Finding Hope: Izzy’s Story

At just eight years old, Izzy had already faced more challenges than many children her age. Diagnosed with ADHD, anxiety, and a mood disorder, she first came to Bradley Hospital’s Pediatric Partial Hospital Program at age five. With the support of her care team, Izzy made real progress—but her journey was far from over.

As Izzy entered third grade, her emotional dysregulation and aggression intensified, especially at school. One day, her mother Amy received a call that someone had been hurt during one of Izzy’s outbursts. It was a moment of crisis and clarity. Amy knew they needed more help than they could manage alone.

That help came in the form of an eleven-week stay in Bradley Hospital’s Children’s Inpatient Program.

“Walking out that door with your child screaming for you,” Amy recalls, “It was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.”

During her stay, Izzy received a personalized combination of therapy and medication management. Her care team helped her rebuild daily routines—like showering, brushing her hair, and making her bed—while also teaching her to identify emotions, develop coping strategies, and regulate her behavior.

Eleven weeks is a long time. But Izzy responded.

When she returned home, everything felt different. Izzy carried a quiet confidence that hadn’t been there before. Her family had changed too. They learned to meet Izzy’s needs with calm instead of panic, to listen without rushing to fix, and to offer structure without shame.

“Bradley Hospital didn’t just help me understand my child,” Amy says. “It helped her understand herself.”

Today, when Izzy feels overwhelmed, she can pause and say, “I just need some space.”

Thanks to the compassionate care she received at Bradley Hospital, Izzy and her family found healing and hope.

Make a gift of gratitude

Share your story