Born prematurely in 2013, Julian’s family faced every parent's fear.
At only 29 weeks, 1 pound, 14 ounces, his earliest moments were marked by uncertainty as a team of physicians, nurses and caregivers worked quickly to stabilize him and provide the specialized care needed for his survival. For his family, the experience was frightening and unforgettable.
Today, at 12-years-old, Julian is thriving.
Experiencing care from a new lens
The 72 days of life-saving care provided to Julian are now inspiring a lasting investment in the future of neonatal medicine through the establishment of the Julian Endowed Lectureship at UT Health San Antonio, UT San Antonio’s academic health center.
Created through a philanthropic gift from Julian’s grandmother, Marilyn Escobedo, MD, the lectureship honors the care he received during his earliest days and supports continued learning in neonatal resuscitation and newborn care. Escobedo’s connection to UT Health San Antonio spans decades. A nationally respected neonatal-perinatal pediatrician, she served as chief of the university’s Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine from 1978 to 2000 and helped shape a program that trained generations of physicians.
“With Julian’s birth at less than 2 pounds, I reflected on my own career, which began 60 years ago,” said Escobedo. “Babies under 2 lbs. did not survive then. But over the years, research and technological advancements have resulted in almost all babies at 2 lbs. surviving with their potential for a normal life intact."
Escobedo shared that experiencing the healing environment again as Julian’s grandmother extended her appreciation for the skill, teamwork and compassion required to care for critically ill newborns and their families.
“I felt enormous gratitude for the ventilators, surfactant, nutrition, antibiotics, non-invasive monitors, team training and so many other advances that have put tools in the hands of physicians [to make] it possible for babies like Julian to not only survive, but thrive,” she said.
Focused on neonatal resuscitation, the lectureship brings nationally recognized experts to San Antonio to share emerging research, best practices and advances in newborn care through grand rounds and divisional lectures for fellows and faculty.
Preparing the next generation of Neonatologists
What began with a premature baby in the NICU and a grandmother's gratitude has become a commitment to excellence.
For Escobedo, the lectureship goes beyond an educational program. Her generosity is a way to honor the programs that helped save her grandson's life and a way to make lives better for future generations. “What I saw as a grandmother was my daughter’s great joy and love for Julian, unclouded by the challenges he faced and undiminished by the difficulties of being a thousand miles away from home [and] at his bedside [for 10 weeks],” she said.
The lectureship joins a distinguished group of educational programs within the Division of Neonatology supported by donor generosity. These include the Ramamurthy Endowed Neurodevelopmental Follow-Up Lecture Series and the Neonatal Nutrition and Bone Institute Lectureship.
Together, these programs reflect UT Health San Antonio’s commitment to advancing care for the smallest and most vulnerable patients and their families. By supporting continued physician education, Escobedo is helping to ensure that future babies facing critical health challenges receive the advanced lifesaving care they need.
