Cole had been experiencing uncomfortable, painful ear infections for almost six months, but as an avid water polo player and surfer, he didn’t think much of it. But one day, he became so dizzy and nauseous during a water polo game he was sent to the ER. A CT scan revealed there was a tumor growing behind 14-year-old Cole’s left temporal bone. He was immediately taken to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) by helicopter. The tumor, made up of acute myeloid leukemia, was pushing on his brain, causing his painful symptoms. Cole began four rounds of intensive chemotherapy. From his doctors and nurses to security guards and child life specialists, every team member supported him through his treatment. When Cole finished his last day of chemotherapy, he was relieved and excited to be on the other side. His last day at the hospital was especially memorable – the LA Kings hockey team was visiting patients at CHLA, and Cole got to snap a picture with the whole team. A year later, Cole is enjoying tenth grade and has built back his strength through swimming, beach volleyball, and pickleball.

Ashley was in for a routine ultrasound when she learned her baby Roman had one of the most extreme cases of dilated cardiomyopathies doctors had ever seen in a fetus. A few weeks later, Roman was delivered at the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital and was quickly placed on a ventricular assist device (VAD) as the care team discussed a long-term solution. His heart was too weak, and a heart transplant was the best path forward. After nearly six months on the transplant list, Roman received a heart. Roman’s transplant went well but as he and his family were settling in back home, Roman had to be readmitted to the hospital for a bad cold, given his immunocompromised status. Doctors found that Roman had post-transplant lymphoma, a common reaction to the anti-rejection medication taken after his transplant. He underwent a six-course treatment of two medications, and after four weeks, there was no detection of cancer! Now in remission, Roman is thriving and loving toddlerhood.

When Treasure was two, her parents noticed her abdomen was swollen and brought her to Kentucky Children’s Hospital. Multiple rounds of testing revealed Treasure had Gaucher disease, a rare genetic condition caused by a deficiency in the enzyme that breaks down lipids. This enzyme shortage causes lipids to build up and interfere with the liver and spleen’s functions. Treasure quickly began enzyme replacement therapy. Now 17 years old, Treasure has been attending bi-weekly enzyme treatments for as long as she can remember. Over the years, Treasure and her care team have both inspired each other. While these appointments are often time-consuming, Treasure’s care team is inspired by her academic success. And Treasure’s appreciation for her treatments and doctors has inspired her career goals—she’s currently enrolled in a pharmacy technician internship at Kentucky Children’s Hospital, working alongside the same nurses who watched her grow up. Once she graduates, she plans to study public health at the University of Kentucky and get involved with DanceBlue, a student-run 24-hour dance marathon that raises money for the clinic. Treasure can’t wait to support patients just as her care team has supported her!

When Irlanda was nine, she started having severe headaches that led to the discovery of an infection between her skull bones and brain lining. She underwent two emergency brain surgeries that ultimately caused Irlanda to lose all mobility on the left side of her body. After her surgeries, Irlanda arrived at ChildServe, where she began six weeks of intensive physical and occupational therapies. Irlanda quickly felt at home at ChildServe‘s Pediatric Inpatient Rehabilitation program as her care team broke her out of her shell. Through her therapies, she regained partial mobility on her left side and took on new activities to improve her strength. Irlanda formed strong relationships with her entire care team at ChildServe, which served as a circle of moral support during her six-week stay. Irlanda is now home, where she can walk with assistance and complete most tasks with her right hand. She will continue to attend outpatient therapy a few times a week and do at-home exercises to increase her mobility. 

After returning home from school one day, Pradnya decided to make herself ramen for dinner. Disaster struck, when her shirt brushed against the gas stove and caught on fire. Pradyna was immediately rushed to Community Regional Medical Center’s Leon S. Peters Burn Center with severe pediatric burns. A doctor quickly intervened, cleaning and covering her burns and ultimately performing surgery. Pradyna’s access to a comprehensive burn center was especially crucial, as serious burns require specialized care. After her procedure, a physical therapist specializing in burn rehabilitation met with her daily to help her regain normal movement. Thanks to her care team’s thorough treatment and Pradnya’s energetic spirit, she was back to her usual self in no time. In the final days of her physical therapy, you could find Pradnya doing cartwheels down the halls! Today, Pradyna has second and third-degree burns on her torso and a skin graft on her back, but she has regained full motion. Every year since her accident, she returns to Community Regional Medical Center to thank the care team that led her through one of the scariest moments in her life. Through her visits, Pradyna also seeks to provide hope for pediatric patients in similar situations.

The summer before her senior year of high school, Evonne was enjoying a family vacation in Puerto Rico, excited to go cliff jumping for the first time. When she was getting ready to jump, she got scared and tumbled backward, resulting in a severe spinal injury that left her partially paralyzed from the waist down. Evonne had to be airlifted back to Boston for spinal surgery. After the procedure, Evonne’s real battle started. She had to regain her strength and relearn how to walk. She was transferred to Franciscan Children’s for specialized rehabilitative care, where she was determined to get better for her senior year. Through intensive physical and occupational therapy, as well as music therapy to keep her spirits high, Evonne made remarkable progress. Thanks to her dedicated care team and Evonne’s motivation, she was discharged within two and a half months and got to live out her senior year dreams. She danced all night at her senior prom and walked across the stage to receive her high school diploma, things she didn’t know would be possible after her accident. Today, Evonne is thriving in college and even ran in the annual Franciscan Children’s Road Race!