Coral Springs mother creates extended kids care center to provide support for children with complex medical needs inspired by her son’s struggles
Coral Springs, Florida – In the heart of Coral Springs, one mother’s journey through her son’s medical battles has led her to create a support system for other families facing similar challenges. Griselda Duvergel, who became a fierce advocate for her son’s health, has opened Extended Kids Care, a Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care (PPEC) center, which aims to provide crucial support for children with complex medical needs. The center, which opened its doors this month, serves as a lifeline for families who, like hers, are navigating the complexities of caring for a child with significant health struggles.
At just six months old, Duvergel’s son, Luigi Kevin Defeo, was diagnosed with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, a rare and severe form of epilepsy. Luigi’s seizures were relentless, leaving his parents in a state of fear and uncertainty. “We were terrified,” Duvergel recalls. “But we didn’t give up on him.” Doctors told the family that Luigi might never walk, talk, or live a typical life. Despite these grim predictions, Duvergel and her husband, Luigi Defeo, committed themselves to fighting for their son’s well-being. Through years of medical appointments, therapies, and a great deal of perseverance, they have seen their son achieve milestones that once seemed impossible. Today, Luigi is 11 years old. He still faces daily challenges, but he is walking with assistance, swimming, and learning—accomplishments his parents once feared might never come.
This journey of fighting for their son became the driving force behind the creation of Extended Kids Care. The center provides a safe, nurturing environment for children with complex medical needs, offering daily nursing and therapeutic services. It serves children from birth through age 20, with a special focus on those with medically fragile conditions. The facility’s services include developmental support, medical management, transportation, therapy, meals, and more—all of which are covered by Medicaid for qualifying families.
Duvergel and her longtime friend and fellow nurse practitioner, Rachel Herrera, co-founded the facility after realizing the gap in support available for families facing the challenges of caring for children with special needs. “We opened the place we wish we had when Luigi was first diagnosed,” Duvergel said. The two women, originally from Cuba, have spent their careers in pediatric care, and their personal and professional backgrounds have shaped their approach to care. Duvergel’s husband also contributes his expertise as a behavior analyst working with special-needs children.
One of the primary motivations behind Extended Kids Care is to provide the kind of support Duvergel so desperately needed when Luigi was first diagnosed. “When Luigi was sick, I had to figure it all out alone,” Duvergel explains. “Now, I want to walk alongside other parents and help them do the same for their children.” The center is open seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., to accommodate the needs of families who often struggle to juggle the demands of caregiving, work, and daily life. For many, Extended Kids Care offers the respite and support they need to continue providing care for their children.
“What we’re doing here isn’t just about running a business—it’s a promise,” Duvergel said. “A promise to my son, and now to every family that walks through our door.” The care provided is not just medical but also emotional, helping parents feel supported in their journey. “We fight for our kids,” said Herrera, underscoring the core philosophy of the center.
The PPEC model, which has been operational in Florida since 1995, is a well-regulated and structured program designed to support families in need of specialized pediatric care. The goal is to provide these children with the medical attention they require in a non-home setting, where they can receive care and attention from professionals while also enjoying developmental activities. For families with children like Luigi, who need constant care, this service is invaluable.
Duvergel’s experience navigating the fragmented healthcare system for her son, learning how to advocate for his needs, and piecing together his care has been a source of strength for the center’s mission. With the launch of Extended Kids Care, Duvergel and Herrera aim to offer other parents the same knowledge and support they wished they had during their toughest times.
The facility’s comprehensive services are designed to make life easier for parents, especially those who face financial strain or time constraints. The center’s transportation service, therapy sessions, and even meals are all part of the Medicaid-covered benefits available to families. The team at Extended Kids Care believes that families should not have to go through this journey alone and that no parent should feel unsupported in their fight for their child’s health and well-being.
As the center grows, Duvergel and Herrera hope to expand their reach, helping even more families in South Florida access the care they deserve. With Luigi as their inspiration, they are committed to ensuring that every child receives the support they need to thrive. “Luigi has been my inspiration for everything we are doing today,” Herrera said. The two women’s dedication to their mission is clear, and they are working tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of the children and families they serve.
The opening of Extended Kids Care represents not just a new business, but a new beginning for families in Coral Springs and beyond. With a focus on compassion, support, and excellence in care, Duvergel and Herrera are ensuring that no family has to fight alone. Their commitment to their community is unwavering, and the legacy of their son Luigi continues to inspire and empower others in their most challenging times.
