Shriner’s Children’s Hospital names its first International Patient Ambassador

TAMPA, Fla. - As part of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital has named Carlota from Mexico as one of two International Patient Ambassadors. She will represent the nonprofit hospital at events in the United States and Canada.

The backstory:

Carlota was born prematurely at just under two pounds and later diagnosed with cerebral palsy and spastic hemiparesis. Carlota began receiving care at Shriners Children’s Mexico when she was 4 years old. She underwent six surgeries and received years of physical and occupational therapy. When Carlota was 5-years-old, there was nearly a five-inch leg length difference that the Shriner's corrected — this allowed her to run for the first time.

What's next:

Carlota hopes to participate in the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles