Giovanni began experiencing seizures at just four months old. Despite being seen by five different pediatric neurologists in Florida, his condition continued to worsen, with seizures increasing in both severity and duration. It wasn’t until his parents connected with Syndi Seinfeld, MD, and the pediatric neuroscience team at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, that he was accurately diagnosed with Dravet Syndrome, a rare and progressive form of epilepsy. After receiving the diagnosis, his family finally began to see significant improvement in his condition.

In November of 2021, Giovanni underwent surgery to implant a Vagus Nerve Stimulator (VNS), which profoundly transformed his quality of life. The surgery reduced his constant seizure activity from hundreds each day to, at most, one visible seizure per day. This breakthrough allowed Giovanni to participate in both indoor and outdoor activities—many of which he had previously been unable to enjoy due to the risk of triggering seizures. Since the surgery, Giovanni has not been hospitalized, and most importantly, he has started making developmental progress again.

Giovanni’s mother expressed her gratitude, saying, "I believe wholeheartedly that Giovanni wouldn’t be where he is today if it weren't for the Neuroscience team at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital."

Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Neuroscience Center is one of only twenty programs in the United States recognized as a Dravet Comprehensive Care Center. With patient care as its top priority, the center’s healthcare providers work tirelessly to develop the best possible treatment plans, helping more patients like Giovanni lead happy and healthy lives.