“I was blessed to be involved in the launch of the Nicklaus Children's Hospital Family Advisory Council (FAC) in 1998. Our daughter Allyson had been born prematurely and she spent her first days of life in the NICU. A few months later, she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and our family (my husband Nelson and son, Eric) were told she would not be able to walk, there was uncertainty about how long she would life and she might not even smile. Our family became committed to her development as well as to partnering with other families, hospital staff, the community, and the organization to support Nicklaus Children's Hospital.

While those first few years were challenging with several visits every week for therapy, medical visits and surgery, she has thrived through it all and as you can see she does smile – a lot! Consequently, our family is deeply grateful for the excellent care she/we have received.

The work of the Family Advisory Council is to serve and support families, as well as to be a voice and advocate for those who come to the organization for care. Council members give back with their heart to assure that family needs are heard, and they provide encouragement and feedback to the organization as it cares for each and every child and their family.

Today, I am a member of the Council as a grandmother of two beautiful grandchildren, ages 3 and 1. We celebrate them along with their Aunt Allyson in supporting the excellent care that Nicklaus Children's continues to provide. I am honored to continue to give my best in this capacity. I look forward to working with other committed families to continue to support the fundamental and essential work of Nicklaus Children's Hospital and Health System, through the FAC.”

– Jackie Gonzalez

"Our family's journey has left a lasting impact on how I see pediatric cancer care.

My daughter faced two battles with cancer, rhabdomyosarcoma. As her mom, I lived inside the reality of pediatric oncology. We lived through the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation, the psychological toll, and the constant balancing of treatment, school, family, and some sense of normalcy. Fear and resilience coexist every day, long after treatment ends. Our faith was a steady source of strength for our family when the path forward felt uncertain.

Nicklaus Children's Hospital became our home away from home. It is where my daughter received exceptional care under the leadership of her oncologist, Dr. Guillermo de Angulo, and where our family was supported through two battles with rhabdomyosarcoma.

I serve on the Family Advisory Council because families who have lived this experience carry insight that cannot be taught. We understand how care decisions land when parents are exhausted, scared, and trying to stay strong for their children. I am here to support the Family Advisory Council so that other families experience the same level of care, communication, and support that we did."

- Andria Parks-Herrera

"My journey with Nicklaus Children's Hospital began in the most personal way possible — my daughter was diagnosed with an ultra-rare and mortal disease, making her the only known case in Miami. As a parent, this was a daunting revelation, but it was also the catalyst that drove me to become more involved in the healthcare community. Nicklaus Children's, being the sole freestanding children's hospital in Miami, became our second home, with my daughter seeing a myriad of specialists there.

Joining the Family Advisory Council was a conscious decision driven by my desire to give back to the institution that has been pivotal in my daughter's care. My primary goal has always been clear: to aid Nicklaus Children's in its journey to become the premier children's hospital, ensuring that families like mine don't feel the need to seek care elsewhere. I believe that with the right guidance, dedication, and feedback, we can make Nicklaus Children's a beacon of hope and excellence for all families in Miami and beyond.

The Family Advisory Council, in my eyes, plays a monumental role in the broader healthcare landscape. It serves as the voice for those little souls who spend countless hours within the hospital walls, many of whom cannot articulate their needs, fears, or desires. We are their advocates, ensuring that their experiences are not just heard but acted upon. Our role is to bridge the gap between medical professionals and the families they serve, ensuring that every child's journey is as comfortable, compassionate, and effective as possible.

Your involvement with the Family Advisory Council will be more than just a membership; it's a commitment to bettering the lives of countless children. It's about ensuring that every child, irrespective of their medical challenges, receives the best care right here in Miami."

- Carolina Montoya

"I serve on the Family Advisory Council because I wanted to make a difference in the lives of other families at Nicklaus Children's Hospital and make their experience a smooth one. My son was inpatient and as a mom I was frazzled. Anything I can do to alleviate even a little bit of that feeling for other parents, I want to do."

-Michelle Appelrouth-Rader, MHC

"We actively engage with the Family Advisory Council to contribute a distinct parental perspective on essential services for our children and collaborating on goal priorities."

-Jorge and Leyma Menocal