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Young Circus Star Is Treated Like Family

“Finding the ER at Fruitville is like finding a gold mine.” -Nova Wallenda, a member of the Wallenda Circus Family and mother to a pediatric ER at Fruitville patient.

  • By Lakewood Ranch Medical Center
  • | 12:00 a.m. June 20, 2024
  • East County
  • Neighbors
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When 3-year-old circus star Jameson fell ill, his mother Nova Wallenda, of Sarasota, took him to ER at Fruitville, conveniently located on I-75 and Fruitville Road, very close to where they live.

Nova and Jameson are members of the Wallenda Circus Family – well known for their high-wire stunts and entertaining acts. Nova shares that Jameson loves playing outside with his friends and performing in the circus – he’s already participated in seven shows!

A few months ago, though, Nova was concerned when Jameson was not his typical, energetic self. He had a fever of 103 degrees with a runny nose and was coughing non-stop. “He was coughing so much he could barely sleep,” Nova says.

When her son’s pediatrician could not see her son, she headed to ER at Fruitville.

“As soon as we walked in, we were in an exam room within three minutes, if that,” says Nova. 

Jameson was diagnosed and treated for an upper respiratory tract infection.

“The ER staff was absolutely amazing with him,” she says. “They gave him little stickers, and the doctor gave him a popsicle. They went over everything and asked me questions. It was just so reassuring and a wonderful experience.”

What Nova appreciated most was that they genuinely cared for her son. She felt as if they were treated like family.

“Finding the ER at Fruitville is like finding a gold mine,” she says.

An Extension of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center

6760 Fruitville Road | Sarasota, FL 34240

In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. This emergency department is part of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. This is not an urgent care center. Its services and care are billed at hospital emergency department rates. Physicians are on the medical staff of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners, who are not employees or agents of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website.