Donate to Austin Arellano's Healing Journey

Austin’s journey in the NICU has been very long, and likely will continue for a while; the extent of how long he will remain in critical care in the hospital is unknown as it truly depends on how his body continues to respond to the medical interventions and how his lungs grow. Early on, it was very touch and go and he required several emergency procedures that thankfully kept him alive. Amy was able to hold her son for the first time 11 days after he was born, and only with the help of multiple medical professionals to get him safely into her arms. Amy and Emilio have seen Austin turn blue and stop breathing right in front of their eyes, they have seen his heart rate drop while he gets bagged to stay alive. They have been told some of the most frightening things that parents can hear. They have stood in the corner of his room crying while the code has been called on their son in multiple dire circumstances. But Austin is a very strong baby, and continues to be such a fighter! Even as a tiny preemie, the nurses nicknamed him “Houdini” as he could successfully get his hands out of every swaddle and would try to pull at all his cords, including his endotracheal tube (ET). He had a reputation in the NICU for being “tenacious,” and someone wrote it next to his name very early after birth.

He is now at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital in SF, after being transferred from CPMC for further evaluation of his respiratory status in March of 2025. At the end of April, 2025, after being intubated for over 6 months, Austin underwent a tracheostomy. He is still on very high ventilator settings that must be weaned down to “home settings” before he can be discharged home. Once home on the vent, his medical team will continue to work with him to wean further and eventually work toward decannulation. This process may take years, but the trach will allow this work to be done at home. With a trach, he will be able to crawl and play, just like healthy babies do. Developmentally, it will allow him to live more comfortably than when he had his ET tube. But it will certainly change how Amy and Emilio and their family live. He will need around the clock nursing as someone trained must be awake and with Austin 24/7 to handle any emergencies that could occur.

In the meantime, and while Austin remains at the hospital, he has many specialities following him, including PT, OT, music therapy, massage therapy, and acupuncture. He is smiley, and despite all of the difficulties he has been forced to endure, he is a happy baby boy. He is very curious and watches the medical team closely as they care for him. He has many expressions, and a “judgy” face that is quite hysterical. His family plays with him, holds him, reads to him, and is engaged in his medical trach care. Austin is known as “sweet and spicy.”

For those who have been sending their love and prayers thus far: thank you so much. Both families are also greatly appreciative of all your support. We are asking all of our friends and family, whatever you believe in, to please pray, send thoughts and wishes, and good vibes to Austin for healing and strength so that he may come home soon and live a happy and healthy life. This is the biggest battle Amy and Emilio have ever faced, and it certainly is the most gut-wrenching chapter of their lives as their whole world has been turned inside out since the PPROM diagnosis.

They love their son so much and are prepared to do whatever is possible to keep and protect him. The doctors and nurses have provided excellent care and are invested in his journey as well. The family is eternally grateful for the amazing medical teams that have been involved from both hospitals who have cared for and loved Austin as well.

Austin has received medical care from Sutter/CPMC in SF, a Level 3 NICU, and is currently receiving ongoing care at UCSF, a Level 4 NICU. At this time, it is unknown when he will be able to go home. Austin continues to fight through serious complications no baby should have to endure. In addition to the daily, complex care, it is anticipated he will require 1-2 more surgeries as well.

His parents continue to show up for him every day with strength and love, while balancing the overwhelming emotions of their journey so far. They are so grateful for the outpouring of support and love they have received from their communities.

If you feel led to contribute toward the mounting medical and caregiving expenses, your help would mean so much. Every donation—big or small—makes a difference, and we’re deeply grateful for the kindness, love, and encouragement that surrounds this little boy.