That advocate was Eliza Head, a clinical coordinator for Global Health Services (GHS). First, Eliza used her experience with international insurance companies to obtain the necessary approval for coverage. Then she made an appointment for 6-year-old Sofia to see pediatric gastroenterologist Clifton Huang, M.D. in Fort Worth.

Santiago Morett and Cristina Domenech Fernandez are grateful for the support they received before, during and after their daughter’s two-day visit to Cook Children’s Medical Center- Fort Worth in February 2026. Eliza was there to greet them and show them to the registration desk, food court, playground and Peaks Tech Zone to download the MyCookChildren’s app.

Eliza also accompanied the family to Sofia’s appointment and procedure with Dr. Huang. Santiago and Cristina speak English as a second language, but they weren’t familiar with some of the medical terms. Because Eliza is bilingual and a certified medical interpreter, the family relied on her for accurate translation in their native Spanish.

“Eliza was so kind and reassuring,” Santiago said. “She made it so easy for us so we could focus on Sofia and not worry about anything else.”

Cook Children’s reputation for clinical expertise, leading-edge technology and innovative research draws patients from across the United States and around the world. GHS makes the journey of international patients easier.

Thanks to Dr. Huang’s state-of-the-art technique, Sofia and her family found some answers and relief for her gut issues. They also encountered kindness and a touch of Cook Children’s magic. Sofia’s story reflects how GHS delivers the Cook Children’s Pinky Promise -- Everything for the Child – to international patients.

Making Connections

When Sofia began complaining of tummy aches in 2025, her pediatrician in Mexico City prescribed probiotics and medications that treat acid reflux. Better for a while, her pain returned. A pediatric gastroenterologist did a colonoscopy that showed seven polyps, or growths, in the lining of her intestines. The polyps were removed and weren’t cancerous. But her parents were still concerned.

Sofia underwent a second colonoscopy, four months after the first one, in hopes of finding the cause of blood in her stool. The colonoscopy discovered six more polyps. That’s when the pediatrician recommended that Sofia get checked out at Cook Children’s. Sofia’s pediatrician had met Dr. Huang in 2025 at an immersive academic experience hosted by Cook Children’s at the Fort Worth medical center.

“He personally knew Dr. Huang and thinks he’s one of the best in the world for strange diseases in gastrointestinal tracts in kids,” Santiago said.

So, Santiago and Cristina called GHS. Monica Martina, M.D., a pediatrician and liaison for Cook Children’s in Latin America, obtained Sofia’s medical records to share with Dr. Huang. Eliza, meanwhile, worked with Payor Relations and the international insurance company to cover the costs of treatment. With the paperwork in place, Sofia’s journey to Cook Children’s had begun.

Trailblazing Technology

At their initial visit with Dr. Huang, he explained a minimally invasive technique to get a closer view of Sofia’s intestines. The technology, called confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE), uses light and lenses to magnify tissue up to 1,500 times. Cook Children’s is one of only a few pediatric centers in the United States with CLE for gastrointestinal diagnosis and therapy.

“Technology added to the current endoscope technique puts us in a better position to assess the patient,” he said. “You have a live microscope and a better way to understand how the bowel tissue looks.”

Dr. Huang, a native of El Salvador, spoke Spanish with the family. He told them a probe would go through the endoscope working channel into Sofia’s gut, the view would be greatly magnified, and he’d be able to spot in real time any abnormal tissue that mostly is seen through processing of biopsies. He assured them a precise, thorough, risk-free inspection.

Her procedure on Day Two revealed a polyp that Dr. Huang believes wasn’t caught during Sofia’s earlier colonoscopies in Mexico. Everything else looked good. After a popsicle and apple juice, Sofia was discharged.  She and her family toured the Fort Worth Stockyards the following day. And the day after that, they headed home.

Follow-up Support

A few weeks later Dr. Huang spoke with Sofia’s parents to let them know the biopsy of the polyp came back cancer-free. Dr. Huang recommended repeating the endomicroscopy in a year. Call Eliza, he said, to set up the appointment. 

Dr. Huang also diagnosed an enzyme deficiency that was interfering with Sofia’s ability to absorb sugar. The resulting inflammation was the cause of her tummy aches, Dr. Huang explained. He advised that they consult with a local dietitian to limit how much fruit and sugar Sofia eats.   

She feels much better these days. What does she want other kids to know about Cook Children’s? “The hospital is amazing, the playground is so much fun, and the doctors and nurses are very kind. They make you feel better and make sure nothing hurts.”

Dr. Huang reassured Santiago and Cristina that Sofia’s prognosis is good. Cook Children’s gave them the comfort of expert medical care as well as empathy and attention to detail. They appreciated how Child Life specialists kept Sofia entertained with toys and stickers. All the staff showed concern for Santiago and Cristina too, making sure they understood everything.

“I saw Sofia happy and secure, and she was very relaxed and smiling and talking to everyone,” Cristina said. “I was like this is OK, this is a safe place. It was a hospital, and I was afraid, but it was a great experience. I want to go again.” 

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