Family Advisory Council

Michelle K.

Family Members
Jack (Husband), Thomas, Ryan, Catherine and Elizabeth

Hometown
Chanhassen, MN

Gillette Child's Diagnosis/Primary Condition
Cerebral palsy

Gillette's Impact
Shorty after Ryan's diagnosis around age 1, my husband and I transferred Ryan's care to Gillette given Gillette's leadership role in cerebral palsy treatment. The care Ryan has received at Gillette has enabled him to progress towards developmental milestones and, more importantly, enjoy the quality of life we pray that each of our children can experience. The ear to ear grin on his face as he chases his siblings using his walker is priceless. We continue to be grateful for the clinical care Ryan receives at Gillette and for the transparency, support, and resources we receive as a family.

Jackie R.

Family Members
Wesley, Waylon and Paul (husband)

Hometown
Eden Prairie, MN

Gillette Child's Diagnosis/Primary Condition
Cerebral Palsy (hemiplegia) and Epilepsy

Gillette's Impact
When Wesley was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, we had no idea what to expect. Gillette has been with us every step of the way. Our care team has always gone above and beyond with consistent compassion, hope and high level expertise. When navigating through difficult situations, we have always felt empathy and top notch bed side manner.

Anne S.

Family Members
Denis (husband), Joe (10 years old), and Leo (8 years old)

Hometown
Inver Grove Heights, MN

Gillette Child's Diagnosis/Primary Condition
Infantile Pompe Disease

Gillette's Impact

Gillette Children's has been a cornerstone of our journey with Leo since the very beginning. When Leo first began showing signs of decline at just four months old, it was Gillette that helped guide us toward answers. They were the ones who referred us for a genetic panel, which ultimately led to his Pompe disease diagnosis. It was also Gillette’s therapists who first raised red flags to my pediatrician, recognizing that Leo’s failure to thrive could be a sign of something more serious. What has always stood out to me about Gillette is their years of experience, their attention to the small details, and their ability to truly listen to both new and scared parents.

Nicole T.

Family Members
Elijah, Adeline, Jason (Husband)

Hometown
Blaine, MN

Gillette Child's Diagnosis/Primary Condition
AP4-HSP (SPG52)

Gillette's Impact
Gillette Children's has allowed us to be parents and not try to be doctors. We have also been included as full members of his care team where our opinions matter.

Lexy D

Family Members
Children: Willow, Olive, Hazel, Rowan, and Clementine; Husband: Lewis. 

Hometown
Park Rapids, MN

Gillette Child's Diagnosis/Primary Condition
Rett Syndrome, Epilepsy

Gillette's Impact
Rett Syndrome is rare neuro-developmental disorder and when deciding to move back to our home state of Minnesota, making sure that we would have the best care for our daughter was our main priority! Walking away from the only care team your child has ever known is incredibly scary and we have been so pleasantly surprised. The staff has gone above and beyond when helping our family navigate the difficulties that can come with living in a small, rural community and we just can't gush over this wonderful place that has made our entire family feel welcome enough. A "Center of Excellence" Rett Clinic operates within Gillette and it has been such a seamless, natural transition to continue working with Gillette for additional needs outside of the Rett Clinic as well. Knowing that we are so lucky to not only receive top of the line care with our specialists but that we also have the benefit of working with those who are actively involved with the research side of rare disease has been just priceless!

Kristi K.

Family Members
Husband Justin, son Logan and daughter Emery

Hometown
Outskirts of the St. Cloud area

Gillette Child's Diagnosis/Primary Condition
Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (SPG4)

Gillette's Impact
The care we have been receiving at Gillette's since 2019 has been nothing short of amazing. Every visit, every nurse, every provider, every therapist/specialist, every procedure, every chat, every phone call, every check in has exceeded our expectations. The way Gillette's collaborates internally with other care team members continues to amaze us. I appreciate not only the exceptional patient care, but the approach as a family as a whole. The willingness of Gillette's staff shines through!...(and we love the coffee shop and therapy dogs!)

Raeanna B.

Family Members
Ambrose, Magdalena, Ben (husband)

Hometown
Minneapolis, MN

Gillette Child's Diagnosis/Primary Condition
Cerebral Palsy, Congential CMV

Gillette's Impact
We love being part of the Complex Care program, which helps Ambrose access the care he needs while also supporting us, as his parents, to coordinate his care. The specialists at Gillette bring expertise alongside an understanding, empathic approach that keeps Ambrose’s overall wellbeing at the center. Even simply walking the halls at Gillette and encountering other families like ours reminds us that this is a rare and special place, especially in a world where truly comprehensive, disability-informed care can be hard to find.

Tora W.

Family Members
Matt (husband), Blake and Jordyn 
 

Hometown
Maple Grove, MN

Gillette Child's Diagnosis/Primary Condition
Autism

Gillette's Impact
Our 4 year old son Blake was referred to Gillette when he was 2.5 years old after receiving an autism diagnosis for occupational, physical and speech therapy support. He has made substantial progress since starting treatment and continues to improve each and every week. We are so thankful for his wonderful providers, their thoughtful approach to his therapies and all of the education they provide us as parents!

Elizabeth M.

Kayte B.

Jessica M.

Jeanine S.