Patient born with rare disorder benefits from pediatric surgery

Leslie Rewinkle
Hometown: Citrus Heights, Calif.
Why Shriners Hospitals for Children: Anorectal disorder

Leslie Rewinkle was born with a rare anorectal disorder that wasn’t visible to others but made her feel different. She needed a colostomy operation at birth. Now, thanks to Dr. Diana Farmer, a noted pediatric surgeon at Shriners Hospitals for Children — Northern California, Leslie has an opportunity to live a normal life. Dr. Farmer performed complex surgery to reconstruct the lower portion of her digestive tract. Four months later, Dr. Farmer closed the colostomy and Leslie was freed from her burdensome abnormality.

“I will forever be grateful for the outstanding care we received,” says Leslie’s mother Kristine. “It’s been life-changing, to say the least.”

Leslie enjoys math and would like to be an artist or a police officer when she grows up. She is busy pursuing her many hobbies that include soccer, board games and playing the ukulele. Thanks to Shriners Hospitals for Children — Northern California, Leslie enjoys being like other kids, too.