FON #HeartHero Spotlight: Nathaniel Castillo
The Fontan Outcomes Network is a community of patients, family members, caregivers, clinicians, researchers, and supporters, dedicated to improving the quality of life and health outcomes for individuals with single ventricle circulation.
Each month, we feature a member of the community who exhibits heroic qualities in service of this mission as our #HeartHero.
Name: Nathaniel Castillo
Care Center: Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford
Nominated By: His Care Center Team
Nathaniel Castillo
Nathaniel Castillo is a 9-year old with complex single ventricle heart disease who lives with his mom, dad, and 14-year-old sister in Manteca, California.
In addition to his multiple heart surgeries and cardiac catheterizations, Nathaniel was born with severe infantile scoliosis. Life with this additional condition means that, on top of his heart-related care, Nathaniel has undergone multiple, often painful procedures for his scoliosis. He’s also had abdominal and airway surgeries.
“He is always giving it his best, tries so hard, and complains so little. He brings joy, and inspiration, to all of us on his care team.”
Through it all, Nathaniel has remained “one of the most resilient, optimistic, and happy children” his care center has worked with.
The Castillo Family
“He is always giving it his best, tries so hard, and complains so little,” his care center team says. “He brings joy, and inspiration, to all of us on his care team whenever he comes in for a visit!”
Nathaniel is currently in the third grade. He loves to play video games, including his favorites Fortnite and Clash Royale. He has three dogs, Roxy (a Boston terrier), Ace (a Frenchie), and Delilah (a bulldog).
“His best friend is Ace,” says Elsa Castillo, Nathaniel’s mother. “He loves sleeping and playing his video games with Ace in his room.”
When he grows up, Nathaniel aspires to be a professional basketball player or a professional gamer.
See more photos of Nathaniel below.
Want to nominate your #HeartHero? Whether it’s a nurse, a patient, a physician, family member, or other, we encourage you to nominate your #HeartHero for the spotlight here.