On a seemingly normal evening in February 2023, 5-year-old Alicia and her mother, Adriana, ventured out to a nearby grocery store for some cereal. In a matter of minutes, their lives were forever changed by a devastating car crash.
During the drive, Adriana was at a light, about to make a left turn, when she was t boned. The impact could have been deadly, but luckily, Alicia’s car seat was in the middle of the back seat.
“I just remember seeing her unconscious. It was so scary because she looked so lifeless,” Adriana says. “And then the car seat was stuck. I couldn’t unbuckle her, and my car door wouldn’t open, and neither would hers.”
A bystander came to their aid and, shortly after, paramedics arrived to transport both Adriana and an unconscious Alicia to Phoenix Children’s.
Facing a life-changing trauma
At Phoenix Children’s emergency department, staff immediately started treating Alicia, who had sustained a traumatic brain injury in the crash, and a bleeding Adriana, who had a broken hand and was about to faint.
Alicia’s care team put her into an induced coma to save her life. Although very worried for her daughter, Adriana says Alicia’s care team comforted her with constant updates every step of the way.
“Everyone was around Alicia, and I saw scissors and them cutting her clothes. There was this lady. I will never forget. She was just there comforting Alicia. She kept touching her head, and I was so thankful to her. I never saw her again.”
Finding comfort and hope after uncertainty
Adriana returned to Alicia’s side as soon as she could, only to face much uncertainty. When Alicia’s doctors put her into an induced coma, they told Adriana there was no guarantee she would come out of it.
Alicia eventually had to undergo invasive brain surgery, and Adriana’s prayers were answered when Alicia finally opened her eyes. She was released from the hospital this past April—only a few days before her sixth birthday.
But Alicia’s treatment was far from over. Adriana was told Alicia would probably never talk or walk again, and she would have to eat through a feeding tube. She would likely not be able to move her right side at all. However, Adriana knew better. She had faith in God and in her daughter.
How philanthropy helped change the outcome
In addition to the world-class care Alicia and her family have received, programs like Spiritual Care, Child Life, Art Therapy and Animal-Assisted Therapy have brought hope and comfort during Alicia’s journey. They are among 170+ programs and services funded by philanthropy, along with Alicia’s care team, that have helped Alicia reach amazing milestones.
A childhood reclaimed, one step at a time
Today, Alicia is a second grader—back in school, back on track, and soaking up every moment of being a kid again. Not long ago, Alicia could only say one or two words, pointing to communicate what she needed. Now, she can speak in full sentences. Some words are still tricky, but every sound, every syllable, is a hard-earned victory through therapy, determination and care made possible by donors like you.
Her physical progress is just as remarkable. Alicia can now fully extend her right arm and squeeze your fingers—something doctors once thought would be unlikely. In September last year, she walked 919 feet with assistance of her therapists. By Christmas, she walked 837 feet completely unassisted. No hands holding her. No support. Just Alicia, on her own, taking one more step forward—propelled by you.
- Sometimes I feel tired. But when I see those numbers—when I see her walking—that’s all I need. It reenergizes me.Alicia’s mom
Alicia is just one of many stories you will hear during the 2026 KTAR News and Arizona Sports Give-A-Thon for Phoenix Children's. If you want to provide hope and healing to a patient like Alicia, commit to a $20 per month donation or a one-time gift of $240 or more. With your gift, a Phoenix Children's patient will receive a cuddly teddy bear in your name.
