Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital celebrated 20 years of service to the community this month with numerous events including a media event highlighting medical miracles and, of course, a free birthday bash extravaganza for the community.
Children’s Hospital administrator Zareh Sarrafian, MBA, said of the celebration, “It was wonderful to see the community come together to help us celebrate this important milestone. The response we have received from our friends and supporters over the past week has been heartwarming and is a true testament to the impact we have had in our region as well as to the children and families that rely on Children’s Hospital for hope and healing.”
‘Medical Miracles’
Pediatric patients who survived incredible odds reunited with their doctors, nurses, and other medical providers on Thursday, November 7, to help kick off the 20th anniversary celebrations.
Mr. Sarrafian offered an introduction emphasizing the importance of every patient at LLU Children’s Hospital. “I wish I could highlight the story of every patient who has walked through our doors, because every one of them has a unique and inspiring story,” he said.
An emotional and touching scene ensued as the former patients greeted their doctors and nurses, recalling the circumstances that led to their being treated at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital.
The patients included sisters Crystal and Cristina Molina, 9, of Coachella, former conjoined twins who underwent extensive preoperative care and surgery at Children’s Hospital to separate them. The twins, and their parents, Bernardo and Blanca, met with pediatric neurosurgeon Alexander Zouros, MD, and plastic surgeon Andrea Ray, MD.
Former cancer patient Adriana Gurrola, 27, of Redlands, was treated for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma when she was just 14. She was reunited with Jennifer Cruikshank, chief patient care director at LLU Children’s Hospital, who was Adriana’s nurse when she was being treated. Adriana is now a nurse herself in the neonatal intensive care unit at Children’s Hospital and credits the professionals at the hospital for helping inspire her to pursue a career in health care.
Finally, Hannah Grinnan, 15, of Redlands, a former transplant patient who received a new heart when she was only 11 days old, was reunited with her transplant surgeon Leonard Bailey, MD, who pioneered infant heart transplantation in 1984. Hannah is now a cheerleader at Redlands High School, and Dr. Bailey is surgeon-in-chief at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital.
“It has been a calling and a privilege to serve our community, and we look forward to the next 20-plus years of providing world-class Christ-centered health care as we work together to make every person and child whole,” Mr. Sarrafian said.
Community celebration
Nearly 1,000 community members, including current and past patient families, filled the North Lawn of LLU Children’s Hospital on the evening of Sunday, November 10, for the official birthday party. Partygoers were treated to free entertainment for all ages.
Mercy Air landed the pediatric transport helicopter—which is solely dedicated to LLU Children’s Hospital—on the lawn. Families were able to sit in and tour the airship throughout the event.
The most popular attraction was by far the hot air balloon rides. A full-size balloon was tethered to the ground, however, it would lift about 20 feet in the air with six to eight riders in the basket during each lift. The line remained constant throughout the event.
Another big hit at the party was the live petting zoo. Nettie’s Party Pals brought ducks, chickens, goats, sheep, a pig, and a variety of rabbits. There was even a black velveteen rabbit, the breed that inspired the book by the same name.
“It was so soft it didn’t even feel real,” said Rachelle Bussell, CFRE, vice president of advancement at Loma Linda University Health. Ms. Bussell was boastful of the petting zoo throughout the night.
William Hayes, PhD, director for the Center for Biodiversity in the department of earth and biological sciences at LLU School of Public Health, also brought his reptile zoo, which included several snakes, lizards, and even a balloon-bearing turtle that greeted guests as they entered the area. Those who wanted to were able to pet and even hold some of reptiles.
If the kids weren’t riding the balloon, chasing ducks or holding a slithering snake, there were plenty of other activities to keep their attention. Partygoers enjoyed a multiple-game activity center, giant bounce house, family photo booth, and face painting. Food and drinks were available to guests from Urban Pie, Extreme Pita, and Seabird’s.
LLU Children’s Hospital mascot Luke the Lion also made an appearance. Luke sauntered through the party greeting guests and taking pictures with all his young fans.
Former patient Kimie Metcalf, 8, a leukemia survivor, led the crowd in a very enthusiastic “happy birthday” sing along.
At 6:00 p.m., attendees were treated to a movie in the park, “Homeward Bound,” which was released in 1993, the year Children’s Hospital opened its doors to the community.
For the grand finale, guests were treated to an illuminating fireworks show.
A proclamation
The City of Loma Linda honored Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital with a proclamation celebrating its 20th anniversary on the evening of Tuesday, November 12, during the City Council meeting. Mayor Rhodes Rigsby presented the proclamation to Kelly Jackson, director of marketing for LLUCH, who accepted the recognition on behalf of the hospital.
“On behalf of the City Council and citizens of this community,” Mayor Rigsby read from the proclamation, “I congratulate Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital on the occasion of their 20th anniversary celebration and ask for the continued support of the valued professionals, staff, community partners, and friends of Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital as they seek to enhance the lives of our community’s children by delivering in the promise of a healthier future today.”
Mr. Sarrafian, although unable to attend, expressed his appreciation for the proclamation. “It is an honor for Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital to be recognized by the city,” he said. “We are proud to partner with a community that shares our commitment to the promotion of a healthy lifestyle and disease prevention. Our organization looks forward to continuing to serve the precious young lives in our region for many more years to come.”