HCA Midwest Health Mission Moment - Poppy's story

When Poppy Gorden was a toddler, her parents began noticing she had challenges performing daily activities including walking and eating. After searching for answers from medical professionals across the country, the Gorden family connected with the expert neurological care team at HCA Healthcare’s Overland Park Regional Medical Center. After meeting with the specialized team, Poppy was diagnosed with Myoclonus-dystonia, a rare and complex movement disorder.
Poppy’s care team at Overland Park Regional Medical Center partnered with specialists at HCA Midwest Health sister-facility, Menorah Medical Center, to create a personalized care plan for her. At four years old, Poppy was one of the youngest patients at Menorah Medical Center to undergo a cutting-edge neurological procedure for dystonia.
Through every step of her hospital journey, Poppy was met with compassion from nurses, physicians, child life specialists and other HCA Healthcare colleagues. Her care team built a trusted relationship with Poppy and incorporated play therapy to help her understand her medical procedures.