MILES FOR SMILES

Diagnosis: “Extra Digit” (a tinier version of a pinkie finger beside his left pinkie)

Age at Treatment: 5 months old

Current Age: 9 years old

 

Andrew's story, as told by his mother, Genna:

 

Our second son, Andrew Grey, was born a beautiful and healthy baby on November 29, 2008. He was a perfect baby, even though the realization of his ELEVENTH finger did come with some shock value. According to the doctors and nurses, an “extra digit” is more common than one would think. Their confident assuaging was reassuring and this “minor flaw” could easily be remedied.

Andrew’s pediatrician, Dr. Cotton (VB Pediatrics), was elated with how well he was growing and developing weeks after birth. Her recommendation on dealing with his extra finger was simple: call Dr. Rosenblum at CHKD. The dangling digit may not be a “problem” at first, but as the baby grows, the extra digit may get in his way. And she was right. The tiny extended-pinkie was only barely attached to his hand, and it often worried us that it would get caught on something.

 

We made an appointment at CHKD in Norfolk with Dr. Rosenblum. We loaded up 5-month-old baby Andrew and 1 1/2 year-old Mason and the removal process was underway. I was nervous; my baby “going under” was a terrifying thought. Dad, Chip, was cool and calm, ready to just get the digit removed.

 

After playing in the waiting room with Mason for what seemed like an eternity, the nurse announced that Andrew Holland’s surgery was complete. He was sleeping when we saw him, little hand bound with bandages. And a beaming Dr. Rosenblum greeted us with a “He did great!”

 

A few hours later Andrew was awake and totally fine. Today he barely has a scar. He does not remember his experience at CHKD, but his parents do. And we are so thankful his little hand was in THEIR hands!