Carlota receives a medal at CONADE.
Carlota shows off her medals.
Carlota smiles in the pool where she swims competitively.
Meet Our New International Patient Ambassador, Carlota
Ranked among Mexico’s top 15 swimmers and now serving as the first International Patient Ambassador from Shriners Children’s Mexico, Carlota, 18, has transformed challenges into triumphs.
But her remarkable journey began with an uncertain start. Born three and a half months prematurely, Carlota’s early life was marked by significant obstacles. After being diagnosed with cerebral palsy with spastic hemiparesis affecting one side of her body, doctors painted a bleak future. But her mother, Carla, refused to accept their predictions.
A chance encounter led them to Shriners Children’s Mexico, marking the beginning of transformative care. Despite facing multiple surgeries to address a 4 3/4-inch leg length difference and ongoing mobility challenges, Carlota’s spirit remained unbroken. Through five surgeries and countless therapy sessions, the hospital became a cornerstone of support in her life. Carlota emphasized that it is not just the medical care that made all the difference, but the emotional support as well.
When joint pain threatened her athletic pursuits, she discovered swimming when she was 14 years old, training with the national Paralympic team. This new passion propelled her to become the fifth-best swimmer in her category (S6) in the Americas. Carlota’s athletic dreams remain strong as she sets her sights on the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. Carlota is currently ranked No. 9 in the world and No. 3 in the Americas for her classification. In Carlota’s sport, American rankings include North, Central and South America rankings.
Carlota is also a college student pursuing a degree in psychology at Kuepa University online, with dreams of specializing in high-performance sports psychology.
Shriners Children's is where dreams take flight.
Carlota’s mother, who championed her daughter’s potential from the start, witnessed her transformation from a child facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles to an accomplished athlete and inspiring Patient Ambassador. Their story exemplifies the impact of unwavering support and specialized care.
“Watching Carlota grow from a child facing challenges to a competitive swimmer chasing Olympic dreams has filled me with endless pride,” said Carla. “My daughter has shown that within every disability lies extraordinary abilities. Even on tough days, she comes back with that smile that lights up everything around her.” Carlota has learned to live harmoniously with her spastic cerebral palsy, her mother said.
As a Shriners Children’s International Patient Ambassador, Carlota hopes to continue to break barriers and inspire others, proving that with determination and the right support, any dream is possible.
“Shriners Children’s isn’t just a building to me – it’s a home, a family, a source of endless support,” she said with conviction. “My mission is clear: to showcase the profound impact Shriners Children’s has on families and children, while highlighting how these remarkable children transform the healthcare system itself. Being the first International Patient Ambassador from Mexico fills me with pride, and I aim to set a new standard of excellence in this role.”
Carlota is living proof that there truly are no limits when you believe in yourself.
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