“Born at twenty two weeks old, my twin brother and I had the odds stacked against us to survive. When I was four years old a severe case of kidney stones was discovered almost by accident here at Miami Children's hospital. I had come in for a severe case of bronchitis and was soon to discover my condition. I spent about two and a half months at MCH under the care of the best nurses, doctors and staff. Dr. Cepero, my nephrologist helped me through the whole process and reassured my worrying mother that I would be ok. Dr. Labbie performed my surgery. Before I was referred to Miami Children's many doctors told me that I would not be able to participate in many sports or activities that had a physical nature. Sixteen years later I lettered in varsity baseball at Hialeah Senior High School and played collegiate baseball as well. I am now a biology major on a pre-medical route in school in hopes to get to medical school and become a doctor just like Dr. Cepero and Dr. Labbie. I am now also a proud volunteer and employee of Miami Children’s Hospital. So to Dr. Cepero, Dr. Labbie and everyone else who worked hard to make sure I walked out of MCH healthy, I want to thank you guys! I hope to one day complete my residency and be a physician in this hospital. Dreams do come true! Thank you MCH!” 

Mitchell Rodriguez - Hialeah, Florida