From Complex Respiratory Failure to a Remarkable Recovery
Since she was 10-months-old, Venezuelan-born Michell “Oriana” Morillo has had ongoing medical problems and complications including respiratory failure, several cardiopulmonary arrests, prolonged coma, and severe lung damage resulting in several long-term hospitalizations. Since that time, Oriana has had very limited activity and has required oxygen therapy. She was followed closely by a pulmonologist in Venezuela, but her pulmonary function declined steadily over the next 10 years, and she was referred to the United States to be evaluated for a possible lung transplant.
A Journey to Mount Sinai and Meeting the Pulmonology Team
After researching many doctors and hospitals in hopes of finding a specialist, her parents, Paola Garcia and Alberto Bethencourt were introduced to pediatric pulmonologist Alfin Vicencio, MD, at the Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital. The whole family traveled to the states, Oriana, Paola, Alberto, little sister Nathalia, and little brother Ian Benjamin on the way to be born soon, to meet Dr. Vicencio for the first time on December 10, 2013.
“We were so nervous and had no idea what to expect, but we stayed hopeful that Mount Sinai could help Oriana,” Paola remembers.
Dr. Vicencio uncovered many problems including a narrow air passageway which was contributing to the severe defects in her lung function and the development of a chest deformity. The hope was that by addressing these issues they could potentially delay the need for lung transplant.
From the moment they met Dr. Vicencio, Paola and Alberto felt reassured that their daughter was in good hands.
“Dr. Vicencio was so understanding, supportive and professional, and he made us feel comfortable and Oriana was at ease. She started to believe again that she would be better one day.”
Michael Rothschild, MD, Director of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Rajesh Shenoy, MD, in Pediatric Cardiology, and Aaron Lipskar, MD, in Pediatric Surgery, joined Dr. Vicencio in Oriana’s care. A series of procedures including cryotherapy in combination with balloon dilation were performed to open her airway and reduce the chances of airway re-closure, improving her ability to participate in normal everyday activities like walking. With the expertise and skill from Dr. Vicencio and team, Oriana started to feel improve day-by-day.
“After these procedures, Oriana was happier and cheerful. She was breathing easier, and as a result, had a more positive outlook on life. She now enjoys walking and sightseeing with the family,” Paola explains.
"Before I came to Mount Sinai I couldn’t walk because I would get out of breath. I will forever be grateful to the entire pediatric pulmonology and Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital team for giving me the chance to experience something so simple but yet so important. I love walking and I’m enjoying every minute of it," Oriana says.
A Bright Future: Lights, Camera, Action
Today, 12-year-old Oriana is energetic and full of life. She is so thankful to her Mount Sinai doctors for everything they have done for her. She can play outdoors and does not require any supplemental oxygen, as had been the case prior to her arrival in the United States. Over the course of time, she may require surgery to repair her chest deformity, and she may still require a lung transplant in the distant future. But in the meantime, she enjoys studying, singing and dreaming about directing films one day.
“I like to practice filmmaking at home. I play the role of the director and the rest of my family plays the roles of film assistants and actors. I am preparing for the big stage. I love to say “Lights, camera, action!,” Oriana says.
She continues to visit Dr. Vicencio and Alefiyah Malbari, MD, as an outpatient. Her family enjoys living in New York and they call it their second home.
A Warm Thanks
"I want to give a heartfelt thanks to Dr. Vicencio, his team and the entire Mount Sinai staff, for caring so much about our daughter. Thank you for your kindness and compassionate heart. You have saved her life and we are so appreciative. Thank you for your genuine concern and for taking the time to explain to us Oriana’s medical journey despite our language barrier. Dr. Vicencio’s incredible expertise, combined with the state-of-the-art technology, and the amazing human touch expressed throughout her care have impacted our family greatly in such a positive way. We have had such a wonderful experience. We will always be grateful to have found you," Paola says with a smile.