Enzo’s Journey: A Hopeful New Beginning with Shriners Children’s

For 10-year-old Enzo and his family in El Salvador, hope seemed like a distant dream.

Diagnosed with cerebral palsy, they had pursued every possible medical option in their hometown, only to face dead ends and growing despair. But everything changed when a family friend, who was receiving care at Shriners Children’s Mexico, encouraged Enzo’s mom to reach out for help.

“We didn’t know what to expect, but we were ready for answers,” Enzo’s mom said.

Their journey began with a telehealth appointment with one of Shriners Children’s international patient representatives. It was during that call that they first heard the words that would alter their lives forever: “Yes, we can help Enzo.”

“Going from feeling helpless to hearing those words was life-changing,” his mom said. “From that moment, we knew Shriners Children’s wasn’t like any other healthcare facility. They’ve stood by our side every step of the way.”

Soon after, Enzo and his parents traveled from El Salvador to Shriners Children’s Greenville, where a team of specialists began a comprehensive evaluation. The process started in the hospital’s advanced motion analysis center, which used cutting-edge technology to identify the specific areas that were causing Enzo the most difficulty. Armed with this information, the care team crafted a personalized treatment plan tailored to his unique needs.

Just weeks later, Enzo underwent surgery to extend his Achilles tendons and rotate his femurs – life-changing procedures to significantly improve his mobility. Afterward, he spent six weeks in casts and underwent physical therapy and occupational therapy to strengthen his body and support his ongoing recovery as he worked toward regaining movement.

“He’s nonverbal, so it takes extra patience and attention to understand him. The team went above and beyond to make him feel safe and comfortable. Back home, we would have been told, ‘This is just how it is.’ Here, they found ways to truly help him,” said Enzo's mother.

But Enzo’s time at Shriners Children’s Greenville went beyond medical care – it transformed his life. He formed meaningful bonds with the staff and other patient families, building connections that will last a lifetime.

“He’s made best friends,” his mom said with a smile. “Even though Enzo can’t speak, other kids found ways to communicate with him. They gave him gifts and still check in on him. It’s incredible to see how much love and kindness has surrounded him during his time here.”

When homesickness began to take its toll, the team took action to ensure Enzo felt at home. One day, he stopped eating – a quiet but clear sign of how much he missed the familiarity of El Salvador. That’s when dietitian Sara Ausmus stepped in, crafting meals inspired by his favorite dishes. The gesture not only nourished Enzo physically but also lifted his spirits, giving him the strength to keep moving forward.

Now, Enzo and his family are returning to El Salvador with renewed hope and excitement for the future. The specialized care he received at Shriners Children’s Greenville has given him abilities his family once thought impossible. For the first time, Enzo can place his feet flat on the ground and stand tall. He's also learning to operate a wheelchair on his own.

“Shriners Children’s has given Enzo a chance at life we never thought possible,” his mom said with tears of gratitude in her eyes. “They’ve provided care we couldn’t find at home and treated him with such love and dignity. The possibilities for his future are endless, and we can’t wait to see what he’ll accomplish.”

Through continued therapy and follow-up care, Enzo’s journey toward greater independence and mobility is just beginning – allowing him to enjoy what Shriners Children’s does best: helping kids be kids.