At just five years old, Giancarlo is already a bright light in the world—and a beloved face at Dell Children’s. With his red curls, wide smile, and joyful spirit, it’s easy to see why the care team calls him “the heart and soul of the hospital.” But Giancarlo’s journey hasn’t been easy.
Born with a complex heart condition, he spent his early years in foster care. When Obdulia and Anna met him for the first time in September 2022, something clicked.
“We took one look at him and just knew—he’s got to come home with us,” said Obdulia.
From that moment on, there was no question he belonged with them. After completing the necessary training in record time, the couple brought Giancarlo home just days before Christmas.
“He came home on December 21st,” Obdulia said. “It was the best gift.”
A Worsening Condition
As Giancarlo settled into his new life, Obdulia and Anna were finally able to take a more active role in his medical care—something they hadn’t been able to do before they officially adopted him.
During this time, they began noticing troubling signs: Giancarlo was more tired than a toddler should be, his skin had a bluish tint, and his overall health seemed to be declining. Concerned, his cardiologist in San Antonio referred the family to Dell Children’s for further evaluation.
In July 2023, Giancarlo was admitted for care—a turning point in both his medical journey and their family’s story. Previously told that options were limited, Obdulia and Anna found renewed hope after meeting the team at Dell Children’s.
“Our doctor at Dell Children’s walked us through every possible scenario,” said Obdulia. “He was honest, compassionate, and real with us. It made all the difference.”
Ten Months of Love, Strength—and One Life-Changing Surgery
In April 2024, Giancarlo underwent a complex Fontan procedure with a valve replacement—his best chance at delaying a future heart transplant. The results were immediate.
“He’s been a completely different kid since then,” said Obdulia. “More energy. More light. More life.”
Giancarlo celebrated discharging from the hospital after heart surgery with a bubble parade.
The surgery marked a turning point—not just in Giancarlo’s health, but in his whole demeanor. Though he remains on the transplant list as a status 7, the procedure may extend his heart function for years—even decades. “There’s no way to know,” Obdulia said. “It could be two years. It could be 20. So we take it one day at a time.”
Giancarlo spent nearly ten months at Dell Children’s, where the hospital became a second home. Anna stayed by his side in Austin around the clock, while Obdulia made the daily commute from San Antonio. It was exhausting—but transformative.
“There were a lot of emotions,” Obdulia said. “But we were in it together. We had to be strong for him.”
A Family Forged by Care
The ten months spent in the hospital forged deep bonds—not just within their family, but with the Dell Children’s care team. From nurses and PAs to housekeeping staff, everyone wrapped Giancarlo—and his moms—in compassion. “Marie, our PA, was like talking to a sister,” Obdulia shared. “She helped us find our voice as parents.”
Even the woman who cleaned their hospital room found ways to connect, bringing Giancarlo his favorite snacks despite a language barrier. “He adored her,” Obdulia said. “That’s how much people cared.”
Today, Giancarlo is home, thriving, and preparing to start kindergarten. He recently turned five and celebrated with a Spider-Man-themed pizza party.
This journey didn’t just transform Giancarlo—it transformed his whole family. Through the stress, distance, and fear, Obdulia and Anna emerged stronger, more unified, and deeply grounded in love.
“He knows now—this is his family, and we’re not going anywhere,” Obdulia said. “It’s the four of us against the world.”