Renown Children's Hospital Announces 2025 Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Champion Child

February 5, 2025

Gio Melgarejo, the 2025 Children's Miracle Network Champion Child for Renown Children's Hospital, poses for a photo with the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals balloon sign.

15-year-old Giovanni Melgarejo exemplifies the power of strength and courage as a child living with one of the world’s rarest congenital syndromes

A video introducing Gio and his journey can be found here.

Renown Children’s Hospital and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMNH) are excited to announce Giovanni “Gio” Melgarejo as the 2025 Champion Child. Gio spent the first three months of his life in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Renown Children’s Hospital with multiple health complications. Given a week to live after coding, he defied the odds. After spending significant time at both Renown Children’s Hospital and the University of California, San Francisco Children’s Hospital, he finally got a diagnosis – CLOVES, a very rare congenital syndrome that presents itself with skin, spinal, bone or joint abnormalities and vascular overgrowths.

“At Renown Health, we witness incredible stories of resilience every day. Gio and his family’s journey is truly extraordinary,” said Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President and CEO, Renown Health. “Overcoming tremendous health obstacles with courage, determination, and a bright spirit, Gio inspires our medical team and everyone who has the privilege of knowing him. This is a testament to the power of exceptional care, unwavering family support and a child’s incredible strength. We are honored to be part of Gio’s journey and proud to see Gio representing the youth in our community as Renown Children’s Hospital’s 2025 Champion Child.”

Gio is one of 200 people in the world who have been diagnosed with CLOVES. According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health’s Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD), the syndrome can occur as a result of a genetic mutation, either inherited from a parent or randomly when cells divide. Like what Gio experienced, symptoms can start making themselves present when the child is a newborn or infant. Because of how rare the condition is, GARD reports that it can take up to six years to receive an accurate CLOVES diagnosis. Despite this long journey, Gio and his family never gave up in their pursuit of an answer and treatment.

Gio’s road to recovery has been full of ups-and-downs. From complications related to CLOVES, including skin bleeding, blood clotting, infections and soreness, to a battle with sepsis and relearning to walk, sit up and eat on his own, he has exemplified hope and determination through it all. After several years of hospital visits and intensive physical therapy, paired with the help of his loving family and compassionate healthcare teams, Gio can do most things that many kids his age can do. Today, he is a happy, funny, artistic and charismatic boy with a mind for business.

During these many visits to the hospital, the Melgarejos got to know the nurses and doctors in the pediatric units. Natasha Melgarejo, Gio’s mom, reflects on the best-in-class standard of care he always received at every visit at Renown Children’s Hospital.

“Throughout his young life, Gio has had a rollercoaster of good and bad health days. With the support of all of us, knowledgeable medical and nursing staff and the many resources that case workers have provided, he has made unbelievable progress,” said Natasha Melgarejo. “His care team has helped him learn to walk, ensured he has access to customized shoes and a wheelchair when he needs it and even assisted him in riding a bike. It was always nice to know he was in good hands every step of the way.”

“Seeing Gio grow into the strong young man he is now has been a privilege to witness,” said Kristina Deeter, MD, MBA, FAAP, Physician-in-Chief, Renown Children’s Hospital and Chair of Pediatrics, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. “It is no surprise to me that Gio was chosen as our next Champion Child. He will be an incredible ambassador for Renown Children’s Hospital within our community and beyond.”

Through Renown Children’s Hospital, Gio and over 100,000 area children have access to more than 100 pediatricians, including 16 specialists and other subspecialties previously lacking in the community, as well as a pediatric emergency room, pediatric ICU and contemporary healthcare services at Renown Children’s Hospital. Prior to 2016, about 30% of all pediatric patients had to leave northern Nevada to receive the specialty care they needed. Now, thanks to donor support, Renown estimates that 97% of all pediatric patients and their families can receive both general and specialty pediatric care locally. The next nearest children’s hospital in the state is seven hours or 438 miles away in Las Vegas. In 2024, Renown Children’s Hospital was verified as the first level II pediatric trauma center in northern Nevada by the American College of Surgeons, a historic first for northern Nevada.

Renown Children’s Hospital is proud to be the only CMNH hospital in northern Nevada, one of only 170 premier children’s hospitals in North America. Gio will serve as Renown Children’s Hospital’s CMNH Champion Child for the next year, shining as the face of the hospital in the community and sharing his inspiring story. Renown Health Foundation oversees the local CMNH programs and its fundraising. One hundred percent of all funds raised by CMNH partners stay local to support children and families in our community. Your generous support affords much-needed items to help our littlest patients cope with the potential stressors associated with hospitalization and illness. To donate, visit renown.org/donate.

Related News

Renown Regional Medical Center Using FDA-Approved TNKase® to Treat Ischemic Stroke

As Nevada’s only integrated academic health system and only Comprehensive Stroke Center in the region, Renown leads with advanced stroke care innovation to improve outcomes for patients. Renown Regional Medical Center, the only Joint Commission-certified Comprehensive Stroke Center in northern Nevada since 2019, is now using the newly FDA-approved TNKase® (Tenecteplase) to treat eligible adults experiencing acute ischemic stroke- offering patients faster, more effective clot-dissolving treatment with improved outcomes. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved TNKase® for use in treating acute ischemic stroke in adults within 4.5 hours of symptom onset. “TNKase® represents an important advancement in stroke care,” said Benjamin Tim Pence, DO, Medical Director of the Renown Institute for Neurosciences. “Compared to the traditional clot-busting drug alteplase (tPA), TNKase® is given as a single IV bolus rather than a one-hour infusion. This simplifies and accelerates treatment, allowing us to restore blood flow more quickly and potentially improving outcomes for our patients.” A recent patient wrote, “I cannot praise the entire Renown team enough for saving my life or at the least saving me from paralysis. My husband took me to the Renown Regional Emergency Room with stroke symptoms. Turns out I was having a stroke. The check-in team helped me into the ER and quickly got me to the triage nurse. She did a couple of tests and quickly called for a “stroke protocol” and everyone sprung into action. A scan was immediately done; it indicated the place in my brain that was causing the stroke. I was rushed to surgery; the blood clot was removed. I was taken to the ICU for monitoring. The entire ICU team took such wonderful care of me, told me what to expect. They did everything they could to make me feel safe and comfortable. My stroke started around 4 pm on Wednesday and by noon on Friday I was released for the ICU was no lasting effects. I cannot remember everyone’s name that helped me but to a person they were simply the best. Every single person who helped me at Renown was so caring, took the time to explain things even though they were moving extremely fast. My results and recovery are miraculous to me and my family. I am so thankful my husband drove me to Renown Regional Medical Center.” Cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and stroke, account for more than one-third of all U.S. deaths and a leading cause of disability. Here in Washoe County, Nev., 3.4% of adults have been told by a health care provider that they had a stroke (2022, Nevadatomorrow.org). As Nevada’s only integrated academic health system, Renown Health combines advanced clinical care with leading research, education, and community outreach. Through its partnership with the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Renown is expanding access to expert stroke care, training the next generation of physicians, and driving innovation in neuroscience and emergency medicine. “Renown Regional’s Comprehensive Stroke Center designation reflects our ability to provide the highest level of stroke care,” said Seth Langevin, Vice President, Neuro, Cardiovascular and Rehabilitation. “It means we are here around the clock, on a 24/7 basis, providing advanced neuroimaging, rapid intervention, neurosurgical services, neurocritical care, thrombectomy and neurocritical care, and access to specialized stroke rehabilitation just next door at the adjacent Renown Rehabilitation Hospital at 1495 Mill St. in Reno.” “Time is brain. Every minute counts,” said Bret Frey, MD, Director of Emergency Services of the Emergency Department at Renown, and Chair, Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. “The introduction of TNKase® is a genetically engineered thrombolytic (clot-busting drug) shown to be at least as effective as alteplase (tPA) but easier and faster to administer. This supports our commitment to faster, safer, and more effective stroke treatment for patients throughout the region. Since using TNKase® allows for faster intervention, patients can experience better outcomes after suffering a stroke. This improves our “door to needle time” for stroke care and aligns with stroke care best practices.” Renown began using TNKase® in 2022 as a clinical trial, prior to receiving FDA approval, allowing its providers to use the intervention while further approvals were pursued. Renown physicians switched to TNKase® because it is a bioengineered version of Activase, which means that not only is the medication more durable and targeted, but it also allows for quicker treatment times. In addition, TNKase® appears in the treatment guidelines provided by the American Stroke Association. “In addition,” says Dr. Pence, “having FDA approval for TNKase® means that rural health systems statewide will now also have increased access to this medicine. Since several rural hospitals rely on federal funding to advance care in their communities, TNKase® will be available to them as a part of their funding. Using TNKase® as a rapid IV push will keep stroke care closer to home for rural Nevadans. Renown also partners closely with EMS providers across northern Nevada to deliver rapid stroke recognition, triage, and treatment- ensuring patients receive the right care at the right time.” “TNKase® is a lifesaving medication that can mean a world of difference in a patient’s stroke recovery process,” said Jamie Preston, RN, Nurse Navigator, Renown Institute for Neurosciences. “I personally witnessed a young female patient who recently delivered a baby come to Renown eight hours after her stroke-like symptoms started. Stroke imaging confirmed a clot causing a large stroke that would have left her debilitated and disabled. After receiving TNKase®, she regained functionality in her limbs and was able to speak again. We are happy to say that she and her baby are doing fine.”

Renown Health employees pose in front of the LOVE sign with posterboards that spell out #HAVhope, in support of Hospitals Against Violence.

Renown Health Stands with Hospitals and Health Systems Nationwide on #havhope Friday

Renown Health, the region’s largest, not-for-profit academic health system serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California, is joining healthcare networks across the country by supporting the American Hospital Association’s violence prevention initiative, Hospitals Against Violence (HAV). Today, team members at Renown are participating in #HAVhope Friday, an annual day of awareness focused on enhancing public awareness of workplace violence and addressing all types of violence within our health system and community.

Renown Health CEO Named 'CEO of the Year' by Ragan Communications for Fostering a Healthier Work Environment and Putting People First

Dr. Brian Erling is a CEO who leads by example, creating a positive work environment where professionals can thrive and grow in their careers, ultimately leading to improved healthcare for our community. Dr. Brian Erling, President and CEO of Renown Health, has been named CEO of the Year by the Ragan Communications Workplace Wellness Awards. As CEO of the Year, he is recognized for promoting physical health, mental resilience, and a culture of work-life balance. Ragan Communications writes, “Under Dr. Erling’s leadership, Renown Health launched a range of programs supporting mental, emotional and physical wellness, including expanded behavioral health access and personalized wellbeing services. His vision has made employee health a system-wide priority embedded into the organization’s operational strategy.” Ragan is the industry leader in providing professional development, training and intelligence to communicators, marketers, HR professionals and business leaders worldwide, and holds its annual Workplace Wellness Awards program, presenting the award to a CEO who leads by example, and makes employee well-being a top priority in their organization. Dr. Brian Erling, CEO and President of Renown Health, is a seasoned healthcare executive with over twenty-five years of experience in diverse healthcare settings. During his career, he has led teams at not-for-profit hospitals, integrated health systems, physician practices and publicly traded healthcare companies. Dr. Erling joined the Renown team in November of 2022. He leads with a people-first mindset, prioritizing employees in the organization’s decision-making process. Dr. Erling believes that when employees have the involvement and tools to excel in their roles, the result is an engaged workforce and exceptional care for the community. Having previously spent over 20 years serving the people of Colorado, he believes that long-term leadership is essential for an organization to grow and thrive. His background as a physician enables him to connect with healthcare workers who devote their nights, weekends and holidays to their work. Dr. Erling emphasizes the importance of teamwork and believes it’s the key to a successful healthcare system. Being part of a high-performing, mission-driven team is his primary motivation. He considers Renown’s more than 8,000 employees to be the organization’s greatest resource. While Renown’s modern technologies, like advanced robotic surgical systems and imaging equipment, are valuable, Dr. Erling believes the main reason patients choose their services is because of the trusted care in their hometown. Dr. Erling’s goals for Renown are to create a positive work environment where employees can thrive and grow in their careers, ultimately leading to improved healthcare for our community. Since the beginning of his leadership, he has implemented numerous initiatives to enhance the organization, always prioritizing people first. Putting employee wellness at the forefront of strategic planning, and making People First the first value of Renown Health, the following initiatives have been introduced in the past 12 months:

View All Press Releases