Medical Miracles Honorees

University Health Foundation was honored to welcome an incredible community of guests and generous sponsors who joined us at the 2026 Medical Miracles Gala. Set against an enchanting atmosphere that felt like springtime in Texas, together we celebrated University Health’s clinical excellence.

The highlight of the event was the powerful story of our medical miracle, Malea Potter, who was born with an aortic valve condition she never imagined would have such a major impact on her life or her dreams for the future. But, with family, determination, innovative technology and the brilliant work of University Health’s cardiovascular care team, we learned how far positive outcomes for congenital heart patients have come.

With the support of our gala attendees, we raised record-breaking funds to expand and grow University Health’s cardiovascular services. These contributions will make a lasting difference, helping to improve and save lives across the South Texas region for years to come.

With Gratitude,

Sara M. Alger, CFRE

President, University Health Foundation

On behalf of University Health Foundation, I would like to extend my thanks to all of our generous sponsors and guests who joined us at our 20^th Anniversary Medical Miracles Gala. It was definitely a night filled with stars and miracles!

It was truly a fantastic evening that highlighted the longstanding legacy of clinical excellence provided by University Health’s care teams. For more than a century, their commitment to clinical excellence and high-quality, compassionate care has continued to make an impact, helping improve the good health of our community.

During the event, we honored two-year-old Everleigh Deck from North Texas. Everleigh was just six months old when she was referred to the University Health Transplant Institute and received a living-donor liver transplant.

Gala supporters helped us raise more than $850,000 to improve University Health’s Simulation Center, where innovation, education, and discovery happen every day. These funds will help take clinical excellence to the next level by enhancing the training space of future caregivers–who will learn, train and remain prepared to deliver the very best care when it matters most.

With Gratitude,

Sara M. Alger, CFRE

President, University Health Foundation

En nombre de la University Health Foundation, me gustaría expresar mi agradecimiento a todos nuestros patrocinadores y a los invitados que asistieron a la Gala Medical Miracles de este año. ¡Juntos dimos inicio al fin de semana del Día de las Mamás y celebramos el poder de las alianzas! Su colaboración, generosidad y participación ayudaron a recaudar más de 700,000 dólares para apoyar futuras alianzas en University Health.

Desde hace 19 años, la gala Medical Miracles ha reunido a nuestra comunidad para apoyar los programas, a los pacientes y a las familias de University Health. Este año, tuvimos la extraordinaria oportunidad de financiar iniciativas que cambian vidas y colaboraciones significativas que seguirán marcando una diferencia real en las vidas de quienes atendemos a diario. Durante el evento, rendimos homenaje a Mayah Zamora, una niña de Uvalde a quien se le salvó la vida gracias a colaboraciones clave tanto dentro del University Hospital como en todo el South Texas. Hoy en día, ella es un testimonio del increíble trabajo que podemos lograr cuando trabajamos juntos.

Con gratitud,

Sara M. Alger, CFRE
Presidente, University Health Foundation

Allison Rice and her husband, Michael, always knew they wanted to start a family, but they never expected the journey they would endure. As they share their story, they will shed light on the comprehensive team that stood by them through life's challenges and beauty. As we look forward to the grand opening of the city's first hospital designated solely for women, children and babies — we will be introduced to one of the region's only prenatal genetic counsellors, the city's first Perinatal Support Care Program, and the collaborative team of medical experts that are leading the way in transforming innovative and compassionate care.

Chaciti McMorris tenía 6 años cuando sufrió quemaduras devastadoras y fue trasladada de urgencia al Level I Trauma Center del Hospital Universitario de San Antonio. Este video cuenta su inspiradora trayectoria, no solo para sobrevivir, sino también para prosperar. El programa de quemaduras pediátricas del Hospital Universitario acababa de iniciarse en ese momento, por lo que Chaciti, literalmente, creció junto a este programa a medida que se convertía en uno de los más importantes del país los mejores programas de atención a quemados pediátricos.

Desde hace más de un año, el extraordinario personal de University Health ha estado dando lo mejor de sí mismo para hacer frente a la COVID-19. Están afrontando esta situación con dedicación y compasión, y superando desafíos sin precedentes con innovación y liderazgo. Esta gala fue muy diferente. En lugar de una celebración, nos reunimos en un evento virtual en vivo para rendir homenaje al extraordinario equipo de University Health. Fue una noche inolvidable dedicada a una causa increíblemente importante.

¿Cómo se dice “gracias” ¿A una desconocida que te salvó la vida al donarte una parte de su hígado? Nos da mucho gusto compartir la conmovedora historia de dos donantes y dos receptores que ahora están unidos para siempre como parte del programa nacional de primero“dintercambio de donantesonor swap” para la donación de hígado en vida. Es una historia extraordinaria de generosidad que celebra lo mejor del espíritu humano. El 25 de septiembre de 2020, University Health tuvo el orgullo de reconocer a Natasha Sánchez, Anna Moreno y Sarah D’Angelo y Mark Blair en nuestra Fundación 15th Anual– y la primera edición virtual – Gala Milagros médicos. Los fondos recaudados en este evento ayudaron a crear un Fondo para Trasplantes de Donantes en Vida, destinado a apoyar a aquellas personas que tienen el deseo de convertirse en donantes de hígado en vida, pero que carecen de la cobertura de salud adecuada o de los recursos económicos necesarios para garantizar una recuperación segura tras la operación de donación.

On Sunday, November 5, 2017, teams from across South Texas came together – bringing their very best – on one of the very worst days for our community. We continue to be amazed by the strength and faith of the Sutherland Springs patients and families we cared for at the Level I trauma center at University Hospital. And, with our partners at Brooke Army Medical Center, we are proud to recognize the heroic efforts of everyone who responded and served with great precision, skill and compassion. At the 2019 Medical Miracles Gala we honored two courageous patients, and our community of first responders and trauma professionals.

A mitad de lo que habría sido un embarazo normal, Adriana Zepeda tuvo un parto prematuro de su segundo hijo. Dio a luz a la pequeña Amber con 24 semanas de gestación y un peso al nacer de apenas poco más de una libra.

Para ponerlo en contexto, un embarazo normal dura 40 semanas. Se considera prematuro un nacimiento antes de las 37 semanas. Cualquier bebé que nazca a las 25 semanas o antes se considera extremadamente prematuro.

De Amber’s Esta historia cuenta cómo centros académicos como University Health y sus médicos asociados de UT Health San Antonio están dando esperanza a familias como la de Amber a través de la investigación, la innovación y la atención basada en la evidencia.

No hace mucho, bebés como Amber, que no habrían sobrevivido, dijo la Dra. Cynthia Blanco, directora médica de Neonatal Nutrition & Bone Institute en University Health y profesora de neonatología en UT Health San Antonio.

“Las terapias que estamos probando hoy probablemente serán el estándar de cuidado dentro de 10 años”, agregó la Dra. Blanco. “Tenemos esperanza para muchos bebés gracias a historias como la de Amber”.

De hecho, estos bebés extremadamente prematuros enfrentan numerosos padecimientos médicos cuando su desarrollo normal en el útero se interrumpe tan pronto. El corazón, los pulmones, el cerebro, los ojos, el hígado y los intestinos de Amber requirieron tratamientos complejos y múltiples cirugías realizadas por varios subespecialistas pediátricos.

Su madre la inscribió en tres ensayos clínicos distintos: uno con un ventilador recién desarrollado, otro para tratar su dificultad para absorber nutrientes y un tercero diseñado para mejorar el vínculo entre estos bebés diminutos y frágiles y sus madres. Y después de 5 meses y cuatro días en la unidad de cuidados intensivos neonatales de nivel IV del University Hospital, y con mucha esperanza, oraciones y la mejor atención médica disponible, Amber regresó a casa con su familia.

“UT Health San Antonio se enorgullece de apoyar a la University Health Foundation y su gala “Medical Miracles”, que es un ejemplo de compromiso y dedicación para ayudar a nuestra comunidad,” dijo Dr. William L. Henrich, presidente de UT Health San Antonio. “Gracias a su crecimiento y a los avances médicos, University Health ha tenido un impacto significativo en la mejora de los resultados de salud de los pacientes y sigue marcando una diferencia positiva y significativa en la salud general de nuestra comunidad.”

Mira su historia y déjate inspirar por Amber y su madre, una mujer increíblemente fuerte.

Como cirujano traumatólogo, el Dr. Ronald Stewart nunca imaginó que acabaría liderando una iniciativa comunitaria para crear un sistema de atención a pacientes con accidente cerebrovascular. Pero en 2008, eso ess exactamente lo que pasó, ya que San Antonio era la única ciudad importante de Texas que no contaba con un centro de atención a pacientes con accidente cerebrovascular. Como presidente de STRAC, la región’s En el consejo asesor sobre atención de emergencia, se asoció con la activista comunitaria Suzanne Hildebrand para defender que esta comunidad merecía la mejor atención para los pacientes con accidente cerebrovascular. En un momento dado, el Dr. Stewart dijo ante una sala llena de médicos y directivos de hospitales:

«¿Sabes qué? Tengo fibrilación auricular. «Algún día podría tener un derrame cerebral y necesitar su ayuda». En 2011, eso fue precisamente lo que le pasó.

Escucha el resto de la historia y celebra cómo una comunidad se unió en apoyo al Dr. Stewart, en apoyo a todos nosotros.

Una madre que no está dispuesta a rendirse.
Una hija que no está lista para decir adiós.
Un equipo, listo para hacer lo que antes era imposible.

«Fue muy fácil tomar la decisión, porque era lo correcto. «Eso no quiere decir que no haya sido lo más aterrador del mundo». Así es como Miranda Bennett, de 26 años, reflexiona sobre su decisión de donar una parte de su hígado sano para salvar a su madre, que se estaba muriendo. Su mamá, Tammy Miranda, a quien le diagnosticaron por primera vez una enfermedad hepática autoinmune en 1996, no quería que su hija, ni nadie, fuera donante en vida. «Todos esos años, dije “no”. Nunca quise arriesgar la vida de otra persona». Pero en 2014, su enfermedad había avanzado hasta tal punto que el aumento de toxinas en su sangre le estaba causando problemas graves, incluida una pérdida de la función cerebral.

Estaba muy enferma y cada día se sentía peor. Ella también vivía en Hawái. Una búsqueda en Google llevó a Tammy al University Transplant Center, el único centro de trasplante de hígado de donante vivo del sur de Texas. Y su médico estuvo de acuerdo en que era hora de trasladarla a San Antonio para que allí recibiera atención médica. Se mudó a Austin para vivir con Miranda – y esperaba un milagro. Acompáñanos en la Gala de Medical Miracles 2016 para conocer su extraordinaria historia y celebrar a los héroes de la donación de hígado de donantes vivos.

Mira el video de abajo para escuchar el resto de lo que dice Tammy & ¡La extraordinaria historia de Miranda!

2015 Medical Miracle Honoree, Gilbert Hernandez III

A brand new baby. A pioneering heart surgery. The rest is history.

Gilbert had no idea he was making history 22 years ago. He was just 2 days old when Dr. John Calhoon repaired his heart. It was a complicated procedure that had never been performed on such tiny baby.

"I'm not sure everybody believes it's the right thing to do," was how Dr. Calhoon described the decision.  It was March of 1993, and Dr. Calhoon, serving then as chief of pediatric cardiac surgery at the UT Health San Antonio, didn't have a better alternative.

"They only gave us a 50-50 chance," recalls Gilbert's mother, Maria Hernandez. But they really didn't have a choice. "Take him home and he'll die in a day or two." His father, Gilbert Hernandez II can still hear those words.

That was then.

Now, Gilbert is 22 years old, attending college and interested in broadcasting. 

Watch the video below to hear the rest of Gilbert's remarkable story!

2014 Galardonado con el premio «Milagro Médico», el oficial Jonathan Esquivel

Hace dos años, el oficial de policía de San Antonio, Jonathan Esquivel, estaba considerando seriamente correr un maratón. Cuando no estaba en las calles protegiendo a nuestra comunidad o en casa con su esposa y sus dos hijos pequeños, lo más probable es que lo encontraras en el gimnasio o saliendo a correr. Tenía 28 años y estaba en la mejor forma física de su vida.

Desafortunadamente, su mejor esfuerzo no fue rival para una camioneta que iba a 50 millas por hora. El oficial Esquivel fue atropellado por un conductor distraído mientras atendía un accidente en la Loop 410. El impacto le fracturó el cuello, le destrozó la pelvis, le aplastó el tobillo, le causó daños cerebrales y le rompió la vejiga.

En lugar de una carrera larga, la maratón de resistencia que comenzó ese día fue un reto para sobrevivir, para recordar y para seguir adelante.

¡Mira el video a continuación para conocer el resto de la extraordinaria historia del oficial Esquivel!

2013 Galardonado con el premio «Milagros médicos», Leana Mendoza

El 28 de junio de 2012, Leana Mendoza, de 6 años, y su familia se subieron a su camioneta en su casa de Laredo y salieron para ir a ver “El mayor espectáculo del mundo.” En ese momento, no pudieront Nunca se habrían imaginado que esa visita al circo terminaría con Leana siendo trasladada en helicóptero al University Hospital para librar la batalla más difícil de su corta vida. Pasó tan rápido. No lo hicieront incluso ven cómo el otro auto se sube a la acera y se estrella contra ellos.

Leana Su hermanita, bien sujeta en su silla de auto, salió ilesa. Las lesiones que sufrió Leana Se notaba de inmediato que eran su mamá y su padrastro – fracturas y laceraciones. Leana las lesiones no fueront era tan obvio y, de hecho, pasó desapercibido durante dos días. Cuando su fiebre subió a 105 y su estómago comenzó a hincharse, Leana Mi mamá sabía que algo andaba muy mal. Otras pruebas revelaron daños internos graves. En cuestión de minutos, AirLIFE ya estaba trasladando a Leana en helicóptero al University Hospital, donde el equipo de traumatología pediátrica se estaba preparando

para llevarla de urgencia a cirugía. Sabían que se encontraba en estado crítico. Sabían lo que había que hacer para intentar salvarle la vida. También esperaban que esta niña fuera una luchadora, porque sabían que no podían’t hacerlo sin ella.

Mira el video a continuación para escuchar el resto de lo que dice Leana’s ¡Qué historia tan increíble!

2012 Galardonado con el premio «Milagros médicos», Valeria Garcia

«Mamá, ¿me voy a morir?». Esa fue la pregunta que Valeria García, de 13 años, le hizo a su mamá después de su primera tomografía computarizada. Había visto la expresión del médico cuando le dio los resultados a su familia. Valeria sabía que la cosa estaba muy mal; incluso se lo había imaginado. A pesar de practicar deporte, Valeria había notado que su barriga se le estaba agrandando. Tenía la esperanza de que los abdominales que estaba haciendo le ayudaran, pero aquel día de febrero de 2009, cuando el dolor se volvió tan intenso e insoportable, le mandó un mensaje de texto a su mamá para que viniera a buscarla. Fueron directamente al médico y, casi de inmediato, a la sala de tomografía computarizada de un hospital cercano a su casa en Brownsville. Toda su familia estaba reunida cuando escucharon las palabras que cambiarían su vida: «Tumor maligno».

Al final resultó que no era maligno, pero era un tumor de cinco libras en su ovario. En cuestión de días ya estaba en el MD Anderson de Houston, donde los cirujanos le extirparon el tumor junto con el ovario izquierdo y la trompa de Falopio. Le dijeron que no necesitaba quimioterapia, así que se fue a casa a recuperarse. «Lo peor ya había pasado», pensó su familia. Resulta que «lo peor» apenas estaba por comenzar.

Mira el video de Valeria para conocer más sobre su historia.

2011 Medical Miracles Honoree, Abby Jack

Our 2011 Medical Miracles Honoree is an adorable two-year-old girl who suffered a serious brain injury when she was just six months old. It was April 17, 2009 and tiny Abby Jack was buckled in her car seat and on her way to Grandma's house. Her mom, Rachel, was having severe migraines, so Grandma was going to watch Abby while she went to see a doctor. The last thing Rachel remembers was being stopped at a traffic light. She learned later that a seizure, related to those migraines, had caused her foot to hit the gas and sent her car straight into a large tree.

Abby's head injury was life-threatening, and the prognosis was not good. Rachel, who suffered serious injuries herself, and Abby's father Darrell were in shock as Abby was rushed to surgery. She spent the next three weeks in a medically-induced coma in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at University Hospital. Her recovery was difficult, and something an innocent baby should never have to endure. Yet she did, with remarkable strength for one so tiny. The opportunity to see Abby smile, as they counted the candles on her second birthday cake, knowing there would be many happy birthdays to come, was the best gift ever for her parents - who count their blessings everyday.

2010 Medical Miracles Honoree, Kevin King

In 2010, our Medical Miracles Honoree was Kevin King, a man who, in the spring of 2008, was rapidly losing his battle with pulmonary fibrosis and was completely reliant on a portable oxygen tank. Today, Kevin is alive and breathing easier because a generous family allowed their deceased loved one to donate a lung to a complete stranger. Kevin’s story is also a testament to a team of transplant professionals who saw him through the complicated operation and the terrifying touch-and-go days that followed.

2009 Medical Miracles Honoree, Nicholas Velasquez

Our 2009 honoree was Nicholas Velasquez. Hear the story of Nicholas' miraculous survival and how this little boy proved many wrong when he stood on his own and took a first step several months after the crash. Today, Nick is back at school, and he's not just walking - but running!

2008 Medical Miracles Honoree, Larry Price

The 2008 Medical Miracles honoree was San Antonio Police Officer Larry Price. His journey back to health, after having most of his esophagus surgically removed, is inspiring. His message, to the thousands of San Antonians who may be putting themselves at risk for a fast growing and deadly cancer, is powerful and important.

We were especially thrilled to recognize Officer Price, not only for his personal victory and willingness to share his experience with others, but because of the high esteem in which we hold the entire San Antonio Police Department. University Hospital is often the place where officers are brought after being injured in the line of duty. While our dedicated emergency medical and surgical trauma teams strive to provide excellent care to every patient, it is accurate to say they are truly honored to provide service to our police officers and their families during these difficult times.

2007 Medical Miracles Honoree, Drew Rice

(Pictured right: Matt, Kim and Drew Rice with Irwin Zucker, UH Foundation Chairman and UH President/CEO George B. Hernández, Jr.)

When nine-year-old Drew Rice is fast asleep he probably dreams about the roar of the crowd as he walks off the mound, having just pitched his first no-hitter. Pretty typical dream for a boy his age, but what makes Drew's dream so special is the "walking" part. That's because Drew Rice only has one leg.

Drew, along with his parents, Matt and Kim Rice, were the honored guests at the 2nd Annual University Health Foundation Medical Miracles Gala on May 10, 2007 at San Antonio's Westin Riverwalk Hotel. The event raised funds to support the Foundation's Nursing Scholarship program and the Peveto Center for Pastoral Care at University Hospital.

Over the course of the evening, attendees experienced a wide array of emotions as they learned about the Rice family's battle with cancer. Many were moved to tears and deeply inspired, as Matt Rice shared what is truly an unforgettable story of courage and faith.

On April 28, 2004, six-year-old Drew was in the backyard jumping on the trampoline when he injured his knee. What Matt and Kim thought was just a minor injury turned out to be the "unthinkable." A cancer tumor had been "hiding" behind his knee. It was big - covering about two-thirds of his entire thigh. And it was bad - Ewing's Sarcoma, a very rare form of bone cancer.

Drew's difficult battle began with chemotherapy the following month. He lost 10 pounds and was down to just 39 pounds when it was time for the next step - surgery. The Rice family had heard good things about Dr. Ronald Williams in the Department of Orthopedics at The UT Health Science Center at San Antonio. He is one of the most respected orthopedic oncologists in the nation, and the only one in all of South and Central Texas.

Their first visit to Dr. Williams' office was unforgettable. "He flipped up an x-ray on a screen and, like an attorney, started building a case for amputation," Matt remembers. "I was blown away." They expected to hear about donor bones or maybe fusion of the knee, not amputation.

"It was important to teach Drew's dad that losing a limb involves a grieving process," Dr. Williams recalls. "I told him to expect Drew to get angry, but assured him that young people seem to figure it out."

"We prayed and prayed for a miracle," says Matt. In fact, the day before the operation they asked for another CAT scan, just in case they got their miracle. They didn't and Drew was admitted to University Hospital that night. "It was a real faith struggle," Matt admits. The next morning they carried him to the operating room, Drew crying the whole way. He woke up from his operation with a prosthetic in place of his leg.

"We encouraged him to get up," says Dr. Williams, "because the sooner he became mobile, the better." That is not how Drew, almost seven years old at this point, saw things. "He was scared of physical therapy," says Matt. "He'd be hitting, throwing things and screaming bloody murder. He was mad."

They still had a long battle ahead. "We all cried a lot," says Kim. "He would sleep with his prosthetic on. If I took it off, he'd cover his face, or put a blanket over it." They were becoming increasingly concerned about Drew's inability to cope with his new reality. "He's gonna have to look at it and touch it," they cried to Dr. Williams. "He will, when he does," was the doctor's reply. He was right.

The week of his last chemotherapy session, Drew threw the blanket down and looked at his stump. "That was huge," smiles Matt. "He was still ticked." But it was a start.

Drew finally went back to school with crutches on January 5, 2005. A few months later he asked to go watch a friend play baseball. "And we kept going back and back," remembers Matt. One day Drew had an idea. "Dad, I want to play baseball," he announced. "Why not?" thought Matt. "Absolutely," said the folks at the YMCA.

Baseball was the best medicine ever. On the baseball field, Drew says, "I'm like everyone else." He played that spring, and hasn't stopped since. He changed in other ways too.

One day the Child Life specialist at University Hospital called with a favor. She asked Drew how he'd feel about coming up to the pediatric unit to talk to a young man who had just had his leg amputated. Drew said yes. "It was a 15-year-old boy named Johnny," Matt remembers. "Drew brought him a soccer ball. He even signed it."

He has returned several times to visit other children. "He is an inspiration to them, and to everyone in the unit," explains Child Life Coordinator Rebecca Charlton. "It is such good therapy to help someone else," agrees Kim. The sad part of these visits is the fact that two of the children, including Johnny, have since died from their cancer. "I don't understand why Drew is OK and others are not," she adds. "I believe God has something special planned for him."

If you ask Drew what that "something special" might be - he'll likely tell you he's going to be the first Major League pitcher with a prosthetic leg. And don't put it past him. Drew has far surpassed the goals his doctors and therapists have set. He is the pitcher of his Little League team. And cheering him on are the two biggest supporters of his dreams. "I cry every time I watch him pitch," says Kim. "I am so proud and happy." Matt says he often overhears parents in the stand say, "Hey, there's something wrong with that kid's leg!" His proud response is always "No, that's my son and he doesn't have a leg."

2006 Medical Miracles Honoree, Jane Swanson

On July 23, 2003, Jane Swanson was critically injured in a tragic workplace shooting that left two other women dead. Clinging to life, Jane was flown to the trauma center at University Hospital. She remained in critical condition in the Surgical Trauma Intensive Care Unit for a month, then spent another month in the Reeves Rehabilitation Center at University Hospital.

Some of her first words, weeks into her recovery, were expressions of thanks and appreciation to all who saved her life - from the first responders at the scene, to the AirLIFE crew and University Hospital's surgical trauma team.

When Jane left the hospital two months after the shooting, she promised to educate the community about the importance of supporting University Hospital's Level I trauma program.

She continues to live up to that promise by sharing her inspiring story with many organizations and church congregations. On our behalf, Jane traveled to Austin during the last legislative session to address lawmakers about trauma funding.