Unique Surgery at Gillette Children's Helping Remarkable Kid

He's only 10 years old, but Logan Swedberg has already endured more surgeries than he's celebrated birthdays.

That's because he was born with a disorder so uncommon, it doesn't even have a name. Thanks to a first-of-its kind surgery at Gillette Children's Hospital, Logan has a chance.

Logan's parents, Todd and Tara Swedberg, knew the surgery was risky. Despite that, doing nothing was not an option.

Dr. Joseph Perra with Gillette Children's told us that, left untreated, Logan's is a fatal condition. Without surgery, he probably wouldn't live to see 20 years old.

Dr. Perra showed us Logan's x-rays, which reveal a spine so twisted, it resembled the letter "S."  Gillette Children's is one of the few hospitals that performs the type of specialized spinal surgery Logan needed.

First, doctor's attached a halo to the outside of his head.  Logan says it was heavy because doctors added weights to the halo every week. Logan spent months in the hospital wearing a halo, followed by traction and ultimately, spinal fusion.

The Swedbergs are calling this short-term pain for long-term gain. While Tara Swedberg realizes all of the surgeries aren't over, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Logan Swedberg is the poster child for Gillette's "Cure Pity" campaign. Additional information about the campaign is available here.

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