Hasbro Children’s Hospital Honors 9 Year-Old Jeannette Finch as the 2015 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals’ Rhode Island Champion

Jeannette Finch (center) is flanked by her parents, Carol and John, and joined by James Paulon, Hotel Manager of the Providence Downtown Marriott, following an event at the hotel to recognize Jeannette as the 2015 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals’ Rhode Island Champion.

PROVIDENCE, RI – John Finch will never forget the moment more than eight years ago. As he lifted his then 6 month-old daughter, Jeannette, out of her crib, the young child’s leg got caught in his shirt and he heard a snap. It was at this time that John and his wife, Carol, learned that Jeannette had inherited osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), also known as brittle bone disease, from her father, beginning what would often seem like never-ending trips to doctors.

On Tuesday, April 21, Jeannette was honored by Hasbro Children’s Hospital as the 2015 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals’ Rhode Island Champion during an event at the Providence Marriott Downtown. The young Coventry girl was chosen for facing her ongoing medical challenge with courage and resolve. OI is a rare, inherited disorder for which there is no cure for its eight different types of severity. Overall, an estimated 50,000 Americans are living with OI.

“From the very first time I met Jeannette, I knew she was a child who could accomplish anything she wants to in life—trying to limit her is like trying to control the wind,” said Craig Eberson, MD, Chief of Pediatric Orthopedics for Hasbro Children’s Hospital. “I am so proud of Jeannette and couldn’t be happier for her to receive this recognition and represent our hospital on a national level where her story can be an inspiration to others.”

Following that first fracture at the age of 6 months, Jeannette received treatment at Hasbro Children’s Hospital. In the years that have followed, she has experienced multiple additional fractures, including a May 2012 break of her forearm which required the surgical insertion of a thin metal rod that runs from her wrist to elbow to provide added strength.

While Jeannette must be careful while doing activities such as running, jumping, and even walking, innovative treatments and surgical techniques are helping her, and other children living with OI, in ways not available to past generations. Today, Jeannette is a budding artist and an active swimmer—one of her favorite “approved” activities.

“I’ve never received this type of recognition before, but I’m really excited to share with everyone how good Hasbro Children’s Hospital has been to me and my family,” said Jeannette. “My entire family feels that Rhode Island is very lucky to have such a great hospital that takes care of all children no matter what their needs might be and that they are just as sensitive to parents as they are to their little patients.”

As the 2015 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals’ Rhode Island Champion, Jeannette will spend the year as an ambassador, highlighting the impact of Hasbro Children’s Hospital on her life and the importance of donated funds for research, treatment and care. In June, Jeannette and her fellow Champions from each state will travel to Washington, D.C. to share their stories with a national audience.

About Hasbro Children’s Hospital

Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence, R.I., a part of the Lifespan health care system, is the premier pediatric facility for clinical care, research and education for Rhode Island and surrounding southeastern New England. A private, not-for-profit institution, it is the pediatric division of Rhode Island Hospital. Rhode Island Hospital is the principal teaching hospital of The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, through which the department of pediatrics brings in $23 million in external research funding annually. Hasbro Children’s Hospital’s “All for One” commitment devotes all of its knowledge, experience, and passion for healing to each child in its care. For more information visit www.hasbrochildrenshospital.org, follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, or Pin with us on Pinterest.

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