Children's Miracle Network

Ministry Saint Joseph's Children's Hospital

PAUL DEDERICH

Don’t be surprised if someday you see Paul Dederich’s name in the starting lineup for a major league baseball team. Because with Paul’s dedication, not to mention a little help from Saint Joseph’s Hospital, that dream may just turn into reality.

It was in the fall of 1993 that a routine checkup at Marshfield Clinic revealed a bump in Paul’s back. After further tests, Paul, than 11 years old of Vesper, was diagnosed with a condition known as Arnold-Chiari malformation with syringomyelia. Roughly speaking, cysts had formed in, and were putting pressure on Paul’s spinal column, a condition that if not soon treated, could have eventually resulted in partial paralysis and weakness in his lower body.

Paul Dederich

Doctors recommended surgery on the spinal cord near the base of Paul’s skull, to alleviate the pressure. Fortunately, the procedure was a complete success, and Paul made a complete recovery. Although he has to avoid contact sports, he’s back playing baseball and collecting baseball cards. And with any luck at all, his picture may one day be part of that collection.

Patti Shafto-Carlson
Director of Development - Children's Services
cmn@ministryhealth.org