Iván’s Inspiring Story: Surviving and Thriving Thanks to Shriners Children's

Six years ago, Iván's life was irrevocably changed in a tragic car accident.

A drunk driver struck the vehicle carrying Iván and his father, causing it to flip and burst into flames. Trapped by his seatbelt, Iván was heroically freed by his father, who later died from his injuries. The crash occurred in a rural area of Mexico, miles from the nearest hospital, leaving them stranded without immediate aid.

Iván’s mother, Paloma, endured an anxious wait, traveling through Culiacán and La Paz, Mexico, before reuniting with him at the hospital. There, a knowledgeable doctor connected them with Shriners Children's, starting Iván's long journey toward recovery.

Iván was taken to Shriners Children’s Northern California, where he stayed in the ICU for eight months. Despite the challenges, he finds peace and reassurance in knowing he is in capable hands.

“I have surgeries and pain, and despite those things, I feel safe here. All the doctors and staff try to keep your mind off things. All the people here are so kind, like a family. It makes the hospital not a hospital,” Iván said. "I don’t have to worry. I’m not stressed; I know everything is going to be perfect here. If it is not perfect, they are going to fix it.”