Isabella

Nominated by Rosalynn Sotomayor, ECHO

Isabella’s journey is not just one of resilience, but a testament of her family’s unwavering dedication and the efforts of her medical team. Surrounded by her loving family and supported by a team of medical specialists, Isabella has been provided with all the necessary medical care and support to enable her to reach her fullest potential.

Isabella was born prematurely at 34 weeks with a diagnosis of renal failure. A difficult reality for her family, but one that her family would do anything to overcome. At just 2 months old, Isabella became part of the CDTC family for her primary care follow-up needs from the NICU and was seen by her pediatrician, Dr. Maria Barrueco. Recognizing the gravity of Isabella’s needs, Dr. Barrueco ensured she received comprehensive care by referring her to the Early Steps program which addressed her developmental milestones through speech, occupational and physical therapy. Additionally, Isabella was enrolled in the ECHO program, which is a care management program at CDTC, that provides care coordination to assist with managing all of her medical specialists involved in Isabella’s care. These wrap-around services provided by her care team at CDTC equipped Isabella and her family for the challenges ahead.

When Isabella required a kidney transplant, her mother, without hesitation, underwent extensive testing and was found to be a compatible donor. This selfless act of love ensured Isabella’s health and well-being. At the age of 2, Isabella and her mother underwent successful transplant surgery, marking a significant milestone in her journey. Now 4 years old, Isabella continues to face challenges stemming from her difficult beginning, including the need for a G-tube to maintain kidney hydration, physical and developmental challenges due to the diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy and suffers from seizures. However, having primary care at CDTC has been very beneficial to Isabella and her family as it has provided extra support and services, they can access easily including dental and pharmacy services all within the same location. With the ongoing support of her transplant team, medical specialists, and her dedicated care team at CDTC, Isabella’s future shines brightly. She attends PPEC daily for therapy sessions and enjoys spending time with her family. Isabella’s mother’s dedication has been instrumental in ensuring her daughter thrives, making her a true CDTC HERO.