Every year, thousands of children and teens receive life-changing care at Shriners Children’s. Step into any of our locations across the United States, Mexico or Canada, and you’ll encounter powerful stories of young patients who are thriving after treatment. You’ll also sense that unique spirit that distinguishes Shriners Children’s from other healthcare providers.
Two patients are selected to represent the healthcare system throughout the year. These International Patient Ambassadors are introduced in July, at an annual convention that brings together Shriners worldwide. They showcase successful outcomes and illustrate how Shriners Children’s patients gain the confidence to overcome adversity and pursue their dreams.
In July, the 2025–2026 International Patient Ambassadors, Carlota and Brandon, stepped into the spotlight in Atlanta, Georgia, to express their gratitude and enthusiasm. Their year will be filled with memorable moments, including appearances at high-profile sporting events and the most widely televised parade in the world, the Tournament of Roses Parade.
Meet Brandon
Brandon, 15, stands with quiet confidence, a testament to his strength and resilience as he overcomes the challenges of acute flaccid myelitis (AFM). Despite lasting effects from the illness, he continues to thrive, pursuing his passions and inspiring others with his positive spirit.
At age 6, Brandon was just a kid in South Carolina, ending his baseball season with his parents and two brothers. When he came down with a headache and runny nose, no one thought much of it – until one morning, Brandon tried to get out of bed and collapsed. His right side was paralyzed. “It was terrifying,” his mom, Kathleen, remembers. Doctors soon diagnosed him with acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), a rare condition that attacks the spinal cord. Where most kids might get a mild cold, Brandon suddenly faced a life-threatening illness.
Brandon was admitted to a local hospital, then transferred to a rehabilitation facility as his family searched for answers. When a family friend recommended Shriners Children’s Greenville, it marked a turning point. There, Brandon began intensive physical and occupational therapy.
The Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services department crafted custom braces to support his leg as he worked to regain mobility. His journey also took him to Shriners Children’s Philadelphia under the care of a pediatric hand surgeon known for innovative treatments for patients with AFM. There, Brandon underwent two complicated surgeries: a nerve transfer to restore function in his right arm, and a procedure to stabilize his shoulder.
Recovery is ongoing. Brandon continues to travel between Greenville and Philadelphia for therapy and checkups, managing lasting effects including scoliosis. Despite the challenges, he refuses to let AFM define him. He’s taken on leadership roles, such as class president, and launched a woodworking business that produces items for the local farmers market. “AFM changed everything about my life, but Shriners Children’s showed me that different doesn’t mean impossible,” Brandon says.
Now 15, Brandon shares his story as an International Patient Ambassador, encouraging other children and families to never give up. He dreams of studying business management in college and hopes he will inspire others to believe that, with perseverance and the right support, even the toughest obstacles can be overcome.
Meet Carlota
A competitive swimmer, Carlota captures moments behind the lens, finding new ways to express herself beyond the pool.
Carlota’s journey began in Mexico City, where she was born more than three months premature. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy and spastic hemiparesis, her doctors warned her mother, Carla, to expect a life of limits. But Carla refused to accept a future defined this way. A chance encounter led them to Shriners Children’s Mexico, marking the beginning of transformative care.
Carlota’s early childhood was marked by five major surgeries to correct a 12-centimeter (4.7-inch) leg length difference, long hospital stays and intensive therapy. Through every trial, Shriners Children’s Mexico became her anchor. “Shriners Children’s is where dreams take flight,” Carlota says. It was the first place that recognized that she was a person before she was a patient.
As Carlota grew, new challenges emerged. Joint pain forced her to find creative ways to stay active. At 14, she discovered swimming through rehabilitation. The water quickly became her sanctuary where her body felt powerful and free. What began as therapy soon turned into passion, and she started training with Mexico’s national Paralympic team. By 18, she had become one of Mexico’s top swimmers, ranking No. 5 in the Americas and No. 9 in the world for her category. In Carlota’s sport, American rankings include North, Central and South American rankings.
Alongside her athletic pursuits, she began studying psychology in college, motivated to help fellow athletes manage both the physical and mental demands of competition.
This year, Carlota became the first International Patient Ambassador from Shriners Children’s Mexico. She’s eager to show others what’s possible when you refuse to give up hope. “Shriners Children’s isn’t just a building – it’s a home, a family and an endless source of support. My mission is to show how Shriners Children’s transforms lives. The courage I see in so many other patients inspires me every day.”
Carlota’s aspirations continue to grow: She dreams of competing for Mexico at the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. “My biggest dream is to go to the Paralympics,” she says. “I want to prove to myself, and to others, that you can achieve what you set out to do, no matter the obstacles.” Her mother, Carla, who always believed in her potential, has watched her daughter become not only a champion in sports but also a role model for countless others.
