Patient Success Stories

At just 2 years old, Camila Astorga suffered serious injuries to her brain after she was accidentally run over by a tractor-trailer while she was playing outside. Her skull was nearly crushed, and because of the world-class neurosurgeons and trauma surgeons at UMC Children's Hospital, Camila had a miraculous medical outcome. Over the past couple of years, she has surpassed expectations learning how to walk by herself and she’s now learning how to talk. Today, she’s a very curious and energetic 4-year-old who loves princesses, glitter and everything pink!

Weighing less than one pound at birth, Christopher was the smallest baby ever to graduate from the hospital’s NICU and go home with his loving family. Known to his family as “Christopher the Courageous,” he spent nearly a year receiving highly specialized, round-the-clock care from the clinical professionals at UMC Children’s Hospital. When Christopher was finally ready to go home, NICU Medical Director Dr. Francis Banfro celebrated the monumental occasion alongside the baby and his family. After building a strong bond with the family, Dr. Banfro walked them downstairs and wished them a fond farewell outside of UMC Children’s Hospital. 

Just months after Christopher went home, Isaac was born at 1 pound 10 ounces and spent three months in the NICU. Thanks to the world-class care they received from Dr. Banfro and his colleagues at UMC Children’s Hospital, Christopher and Isaac continue to grow and thrive. 

After battling atrial fibrillation and a greater risk of stroke and heart failure, Pamela found advanced treatment at UMC: the world’s smallest pacemaker. She was the first to receive this surgery in Nevada — and it took just 20 minutes. Though this lifesaving device is the size of a vitamin, for Pamela, it’s made an enormous difference.