Coordinated care for Erika’s complex health needs at CHoR
“Mom, look! It’s me!” Erika Flores-Soloman was ecstatic to see her photo on the cover of the 2025 CHoR calendar.
Erika, now a 14-year-old high school freshman, was born at VCU Health and has been coming to CHoR ever since. Her comprehensive team provides coordinated care for congenital conditions associated with Down syndrome, and helps her mom, Candelaria, manage her overall health.
“As Erika's general pediatrician, my job is to watch over the big picture and help her and her mother navigate the complex world of modern health care. Fortunately, our excellent team at CHoR makes those responsibilities easy,” said Dr. Sean McKenna. “Erika, Candelaria and I make sure to meet at least once a year to review all of the updates from the different members of her team.”
In addition to Dr. McKenna, Erika has seen providers from several CHoR specialties over the years, the most frequent and long-standing including cardiology, genetics, ophthalmology and speech therapy. Our feeding program has also been instrumental for Erika. Once relying on a g-tube for nutrition, Erika now “eats everything” according to her mom. At all appointments, interpreters with our language services team ensure that Candelaria, whose primary language is Spanish, can understand and communicate with the care team.
Advocating for Erika’s health
Erika and Candelaria have relied on the support and guidance of Deborah Stith, their registered nurse case manager with Central Virginia Care Connection for Children, since Erika was 2 years old. Care Connection helps families coordinate medical, educational and community resources so their children with special health care needs can reach their maximum potential.
“Oh my gosh, she has been special to Erika for a long time,” said Candelaria of Deborah’s important role for her family – one that Deborah is grateful to have.
“Erika has a beautiful personality. She enjoys dancing and fashion and she is not afraid to try new activities. Her mother is also so special. She does not place limits on her daughter. She sees her potential,” said Deborah. “My hope for Erika is she will reach her highest potential and be a productive citizen in the community. I believe when she graduates from high school, she will be successful in a job that is right for her.”
Dr. McKenna agrees that Candelaria’s love and support have been – and will continue to be – a driving force behind Erika’s health and happiness.
“She is a tireless advocate for her daughter and learned quickly how to manage all the complex issues that kids like Erika face. She works closely with the team at Care Connection, stays connected through the patient portal and reaches out whenever there is a concern or a need. It has been a joy and an honor to be a part of their team,” he added.
Erika’s continued care and plans for the future
On top of her routine and specialty medical appointments, Erika has had several cardiac catheterization procedures and three heart surgeries over the years, with another to come.
“Erika is a medically complex young woman who needs all of the different resources and strengths of a children's hospital to meet her needs,” added Dr. McKenna. “We have the specialty services, the allied health team members, the case managers and navigators, the interpreters and the MyChart portal she and her mom need to ensure that nothing is missed and their care experience is as seamless and efficient as possible.”
Through it all, Erika keeps on smiling and dancing.
“CHoR saved Erika’s life. Every problem she has had, they have fixed. We’re so happy,” added Candelaria.