Accepting applications for free surgeries for children

Last Updated: Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at 10:30 a.m.

This event has been postponed. We will send an update when the new date is finalized. Please contact Andrea.Wazir@uhtx.com or 512-762-0457 with any questions.

Infants, children and teens with physical deformities or other needs can have access to life-changing surgeries from Fresh Start Surgical Gifts and University Health at no cost. This special program provides surgery and related services for qualifying patients free of charge. The program pays all costs for the associated medical care, giving caregivers the freedom to focus on the health and healing of their child.

Fresh Start and University Health are hosting a public outreach event on Saturday, April 13 from 9 a.m. to noon and 1-3 p.m. at 4151 Jaime Zapata Memorial Hwy., Ste. 101 in Laredo. The first 100 families in attendance can obtain more information about the program and receive help with completing a surgery application. Additional outreach events may be scheduled at a later date to accommodate those who are interested. Assistance will be available in Spanish and English, and legal status is not a requirement for participation. All families with a child in need of surgery are encouraged to attend.

Fresh Start and University Health collaborate to help children without health insurance or with limited financial resources obtain surgeries that vastly improve the child’s health and help them thrive. “University Health is proud to work with Fresh Start Surgical Gifts to provide surgeries for children who lack access to the care they need. Fresh Start helps families overcome logistical and financial barriers, and University Health has the medical expertise to help improve the patient’s conditions,” said Dr. Ian Mitchell, surgeon in chief of pediatrics with University Health and UT Health San Antonio. “It is a great partnership that provides our young patients with improved health and wellbeing for their future.”

The surgeries take place at University Health’s Women’s & Children’s Hospital in San Antonio. The hospital was specially designed to support the unique needs of women and children. As the region’s only Level I trauma center for children, the hospital offers patients and their families access to experts and advanced technologies to help ensure each patient receives the highest-quality medical care.

Email fresh.start@uhtx.com for more information or visit the Fresh Start Surgical Gifts website to apply.