“I am totally convinced that baby Marion would not have survived in any place other than Texas Children's Hospital nor without its Kangaroo Crew,” said Marion's grandfather and a cardiovascular surgeon in Harlingen.

When Marion developed toxic shock syndrome at 11 months and the initial diagnosis was made, his grandfather knew there was only one place he trusted to care for his grandson.

“Texas Children's Hospital is renowned for its infectious disease service and critical care center,” said Marion's grandfather. “The physicians at Texas Children's set in motion a series of prompt responses. First, the infectious disease physician arranged for Marion's immediate transfer to Texas Children's via the Kangaroo Crew. They were on their way within the hour.”

The crew spent several hours working to stabilize young Marion before flying him to Texas Children's. Once at the hospital, he spent four-and-a-half weeks on a respirator and underwent kidney dialysis. In all, he received treatment from 18 medical specialties, and was enrolled in a clinical protocol that enabled him to receive medication available only through clinical trials.

Marion's parents were thrilled with the care their son received and touched by the concern the Texas Children's staff showed their family.

“I was blown away by how the doctors and nurses could give us so much information about what was going on and still give us hope,” his father said. “The care was better than any I'd imagined possible anywhere in the world.”

Today, Marion is on his way to being healthy physically and mentally. He continues physical therapy in Brownsville, and the family is happy with his progress.