Sunday Funday Moment: Parents of young son born with cleft palate dedicate room at El Paso Children’s Hospital

EL PASO, Texas-- One in 700 babies are born with a cleft palate every year in the country. For most parents, finding specialized care for their child includes traveling out of state.

That wasn't the case for baby Liam and his parents who were able to stay in El Paso for his treatments all thanks to El Paso Children's hospital.

Liam Eder Gallardo was born with a cleft palate. At just 11-months-old Liam would have the first of several surgeries to repair his cleft.

Liam's parents, Eder Gallardo and Desiree Leon, were nervous knowing that their young son would have to go through several surgeries at such a young age. However, knowing that their son would be able to have the surgeries at El Paso Children's hospital was relieving because most parents of children diagnosed with a serious illness or condition often have to travel out of town for special care.

Liam's parent's decided to show their gratitude by gifting El Paso Children's hospital with $25,000 to name a room after their son, Liam.

Room 1068 in the Intensive Care Unit at El Paso Children's hospital is now named the Liam Eder Gallardo room.

"We are forever grateful to El Paso Children’s Hospital, Dr. Yates and all the staff for providing the best care possible," said Desiree Leon, Liam’s mother.

"We are proud to say that our hospital is one of 8 international pediatric fellowships in this specialty and is the first and only comprehensive pediatric cranial and facial program in the region,” said Estela Casas, Executive Director of El Paso Children’s Hospital Foundation. “Parents no longer have to uproot their family and travel elsewhere for specialized care. It’s available at home at El Paso Children’s Hospital. Our hospital.”