SAN ANTONIO — On Thursday morning, an 11-year-old survivor of the Robb Elementary School shooting joined his mother, father and brother in saying thank you to San Antonio’s health care workers.
Noah Orona survived a gunshot to the back on May 24, 2022, when 19 children and two teachers lost their lives in the Uvalde tragedy.
Teams of doctors and nurses at Methodist Children’s Hospital in San Antonio cared for Noah over the course of several days as he began his long road to recovery.
“I’m thankful for the doctors and the nurses, especially Dr. Robertson for doing my surgery,” Noah said.
The Oronas expressed gratitude through hugs, flowers and food for hospital staff. Noah’s parents have been at their son’s side every step of the way as he navigates the trauma he experienced in Room 112 of Robb Elementary.
“We spent eight days here. My wife and I basically lived here, and they made accommodations for us," said Noah's father, Oscar. "The surgeon was just absolutely amazing and it just exudes confidence, just makes us feel better, made the process somewhat easier."
The family expressed thanks to hospital officials, including Court LeMaistre, CEO of Methodist Children’s Hospital and Women’s Services.
“It’s very meaningful to us and I am so proud of our team in the way that they cared for him and it’s great to just see him up and about and to be doing so well,” LeMaistre said.
While Noah bears the mental and physical scars from the tragic day, he’s assured constant comfort from his loving family.
“The things that I find that really get me going is when I see him really be himself and forget about what he’s been through, and enjoy things that we’ve enjoyed before: Watching video games, watching the playoffs in the NBA right now, watching the Yankees.”
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