Utah toddler and family grateful for the flight team that saved her life
Intermountain Health
Utah
Courtesy of Intermountain Health
What began as a holiday trip to visit grandparents on a church mission in Uruguay turned into a life-threatening medical emergency for 3-year-old Estelle Santiago of Midway, Utah. In January 2026, Estelle was diagnosed with Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, a severe condition that ultimately caused respiratory and cardiac failure. Desperate to get their daughter home for advanced care, Estelle’s parents turned to Intermountain Health, which quickly organized a complex international medical transport. Thanks to rapid coordination among physicians, flight crews, and international authorities, a landing permit that normally takes up to 10 days was approved in just 24 hours.
As Intermountain Health’s first international pediatric transport patient, Estelle required intensive, around-the-clock care throughout the mission. Supported by a specialized flight crew, the care team traveled more than 6,300 miles to Montevideo, Uruguay, aboard Intermountain’s medical jet, an airborne ICU designed for long-range medical missions. Despite concerns that she might not survive the journey, the crew successfully cared for her during the 18-hour flight home, making fuel and customs stops before arriving in Salt Lake City.
Over time, Estelle made a remarkable recovery, progressing from life support and dialysis to sitting up, eating, and eventually returning home.
“Thanks to their dedication, skill, and swift action, our daughter is still with us today and for that we are eternally thankful,” said Estelle’s mom, Ellie Santiago. “They’re truly angels.”