Dr. Singhal suspected Jazz’s symptoms might be from pressure on the brain – and she knew how to find out for sure. Since Connecticut Children’s is an integrated health system, patients have instant access to more than 30 pediatric specialties. Dr. Singhal tapped into that network to help Jazz get a brain MRI, a test that other hospitals and Jazz’s local pediatrician had refused to run.
It showed a buildup of fluid in Jazz’s brain, and a cancerous tumor the size of a plum.
“Had I believed those other doctors, Jazz wouldn’t be here today,” says Milagros. “Dr. Singhal heard me, saw my desperation, filtered through to find out what was wrong. She saved Jazz.”
“Three angels”
Jazz is adopted. She came into Milagros’ life as a result of a different health crisis: Several years ago, Milagros was struck with an autoimmune condition that affects nerves and muscles. For almost a year, she was blind and paralyzed. At several points, doctors were sure she wouldn’t survive. When she pulled through, and regained her full health, she and her four biological children made a decision: They would open their home, and their family, to kids in need.
“I was left for a reason,” says Milagros. “That’s when we started fostering.” She fostered Jazz from birth, and formally adopted her last July. A few months after that, Connecticut Children’s discovered the tumor in Jazz’s brain.
Milagros says Jazz has “three angels”: The first is the family’s long-time doctor, Paul Salva, MD, who referred Jazz to Connecticut Children’s and continues to play a big role in her life. The second is Dr. Singhal.
The third is Jonathan Martin, MD, FAANS, division head of Pediatric Neurosurgery, who performed Jazz’s brain surgery.
“Dr. Martin could almost sense how I was doing,” says Milagros. “If I had a million questions, he was never rushing to leave the room. He would give me the truth, and make sure I understood. That was very important to me.”
Days after Jazz’s MRI, Dr. Martin successfully removed the tumor from her brain. With such a sensitive surgery, there was a chance Jazz might struggle to walk or talk again. Within hours, she astonished everyone by sitting up and asking for a chair.
“She made sure everyone saw her doing it the same day,” Milagros says. “She’s feisty.”