We hope to see you at 2:00pm EST on Sunday, March 3rd for our monthly support group! We will be welcoming three O dads, Alejandro, Anthony, and Juan, who are excited to share with you about their amazing O babies and answer questions from other O dads! This particular group is dedicated to the men in our O Warriors' lives and is designed with dads, grandfathers, and/or other male caregivers in mind. Discussion will cover all things O, including initial diagnosis, their partner's pregnancy, NICU stay, repair, and life now. See you there!

Alejandro Hinojosa
Alejandro is a 25 year old Active Duty Marine Staff Sergeant, Reconnaissance Marine, and the father to Nico and Naomi. Nico was diagnosed with an omphalocele at a 20 week anatomy scan, which they later found out was categorized as a “Giant O." Nico and his parents were attached to the NICU aboard Naval Hospital Balboa in San Diego, CA for nearly 2 months until their release. Despite being told about a very strong possibility of not hearing a heartbeat at every appointment, Nico is now a normal kid with a cool scar and a story to tell. He is loved everywhere he goes and his biggest compliment is his red hair that he got from “Dada.”

Anthony Fernandez
Anthony is a veterinarian and father to two beautiful girls: Melody and Brinley.  Melody was born with a giant omphalocele containing intestines, stomach, and part of her liver.  She spent 57 days in the NICU at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. During that time, Melody was also diagnosed with supraventricular tachycardia or SVT (a random, very rapid heart rate).  Like most families, Anthony and his wife spent many long days and nights in the NICU with Melody, meeting with nurses, doctors, nutritionists, social services, and many others, taking in what all these people had to say, asking questions, and advocating for Melody.  Melody was managed by Dr. Olutoye (Dr. O) who has a very strong foundation and lengthy history in managing babies and children with omphalocele.  Based on lots of research and Dr. O’s recommendations, Melody was managed with the “paint and wait” method followed by her closure surgery at 14 months. Today Melody is a thriving 4 year old and wonderful big sister who loves to dance, ride horses, and all things animals. 

Juan Caballero
Juan is a peri-operative registered nurse. He is a father of a 2 year old girl Lucy. Lucy was diagnosed with a large omphalocele containing her liver and intestines at a 12 week ultrasound. She was intended to be delivered via planned C-section, but was delivered through emergent C-section after attending an MFM appointment at 36 weeks. She spent a total of 14 days in the NICU. She had closure surgery 1 year and 3 months later, spending a total of 4 days post-op in the hospital. Since closure surgery, Lucy has been able to be active, attending activaties such as gymnastics. She is still monitored yearly with her pediatric surgeon.