For one young gymnast, happiness comes from doing what she loves—earning straight A’s, winning medals, and making her moms proud. Tarra’s family is tightly knit, celebrating every achievement side by side. But when a knee injury suddenly put her gymnastics future in question, everything came to a halt. Faced with uncertainty, the family came together to carefully consider the next steps in her medical care.
During a pivotal doctor’s visit, the young athlete’s fear was met with unexpected comfort. Her physician, recognizing the worry in her eyes, shared that she, too, had once been a gymnast. That simple connection created an immediate sense of trust and understanding—one athlete to another.
The doctor made Tarra a heartfelt promise: once her patient was healthy and back on the mat, they would go outside, turn cartwheels together, and celebrate her recovery. It was more than just encouragement—it was a reminder that healing is possible, and that behind every white coat is someone who understands the power of hope and shared experience.
Efrain’s journey to LuskinOIC began with a glimpse from a freeway. His mother, new to the area and navigating a language barrier, noticed the words “ortho” and “pediatrics” on a sign near the highway. She didn’t know exactly what the place offered, but something told her it might be able to help her young son, who was born with a limb deficiency.
Back in Mexico, the family had been presented with difficult and expensive options—amputation or complex leg-lengthening surgeries—neither of which felt right for Efrain. After moving to the U.S., a routine visit to an allergy clinic changed everything. A nurse there listened to their story and referred them to LuskinOIC. When they arrived for the orthopaedic appointment, Efrain’s mom immediately recognized the sign she had seen years before. It felt like more than coincidence—it felt like fate.
At LuskinOIC, the family met a compassionate care team and were introduced to Dr. Scaduto, who carefully evaluated Efrain’s condition and developed a treatment plan. For the first time, the possibility of a high-quality prosthesis felt real. To make Efrain feel welcome, LuskinOIC hosted a special picnic on the Every Child Foundation Playground, where he was greeted by another young Patient Ambassador, Arturo, and even Dr. Bernthal, who would be assisting in his surgery. That day marked the beginning of a new chapter—one filled with hope, community, and the promise of possibility.
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Knowing When to Seek Care for Your Child: A Guide from LuskinOIC
As a parent, your top priority is keeping your child safe and healthy. But when your child is sick or injured, it can be hard to know what level of care they need. Should you call your pediatrician, visit urgent care, or head straight to the emergency department?
When to Call Your Pediatrician or Visit Urgent Care
For non-emergencies, your child’s pediatrician or a pediatric urgent care center is often the best place to start. If your child’s doctor isn’t available—such as during evenings or weekends—urgent care can provide fast, effective treatment. Contact your pediatrician or visit urgent care if your child has:
A fever lasting more than 3 days
A fever over 102°F for more than 2 days in an infant, without a clear cause
Symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, dry cough, runny nose)
Minor injuries like sprains, strains, or swelling
Cuts that may need stitches
Minor burns
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Bladder or urinary tract infections
Cold symptoms, coughs, or sore throats
Earaches or sinus pain
Skin concerns like rashes or irritation
You may also have access to virtual urgent care for non-emergency issues, allowing your child to be seen by a provider from home. Check if pediatric virtual urgent care services are available in your area.
When to Go to the Emergency Department
If your child is seriously injured or ill—especially if the condition may be life-threatening or needs immediate attention—take them to the emergency department (ED). Seek emergency care if your child:
Is extremely drowsy, hard to wake, or behaving unusually
Is experiencing severe or constant pain
Has trouble breathing, or is breathing rapidly or deeply
Has a suspected broken bone, a visibly deformed limb, or a lot of swelling and pain
Has a deep or large cut, a cut that won’t stop bleeding after 10 minutes of pressure, or a wound on the head, chest, or abdomen
Sustains a head injury that causes vomiting, confusion, a severe headache, or loss of consciousness
Falls from a significant height
Ingests a harmful substance or medication
If your child is alert, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222
If your child is unresponsive, having trouble breathing, or has collapsed, call 911
Is under 2 months old and has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher (call your doctor first)
Has a high fever along with a stiff neck or headache
Has a fever along with a widespread purple or red rash
Shows signs of severe dehydration (no wet diapers, sunken eyes, dry mouth, weakness, or inability to drink or respond)
Your child’s health matters. When in doubt, trust your instincts—and don’t hesitate to seek care. LuskinOIC is here to support your family with trusted pediatric expertise every step of the way.
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