treating cerebral palsy poses significant challenges, particularly when discussing realistic outcomes with families. Dr. Martinez highlights one of the most difficult aspects: explaining when a child’s prognosis for independent walking is limited. “Many times children are referred to Shriners initially to see one of the orthopedic surgeons because they may need surgeries on their hips or spine and sometimes families think that after surgery their child will be able to walk,” she explains.
While surgery can improve mobility for some, it does not guarantee independent walking, especially when core muscle weakness is a barrier. Addressing this sensitively and managing expectations requires patience and compassion. Once families understand the realities, they often embrace the collaborative therapy efforts and assistive technologies that support their child’s mobility. “One large barrier to walking is weakness in the core/trunk muscles. Families see that their child may achieve standing or walking in their own way with an assistive device or braces,” Martinez notes.
By reframing these challenges as opportunities to enhance quality of life through customized supports, the team fosters a positive outlook and empowers families to actively participate in their child’s progress.
Staying Ahead Through Research and Technology
Innovation remains at the forefront of the organization’s strategy for advancing cerebral palsy care. Dr. Martinez details how ongoing research across the healthcare system leverages the breadth and depth of the patient database to track outcomes over the lifespan, enabling evidence-based improvements in treatment protocols. This extensive longitudinal data is a unique asset that supports continual refinement of care.
One exciting frontier is the implementation of spinal stimulation to improve lower extremity function and potentially enhance walking ability. “Our therapists are training in the use of, and beginning to implement spinal stimulation to try to strengthen lower extremity function and thus potentially improve walking ability,” Martinez explains. This therapeutic advancement reflects the institution’s commitment to integrating novel technologies alongside established treatment modalities.
Moreover, the rehabilitation team’s close collaboration with orthopedic surgeons ensures that comprehensive care is provided before, during, and after surgeries. This anticipatory approach maximizes mobility and functional outcomes as children transition through various phases of treatment. “When a child with CP requires Orthopedic surgery we anticipate their rehabilitation needs even before they have a surgical date so that we can maximize their mobility and function as soon as they are able to start bearing weight through their legs,” Martinez says.
A World-Leading Motion Analysis Network
A groundbreaking development within the healthcare system is the unification of 14 Motion Analysis Centers (MACs) across the network, creating the world’s largest pediatric motion analysis collaboration. This digital connectivity facilitates seamless data sharing among clinicians, enhancing care coordination and accelerating research.
“Our Motion Analysis Center is connected with all 14 MACs across the Shriners Children’s system, making it the world’s largest unified pediatric motion analysis center in the world,” Martinez highlights. This unprecedented collaboration enables doctors across the system to learn from collective experiences, inform future care decisions, and push the boundaries of research.
The MACs play a crucial role in objectively assessing walking abilities and guiding personalized interventions related to bracing, therapy, and surgery. This integration of objective data with clinical expertise exemplifies the organization’s commitment to precision medicine and outcome-driven care.
Tailoring Treatment to Each Unique Child
Understanding that no two children with cerebral palsy share the exact same needs, Shriners Children’s emphasizes individualized treatment plans developed through comprehensive assessments. Dr. Martinez stresses the importance of spending ample time with patients to thoroughly evaluate their specific circumstances. “Because the Shriners system prioritizes patient care over anything else, we are able to spend whatever time is necessary to assess and address each child’s needs in a thorough manner,” she explains.
This patient-first philosophy allows for thoughtful, multidisciplinary management plans that are consistent across the care team yet uniquely tailored to each child. The ability to dedicate this level of attention distinguishes the organization from others constrained by time pressures and standardization. It reflects a profound respect for the individuality and complexity of every child’s journey.
Exciting Horizons
Looking forward, Shriners Children’s is poised to expand its offerings with promising initiatives such as a spinal stimulation program aimed at improving lower extremity motor function. Dr. Martinez notes that several therapists have recently received training to implement this advanced treatment within the physical therapy department. This advancement holds the potential to significantly enhance standing and walking capabilities for children with cerebral palsy.
Alongside this, the integration of the digital motion analysis network represents a revolutionary stride forward. “This revolutionary new development at Shriners will make it easier for doctors across our entire healthcare system to share data, learn from past patient experiences, inform future care decisions, and perform cutting-edge research,” Martinez says. These innovations not only enhance clinical care but also set new standards for pediatric neurological research.
Advice from Leaders Committed to Making a Difference
Dr. Stewart offers heartfelt guidance to healthcare providers aspiring to impact children’s lives profoundly. His advice centers on maintaining empathy and remembering the humanity behind each medical chart. “My top piece of advice for healthcare providers who want to make a real impact on children’s lives is simple: never lose sight of the child behind the chart,” he says. He underscores the need for collaboration, compassion, and relentless commitment to equity. “When care is grounded in purpose and delivered with heart, the impact can last a lifetime—not just for the child, but for their entire family.”
Dr. Martinez echoes the importance of engagement, particularly with the child themselves. She encourages providers to acknowledge the child as the center of each encounter, regardless of their physical or verbal abilities. “Always ask what their preferred name is and call them by their name. It’s important because you let them know that they matter to you and you are there to help them become as independent as possible and help them have the best quality of life,” she advises. This direct engagement fosters trust and dignity, crucial components of effective pediatric care.
A Model of Compassionate Innovation
Shriners Children’s leads the way in cerebral palsy care by combining compassionate treatment, teamwork, and innovation. Guided by Dr. Stewart and Dr. Martinez, they provide personalized, evidence-based care that puts children and families first.
Their advanced programs, like motion analysis and spinal stimulation, focus on each child’s unique needs and potential. The trust and resilience built here show a healthcare system truly centered on families.
As they grow and improve, Shriners Children’s continues to offer expert care, hope, and a path to greater independence for children with cerebral palsy.
