The Prune Belly Syndrome Network (PBSN) hosted its fifth annual international conference July 27 to 31. PBS is a group of congenital anomalies characterized by three major findings: deficient development of abdominal muscles (causing the skin of the abdomen to wrinkle like a prune), undescended testicle and urinary tract anomalies. Organized by PBSN President Kurt Walker, also a member of Children's Hospital Boston's Cardiovascular Networking team, families from around the world attended, listening to many guest speakers. Many of Children's child life specialists, like Kirsten Fowler, CCLS (pictured), also presented at the conference, using medical play and discussion to help normalize the experience for the children and teens who live with, or have a family member who lives with, PBS.
