To continue the teaching and healing ministry of Jesus Christ.
Vision
Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital continues the healing ministry of Jesus Christ, focusing on the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs of children and their families. Through valued professionals, staff, community partners and friends, we seek to enhance the lives of our community’s children by delivering on the promise of a healthier future today.
Peter Baker Senior Vice President and Administrator
Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital
Roger Wadell Foundation Board Chair
Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital
As we look into the future, it’s as far as we can see,
So let’s make each tomorrow be the best that it can be.
– “I Cross My Heart”, George Strait
Message From the Foundation
Dear Friends,
Welcome to our 2023 Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital Foundation annual report. The stories in this report are made possible by your generous commitment and the exceptional care provided by our healthcare family at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital.
For over three decades, we have focused on healing the whole child, prioritizing patient safety, quality and innovation. Building on our recent pediatric healthcare expansion efforts, we are now exploring new frontiers.
Our goals include expanding healthcare access by developing a dedicated medical office building for pediatric outpatient services. Centralizing care will enhance the well-being of children and families, paving the way for a brighter future.
Additionally, Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital is leading the way in immunotherapy, specifically CAR T-cell Therapy, to address pediatric cancer diagnoses. These new approaches offer a promising solution for leukemia, especially
for children of Hispanic, African American and Native American heritage. By offering these treatments, we can provide equitable access to the care every child deserves.
These priorities, part of our Stronger Together campaign, embody our commitment to inspire, imagine, dream, and deliver a healthier tomorrow.
Our dedication to patient safety, quality, and innovation continues to be recognized. The Leapfrog Group has named us a Top Children’s Hospital for the sixth time in seven years, and U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks us among the best children’s hospital in the country.
As we look ahead, we remain committed to providing exceptional care for children, mothers, and families in our region. Your partnership is invaluable as we strive to create miracles together.
Thank you for being an integral part of every child’s unique journey at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital.
Saddle Up for Miracles
Outstanding Care, Outstanding Recognition
Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital has once again solidified its position as a leader in pediatric healthcare, receiving the prestigious Top Children’s Hospital designation from The Leapfrog Group for the sixth time in seven years. Peter Baker, the Children’s Hospital’s senior vice president and administrator, expressed profound pride in this achievement, emphasizing, “Being named a Top Children’s Hospital for the sixth time is not just an award, but a reflection of our steadfast commitment to excellence in healthcare.” He attributed this success to the dedication and hard work of the entire Children’s Hospital team, who tirelessly strive to provide the safest and highest quality care to their young patients.
The Leapfrog Awards are highly competitive, with only eight out of more than 250 children’s hospitals across the nation earning this accolade. LLU Children’s Hospital stood out due to its exemplary performance across various hospital performance metrics, including infection rates, surgical safety practices, maternity care, and efforts to prevent medication errors.
In addition to its outstanding clinical achievements, the Children’s Hospital has enriched the hospital experience for young patients with the introduction of Loma Land, an innovative interactive digital experience wall entirely funded by generous donors. Launched in November 2023, Loma Land, created in collaboration with ESI Design, revolutionizes the hospital environment by blending technology and art to engage and uplift spirits.
Located in the hospital lobby, Loma Land features three vibrant kiosk screens where children can select animated forest creatures to walk alongside them. These digital companions serve as blank canvases for children to personalize with accessories and decorations, fostering creativity and a therapeutic escape for children undergoing treatment.
LLU Children’s Hospital continues to excel. The combination of accolades like the Leapfrog Top Children’s Hospital award and innovative projects like Loma Land underscores the Children’s Hospital’s dedication to advancing children’s health and well-being, ensuring every young patient receives the highest standard of care in a supportive, safe and inspiring environment.
Our commitment to quality and safety in all aspects of care regularly earns regional and national recognition. The Leapfrog Group, which ranks hospitals nationwide, named our hospital a Top Children’s Hospital in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2023.
Emily Conant
A New Heart is a Second Chance at Life
Growing up, Emily Conant never knew what it was like to have a “normal” heart. For 18 years, her oxygen levels were only at 70%. Her hands, feet, lips, and nail beds always had a shade of blue. Physical activities were exhausting.
Emily was born with a rare congenital heart condition that results in only one functional heart pumping chamber and heart placement on the right side of the chest instead of the left.
“It was challenging because of the limitations I had. Keeping up with friends or classmates during trips or activities was tough,” Emily shared.
When Emily was 16, her doctors determined that she needed a surgery usually performed by age five to help the heart work more efficiently. However, due to complications and health challenges, Emily had to wait until she was 16 to undergo this surgery.
“Every complication that could have happened, happened. She went into organ failure, and the doctors didn’t think she was going to make it,” Emily’s mom, Shelley, shared.
Eventually, Emily’s doctors told her and her family that she needed a heart transplant. After nearly a year of waiting, they received the call they had been desperately hoping for—a donor heart was available. Emily immediately went into marathon 16-hour surgery.
“We got a call maybe in June or July for a transplant. And by the time we got to the hospital, that was no longer an option,” Shelley recalled. “On August 17, they called us again, and a heart was available.”
The heart transplant surgery was a complex procedure due to Emily’s previous surgeries. However, she amazed everyone with her rapid recovery, leaving the hospital after just three weeks. Post-transplant, Emily’s oxygen levels now reach the high 90s, and she is preparing to start college.
“I feel happy about my new heart,” said Emily. “I don’t regret it at all. Even with being so soon out, I can already see and feel a difference. I’m looking forward to getting out of my recovery stage and to travel to my dream places safely and work without issues.”
Emily’s transformation has been remarkable. Her hands and feet, once bluish, are now pink, and there is a newfound glow about her.
As part of her recovery journey, Emily had the opportunity to see her old heart. Shelley remembers that while Emily initially thought it would be cool to see, it turned into a very emotional experience: “I remember her saying to me that she didn’t understand how that heart kept her alive for so long. The coloring was this blackish brown from scar tissue from all of her surgeries. Everybody in the room was in tears seeing her looking at it and realizing that she really did need this new heart.”
The Conant family is deeply grateful for the medical advancements that saved their daughter and for the anonymous donor who gifted Emily with a chance at life.
In an era of technological advancements and medical innovations, Emily Conant’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of early detection, and the incredible generosity of organ donors.
Loma Linda University Children’s
Saddle Up
Mohammad Kahala Childhood Cancer From a Mother’s Perspective
When Mohammad Kahala was just four years old, his family heard the words every parent fears: your child has cancer.
It was in the spring of 2022 when Mohammad first became sick. It began with what seemed like a severe case of the flu. Mohammad was normally an active little boy, but suddenly he didn’t want to get out of bed; instead, he just wanted his mom, Kelsey, to hold him. He was running a high fever, and though she tried giving him medication to bring the fever down, nothing helped.
As days passed, concerns grew. When Mohammad didn’t improve, Kelsey knew it was time to take him to see his pediatrician at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital.
Mohammad’s physician suggested a visit to the emergency room, suspecting Mohammad might have anemia and may need a blood transfusion. Little did Kelsey know that this was just the beginning of their journey.
Kelsey and Mohammad arrived in the emergency room at the Children’s Hospital, and the healthcare providers there worked quickly to find answers. When the results came in, they were devastating—Mohammad had leukemia. His caregivers took immediate action, letting them know treatment would begin the very next morning.
During a tumultuous and scary season in my family’s life, LLU Children’s Hospital became a beacon of hope for Mohammad’s family. The nurses,
doctors, and caregivers worked tirelessly to ensure Mohammad’s comfort, providing not only medical care but also emotional support that made the unbearable slightly more bearable.
Mohammad even formed a special bond with one nurse, who he affectionately calls his best friend. She went above and beyond, taking time to play with him, offering a ray of sunshine amid challenging treatments and hospital stays.
Throughout the first six months of treatment, Mohammad faced numerous challenges. His immune system was compromised by the aggressive chemotherapy, leading to persistent illnesses and lengthy hospital stays. He also contracted COVID-19 during this time, adding to the complexity of his treatment.
Thanks to the support of his family and care team, today, Mohammad is in remission and undergoing maintenance treatment. He receives lumbar punctures and chemotherapy every three months and visits the clinic every four weeks for checkups and lab work. Additionally, he takes daily oral chemotherapy and weekly intensive treatments to tackle his condition.
Despite enduring countless procedures, treatments, and the physical toll of cancer, Mohammad continues to have a lively personality and strong determination. “He’s so brave. He showed me what strength is,” said Kelsey.
Carlos Garcia
The Galactic Get Well Visit
Darth Vader, Stormtroopers, and hospital staff crowded the halls of the Children’s Hospital in a victory walk for 13-year-old Star Wars superfan, Carlos Garcia. It was a time for celebration, because after receiving a month of lifesaving intensive care treatments for lupus and sepsis, Carlos was being transferred out of the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).
When Carlos’s lungs and kidneys began to fail, he needed the support of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), a procedure that uses a machine to replace the work of the lungs and heart, as well as continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), a non-stop 24-hour dialysis therapy. After weeks in the PICU and 10 days of receiving both treatments, Carlos had shown significant improvements and was recovered enough for his transfer. With the support of his family and comprehensive care team, Carlos wore a smile through treatment and exemplified deep compassion for others. Despite the pain and uncertainty, he remained resilient, often sharing his love for Star Wars with others.
Recognizing this passion for Star Wars, the care team decided to organize a special event to celebrate his progress.
The hospital’s corridors seemingly transformed into a planet far, far away as characters from the franchise appeared. Carlos’s eyes widened in surprise and delight. Darth Vader and his Stormtroopers posed for photos with Carlos and his family, who all brandished lightsabers. It was a moment of pure joy after weeks of treatments.
“We supported him, but he worked hard and chose to fight. The grand gesture shows how proud his nurses and doctors are and that his battle wasn’t easy,” Carlos Garcia Sr. said.
The victory walk was more than just a celebration; it was a testament to Carlos’s strength and determination. The nurses and doctors who had been by his side every step of the way shared in his joy.
As Carlos was wheeled out of the PICU into the step-down ICU, the hope of being discharged from the hospital soon was within reach. The journey ahead still holds challenges, but with the love of his family, the dedication of his medical team, and the spirit of a true Jedi, Carlos faces it with newfound strength. The victory walk was just the beginning of his recovery, a symbol of hope and resilience that will guide him through the next steps of his journey.
Saddle Up
Rebecca Pasillas A Journey of Courage: Surviving a Brain Tumor
Rebecca Pasillas loves swimming, horseback riding, and savoring Hot Cheetos with a zesty twist of lemon.
But in August 2022, her life took an unexpected turn when she started experiencing persistent sickness. Initially, her parents, Dennise Mojica and Victor Pasillas, attributed it to stomach irritation from eating spicy and citrus foods. However, as the symptoms got worse, their concerns grew.
“Something was going on,” her mom recalled. “We took her to the emergency department, and they said, ‘We will keep her for one night to see how she’s doing.’ Next thing you know, the room was full of doctors and nurses.”
What they thought was a stomach-related issue turned out to be something far more serious—a brain tumor. Rebecca and her parents vividly remember the moment she received the diagnosis.
“We thought it was going to be something simple,” Dennise said. “But then they told us she had a tumor on the brain and that she was going to need surgery right away. It was like, what?”
Now 14 years old, Rebecca was confused about what was happening to her health. “I wasn’t sure if I was dreaming,” she said.
Because of the size of the tumor on Rebecca’s brain and the severe brain swelling, she was in critical condition prior to her surgery. When she woke up immediately after surgery, her caregivers and family were incredibly grateful.
The journey to recovery was challenging, but Rebecca’s spirit shined through. After two surgeries—one to remove the tumor and another to place a plate on her head—she spent 10 days in the hospital surrounded by a team of dedicated doctors and nurses. Each step of the way, the medical team ensured her family was well-informed and understood the process, making them feel at ease as much as possible.
“We felt like we were at the right place with the right people,” her dad shared.
As Rebecca approaches her sophomore year in high school, she feels better and embraces life with newfound gratitude and strength. Her courage throughout this challenging experience continues to inspire many around her.
Champions for Children
Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital and our Champions for Children partner together to provide special care for the children of our community. To us, providing hope and healing is not just something we believe, it is something we live. Our Champions giving program consists of corporations and support organizations that have committed to an annual gift benefiting our patients. Thank you to our Champions for ensuring world-class care for the children of our community.
Founding Champion
Walter’s Children’s Charity Classic
Legacy Champions
Aflac
Baker’s Drive-Thru
Corky’s Homestyle Kitchen and Bakery
Farmer Boys Restaurants
K-FROG 95.1 FM and 92.9 FM
Kannan Invitational and US Tournament Golf
Moss Bros. Auto Group
Quaid Harley-Davidson
Spirit of Children
Stater Bros. Charities and Stater Bros. Markets
Walter’s Automotive Group
Corporate Champions
Adventist Health Glendale
AFP - Desert Communities Chapter INC
AGFA Healthcare
Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians
Amazon
AssetMark Trust Company
BofA Securities
BIGHORN Golf Club Charities
Bergelectric Corp.
Budco
California Community Foundation
Cardenas Markets Foundation
Carroll Shelby Foundation
Charities Aid Foundation of America
CIG Financial, LLC
Circa Management Inc.
City of Rancho Mirage
Coachlight Motel
Emerson Fine Jewelry
Epic
Equinox HIT
Family Tree Realty & Investments, Inc.
Frontstream
Gerson Bakar Foundation
Headed Reinforcement Corporation
HSNI LLC
I.U.O.E Local Charitable Golf Committee, Inc.
Inland Empire Community Foundation
Inland Empire Health Plan
In-N-Out Burger Foundation
J & L Properties
Jessup Auto Plaza
Jimmy Choo USA INC
Kettering Medical Center
Kiwanis Cal-Nev-Ha Foundation
L. Curti Truck & Equipment
La Loma Federal Credit Union
Loma Linda University Behavioral Medicine Center
Loma Linda University Cardiothoracic Surgery Department
Loma Linda University Department of Otolaryngology
Loma Linda University Eye Institute
Loma Linda University Health Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Lucas Oil Products Inc.
Martha Green’s Eating Room
Mascari Warner Dinh Architects
McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.
Debra A Meadows, DDS, Inc.
National Giving Foundation Network For Good Over The Top Gifts
Pacific Premier Bank
PENTA Building Group
Picchi Gift Fund at Fidelity Charitable Fund
Pledgeling Foundation
Redlands Optimists Club
Richard Lopez Construction, Inc.
Riverside Community Health Foundation Schnitzer Properties, LLC
Loma Linda University School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics
Seven Point Inc. DBA Sheriff’s Benefit Rodeo
Sierra Aluminum
St. Mary’s Hospice Care
Sue Allison Field MD Inc.
The Coeta and Donald Barker Foundation
Summer Colony Living LLC
The Grace Helen Spearman Charitable Foundation
United Glass & Ceramics
University Insurance Company of Vermont
Varner & Brandt, LLP
Walker Evans Enterprises Construction and Investments
Wishers and Dreamers, Inc.
For more information on how your company can get involved, please contact:
Shelley Brassfield
909-558-5367
sbrassfield@llu.edu
Celebrating Nearly Three Decades of Partnership Farmer Boys, a True “Champion for Children”
For 27 years Farmer Boys has continually developed creative ways to fundraise, such as contributions through portion of sale proceeds from menu items. Its team members also participate in fun activities with pediatric patients in the hospital, making a difference during their hospitalization.
“On behalf of our Children’s Hospital team, I extend our deepest gratitude to Farmer Boys for its support and dedication over the past 27 years. Its incredible contributions, totaling $1.3 million, have made a profound impact on our ability to provide top-quality care and support to our patients and their families,” says Peter Baker, Senior Vice President of the hospital.
Farmer Boys’ philanthropic spirit and community focus are evident in every initiative it supports, making a significant difference in our Children’s Hospital’s ability to increase valuable resources and provide exceptional care. Its commitment as the presenting sponsor of our annual Children’s Day has been particularly rewarding. This beloved spring event provides an interactive and educational experience for children, featuring activity booths focused on health and wellness. It is a well-attended community event that brings joy to children in the Inland Empire.
Thank you, Farmer Boys, for your remarkable generosity and partnership. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of countless families in our community.
Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital Foundation
Endowments
Endowments ensure that the healing care offered by Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital will be available to future generations of children. In addition, named endowments provide a lasting tribute to an individual or a family’s legacy of philanthropy.
The A. Gary Anderson Family Endowment
Carrying out Mr. Anderson’s legacy to meet community needs, the A. Gary Anderson Family Foundation has generously funded the A. Gary Anderson Playroom at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital. This playroom allows young patients to interact with others and enjoy diversionary play under the caring supervision of child life specialists.
The Jerry L. and Shirley N. Pettis Family Research and Operating Endowment
The Pettis Family Endowment provides funds for pediatric hematology and oncology research and clinical care at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital. In recognition of their generous contribution, the pediatric hematology/oncology and stem cell transplant wing of Children’s Hospital was named in their honor in 2005.
The Ken Ramirez Family Endowment
The Ramirez family is dedicated to the eradication of childhood diabetes. Ken Ramirez founded this endowment, which is supported by members of the extended Ramirez family. Annual proceeds support treatment and education provided to Inland Empire children by the Pediatric Diabetes Center at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital.
The James W. Totman Pediatric Cancer Research Endowment
A longtime resident of the Inland Empire, James W. Totman established a trust that provides an endowment for ongoing pediatric cancer research at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital.
The Coral and Richard Tegley Memorial Endowed Education Fund
In remembrance of his wife, a longstanding member of the pediatric critical care nursing team at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, Richard Tegley established this fund to provide greater knowledge to other critical care nurses through educational conference opportunities.
Shawnee’s Smile
Inspired by their youngest daughter Shawnee, Tommy and Maria Ramos established a resource at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital to help families of children born with a cleft palate or cleft lip.
Woolley-Pettis Endowed Chair for Pediatric Research
The Big Hearts for Little Hearts Desert Guild launched the Woolley-Pettis Endowed Chair to support pediatric research and teaching at Loma Linda University Children’s Health in honor of E. Jane Woolley, MD, and The Honorable Shirley N. Pettis-Thompson: two visionary women who established the Desert Guild through their passion and desire to help children.
The James and Rowena Ramos Family Endowment
James and Rowena Ramos were inspired to provide for community children through an endowment at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital. Their inspiration grew from the care provided by the hospital for young members of their family, including granddaughters Summer Fawn and Shawnee Ramos, grandsons Tom Strongwind Ramos and Hawk Brown Ramos, and great-grandson Bryce Ekel. They were also guided by the examples provided by Rowena’s son, Ken Ramirez, and her parents, Raoul and Martha Chacon.
The Raoul and Martha Chacon Family Endowment
The Chacon family believes in the future of our children. Family members have chosen to honor this belief through an endowment that provides life-saving and compassionate care at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital for the children of this community.
For more information about establishing a named endowment, please call: Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital Foundation 909-558-5010
Shining Star Funds
Giving to Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital is a unique way to honor or remember someone close to you while also bringing hope to children in our care. Tribute donors can establish a Shining Star Fund in the name of their loved ones. As well as paying special tribute, a Shining Star Fund provides an everlasting way to honor or remember someone.
Anyone may contribute to a Shining Star Fund at any time to acknowledge a loss, birthday, anniversary, or other special life moments. Gifts to Shining Star Funds further the mission of the Children’s Hospital and help ensure the availability of critical healthcare services for the children.
All Shining Star Funds are listed in our annual report. When a Shining Star Fund reaches $2,500, a celestial star is named for the honored individual. Shining Star Funds that have received $5,000 or more will be included on the shining star donor wall located in the Children’s Hospital.
Cynthia Ambrose
Nicholas L. Anthony
Frank C. Arena Jr.
Ivan Nicholas Bailey
Sandra Berger
Peyton Blythe
Robert Matthew Carroll-Stamp
Ryan Castle
Robert F. Chinnock
Reagan Lynn Clark
Timmy Collins
Barbara N. Crocker Beaune
Alba De Benedet
Liz DeSutter
Alberta Detsch
Savannah Edwards
Danny Flores
Robert J. Fredericks
Bobbie Friedman
Hamma Gibson
Robert L. Green
David Guldhammer
Janine R. Hanna
Paul David Hennings
Jeanne S. Holman
Jason Hughes
Cole Johnson
Laiken K.P. Kenwood
Jennifer Kingston
Dominic Pasquale Leone and Gregory W. Leone
Andy Light
Brandon W. McDonald
Matthew Meza
Marty Moates
Jacob Pannel
Howard “Pops” Peterson
Honorable Dr. Shirley Pettis-Roberson
Michelle Spencer Pogue
Teresina Portolesi
Abigail Power
Elin Price
Maria Ramirez
Ivan Leon Reeve, MD
Randall I. Reeve
Debbie M. Richey
Jean Marie Robb
Simon Sanchez
Christopher Scarpelli
Louise B. Scott
Michael D. Seever
Dawn Siegal
Rhea Singh
Randall Scott Smith
David Arend Spykstra
Carol Donahue Tavares
Al G. Vaughan
Terence D. Vine
Bonnie Jean Whitmer
Sarah Woolery
Art Workman
For more information about establishing a Shining Star Fund, please call: Loma Linda University
Children’s Hospital Foundation 909-558-5010
elttiLrofstraeHgiBst
Big Hearts for Little Hearts Guild
Desert Guild
In 2023, the Big Hearts for Little Hearts Desert Guild Board of Directors committed a $1 million pledge to pediatric cancer care and research. Today, the guild has raised over $800,000 toward their pledge.
Loma Linda
What sets the Loma Linda Guild apart is its patient diversionary activities. Events like Luke’s Birthday, the Gingerbread House event, Spring and Fall Into Reading, the Valentine’s Day party, providing teddy bears, books, Legos, and crafts to the patients, helping make long hospital days manageable for the young patients at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital.
Desert
Joyce Engel
Past President
Debra Carrington
President
Lifetime Member
Eva Guenther-James
Birthday Club Chair
Roland Karim
Treasurer
Jeanne Mace
Teddy Bear Chair
Past President
Lifetime Member
Angie Nelson
Secretary
Dona Nixon
Co-Vice President
Parlimentarian
Past President
Lifetime Member
Board Members
Dawn Rashid
Membership Chair
Lifetime Member
Lizette Vela
Cooking Demo Chair
Historian
Past President
Lifetime Member
CJ Westrick-Bomar, Esq.
Gala Chair
Lifetime Member
Mary Ann Xavier
Co-Vice President
Advisor
Past President
Lifetime Member
Julie Zicovich
Golf Event Chair
Lifetime Member
Loma Linda
Diane Adams
Book A/V Co-Chair
Leigh Anderson
Director of Special Projects
Heather Burton
Social Media Chair
Caryl Clover-Shelby
Book A/V Co-Chair
Burrage Mansion Event Co-Chair
Julie Cutler
Membership Co-Chair
Décor Co-Chair
Cheryl Fallon
Dishes for Wishes Co-Chair
Evelyn Gusseck Co-President
Spring Read/Valentine’s Chair
Hygiene Kits Co-Chair
Eloise Habekost
Tree of Hope Co-Chair
Advisor
Sandi Herrmann
Gingerbread Village Chair
Sandy McCoy
Fall Into Reading Chair
Penny Moores
Treasurer
Laurie Munson, MD
Past President
Dishes for Wishes Co-Chair
Lynn Sleeth Co-President
Membership Co-Chair
Luke’s Birthday Chair
Jeni Smith
Décor Co-Chair
Joyce Waner
Family Fun Day Chair
Dixie Watkins Trees of Hope Co-Chair
Advisor
Kara Watkins
Newsletter Editor
Ardis Wazdatskey
Secretary
Lifetime Membership
Your support has made a heartfelt impact on the lives of patients at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital. By becoming a Lifetime Member, you can make an enduring difference in the life of a child, offering them hope for a happy, healing, and healthy future.
Desert
Katherine Andrews*
Loni Argovitz
Beverly Bailey
Doralee Bailey Wilson*
Scott Bailey
Brenda Banister
Babek Bassirian
Patty Becerra
Chuck Boppell
Karlyn Boppell
Mardell Brandt
Debra Carrington
Svanhild Dolin
David Etheridge
Suzanne Etheridge
Phyllis Evans
Linda Ford, MD
Sheila Freeman
Annette Frykman
Barry Golden
Jill Golden
Donna Goldware
Jo Gudel
Amirah Halum
Mona Halum
Mary Hansen-Faris
Susie Harvey
Cynthia Johnson
Bobbie Kouri
Lisa Leighton
Norma Likens
Stephen Little
Jeanne Mace
Lou Mace
Edeltraud M. McCarthy
Tamara Merrill
Bertha Nebenzahl*
John Nelson
Dona Nixon
Jack Nixon*
Lorraine Pettitt
Robert Piecuch, MD
Nancy Polacheck
Wayne Pollard*
Dawn Rashid
Bobbie Reiman
Linda Rider
Manny Rider
Wendy Roberts, MD
Carol Rochford
Tim Rochford
Omar Romero
Andrea Rosenblatt
Carole Stephen-Smith
Lizette Vela
Kathleen Venturi
Dee Wambaugh
Rosella Weissman*
CJ Westrick-Bomar, Esq.
E. Jane Woolley, MD
James Woolley
Morton Woolley, MD*
Frank Xavier
Mary Ann Xavier
Josh N. Zahid
Julie Zicovich
Loma Linda
Diane Adams
Leigh Anderson
Gary Brown
Bev Ching
Melissa Chun, DDS
Caryl Clover-Shelby
Julie and Tom Cutler
Jackie Davis
Marcia and Richard Dunbar
Evelyn Gusseck
Cynthia Johnson
Melissa and Pete Koss
Debra Meadows, DDS
Laurie Munson, MD
Joyce and Phillip Reiswig
Julia Rogers
Joyce and Neal Waner
Ai-Mae Watkins, MD
Barry Watkins, MD
Honorary Lifetime Members
Jeanne and Jim Durbin
Martha Green
Caryl Clover-Shelby and Kirk Shelby
*Deceased
Desert
Diane Adams
Maritza Alvarado
Leigh Anderson
Elaine Asarch
Joseph Babinuaux
Rita Bailie
Deborah Bainer
Lindi Biggi
Phoebe Biscow
Kristin Bloomer
Mitch Blumberg
Judith Brawner
Fidge Brown
Connie Calcavecchia
Rebecca Caldwell
Loretta Carlson
Elizabeth Chamberlin
Bev Ching
Caryl Clover-Shelby
Annual Members
Julie Coplon
Chrisitine Cummings-Burks
Julie Cutler
Adriana Cutler
Mark D’Agostino
Sandra Davis
Michelle Dean
Marge Dodge
Joyce Engel
Laurel Enix
Lori Enroth
Linda Fielder
Joan Firmage
Jo Anne Forrest
Marvin Gans
Warren Gelman
Susan Gelman
Mercedes Godfrey
Jill Green
Norene Green
David Greene
Alan Greene
Eva Guenther-James
Eloise Habekost
Evelyn Hall
Norma Hare
Betsey Helie
Carol Herrera
Karen Hudis
Phil Hudis
Christine Hughes
Marti Hunt
Christiane Jouber
Roland Karim
Lola Kent
Melissa Koss
Virginia Kotz
Ginny Kotz
Patsy Kruse
Ellen Lambright
Kelly Levy
Heidi Maldoon
Catherine McClaskey
Carolyn Meyer
Karen Miles
Carla Sue Miller
Stephanie Minor
Penny Moores
Laurel Munson
Norman Nelson
Angie Nelson
Terri Neuman
Marylin Noll
LeeAnn Ohanesian-Kinakin
Wendy Parker
Maria Parker
Barbara Platt
Doris Pultz
Susan Rappaport
Gail Rice
Margo Ritter
Victoria Robman
Susan Shen
Jeni Smith
Myrna Solomon
Katherine Spates
Jan Spencer
Sheila Stone
Bonnie Tallakson
Eunice Trevor
Summer Trevor
Marianne Vanbroekhoven
Donna Warren
Dixie Watkins
Doris Weber
Ted Weill
Jenny Weill
Julie Williamson
Lea Wiviott Boracchia
Rita Wood
Barbara Yates
Loma Linda
Diane Adams
Lin Adams, DDS
Leigh Anderson
Peter Baker
Kathy Sharkey Barr
Georgie Barrett
Donna Becker Lesko
Renee Bengtson
Joan Benson
Dirk Biermann
Deborah Blevin
Laurie Boatman
Caroline Boyd
Dorothy Brooks
Gary Brown
Ann Bryan
Rachelle Bussell
Arturo Cabrera
Andrew Carlson
Cheryl Carlson
Julie Caruso
Bev Ching
Marian Chrispens
Melissa Chun, DDS
Suzy Clem
Janet Cohen
Elaine Cohoe
Cindy Collins
Maggie Cotton
Adriana Cutler
Julie Cutler
Tom Cutler
Carolyn Dalzell
Jackie Davis
Peggy Daw
Joanna DeLeon
Marcia Dunbar
Richard Dunbar
Cheryl Eller
Rhonda Estle
Cheryl Fallon
Mary Fogleman
Jan Fowler
Patty Frink
Marita Gardner
Rose Gardner
Jill Green
Martha Green
Evelyn Gusseck
Eloise Habekost
Candy Hadley
Sandi Hermmann
Kathy Holm
Cameron Iannone
Juliiana Iannone
Cynthia Johnson
Elliott Jordan
Jill Jordan
Justin Jordan
Matt Jordan
Taylor Jordan
Robyn Jutzy
Barbara Kalnas
Susan Kean
Marilyn Kim
Judy Kuhlman
Lani Lynch
Kathy Maiberger
Diane Mapes
Debra Meadows, DDS
Ann Meier
Carol Meulenkamp
Don Moores, MD
Penny Moores
Gloria Moreland
Jean Murdoch
Tes Murtagh
Barbara O’Keefe
Melanie Orr
Beverly Perez
Patricia Perkins
Debbie Pine
Beverlly Price
Jo Bonita Rains
Dawn Rashid
Joyce Reiswig
Phillip Reiswig, MD
Julia Rogers
Mary Saba
Chris Scott
Linda Serros
Caryl Clover Shelby
Lynn Sleeth
Jeni Smith
Nancy Spencer
Leda Stockton
Angie Temple
Michael Thompson
Karen Torrey
Sally Trost
Carol Trousas
Marian Wagner
Dixie Watkins
Shelli Watkins
David Weir
Ellen Weisser
Stan Weisser
Carolyn Wieder
Cindy Wilburn
Gayle Wyatt
Mary Ann Xavier
Tommy Young
Josh N. Zahid
jmgreen@llu.edu
lluch.org/guilds
“...you find God’s grace in every mistake and always give more than you take.” – “My Wish”, Rascal Flatts
Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital Foundation
Birthday Club
The Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital Birthday Club is an exciting and meaningful way to make a difference on your birthday! Instead of receiving gifts, ask your friends and family to make a donation in honor of your birthday. You can turn your special day into a celebration for everyone by helping us create healthy tomorrows for kids in our community.
Birthday Club Members
David Abas
Kamell Abdnour
Morris Adriana
Alison Agins
Ray Alvarado
Rambod Amirnovin
Lavonne Anderson
Kathy Andrews
Wela Andrews
Tony Anobile
Martha Aquino
Nicole Arana
Crystal Arellano
Lindsey Armstrong
Zachary Badham
Josh Bain
Beth Balogh
Madeline Bardi
Teel Bardi
Kristin Barnes
LeRoy Barnes
Hector Barragan
Audrey Bates
Dave Beaman
David Bee
Diana Begg
Eileen Bennett
Kim Bernabe
Sean Berry
Vern Biloff
Scot Boehm
Staci Brock
Jan Broderick
Steve Brown
Yolanda Brown
Mike Bullard
DB Burden
Sharon Bush
Rachelle Bussell
Lynne Campbell
Lindsey Carey
Christina Carney
Lisa Caron
Angel Chagolla
Tommy Channell
Satbir Chhina
Hugo Chinchay Sr.
Hugo Chinchay-Sold
Julie Clauss
Andrea Colasardo
Samantha Colasardo
Megan Conley
Manuel Contreras
Megan Cordova
Toby Cornell
Allan Crawford
Mary Cruickshank
Rotner Dale
Becky Damazo
Debbie Davidson
Candace Davis
Kim Davis
Suzette Suzie Davis
Gloria Davy
Michelle Dean
Granillo Deborah
Brandon Decker
Heather Dee
Jack Delaney
Joanna Deleon
Karim Delfino-Wasson
Dona Delight
Krissy Deluca
Dennis Deming
Douglas Deming
Cheri Dena
VaLerie Diamanti
Juanita Diaz
Nixon Dona
Warren Donna
Dubby Dubb
Misty Duncan
Michelle Dunlap
Kathryn Dunn
Elizabeth Durdle
Jennifer Eaton
Jim Eddy
Lyndon Edwards
Lori Emmalynne
Art Esparza
Irene Esparza
Robert Esparza
Kristin Etling
Patrick Evans
Laura Eversole
Torri Fagernes
Jane-Spider Fawke
Joni Field
Monica Fischer
Roger Mary Flann
Carlos Flores
Jessica Flores
Dorothy Forde
Marcus Frey
Heather Froglear
Teresa Fuentez
Christine Fuller
Claudia Garcia
Tarah Garcia
Teodora Garcia
Jessamie Garvin
Mark Girguis
Julie Rashid Goeden
Wendy Goforth
Ana Gomez
Dalia Gomez
Evamaria Gomez
Gloria Alvarado Gomez
Issac Gonzales
Cat Gonzalez
William Gonzalez
Sandi Gordon
Cindy Gray
Doreen Gregoire
Michele Grueter
Carlos Guerrero
Kristine Gulpo
Eva Guenther-James
Mitzy Gutierrez
Rosalind Hack
Dimitri Halkidis
David Hall
Dennis Hall
Destiny Hall
Pam Hallberg
Thomas Hans
Alisa Mokler Harper
Lori Hartigan
Loretta Hauck
Harley Heinrich
Jeanne Heinrich
Judy Heinrich
Kienle Helga
Marta C. Heliotis
Brenda Hernandez
Tom Herron
Tonya Hetrick
Nicole Higgins
Doug Hilak
Brandon Hill
Katelyn Hill
Raquel Hill
Teresa Hill
Sheila Hodgkin
Mary Howard
Gina Howey
Anne Howitt
Karen Hubbard
Cessaly Hutchinson
Sandy Ibarra
Wisdom James
Mace Jeanne
Toby Jennings
Andrew Jessup
Firmage Joan
Kathy John
Natalie Johnson
Cheryl Johnston
Dora Jolly-Henderson
Alissa Joy
Judith Hart
Jamie Kelly
Brandon Kenig
Lola Kent
Margaret Kinderman
Brittany Kitchen
Violette Kjeldgaard
Debi Kolentus-Smith
Melissa Koss
Kevin Kotula
Carolyn Krauss
Ashley Kristine
Lillian Krug
Joyce Lalone
Darice Lang
Ranae Larsen
Jena Lavender
Mary Lawrence
Edith Lee
Elisabeth Hartig Lentulo
Chuck Lesnick
Carla Lidner
Jamie Lienberger
Erica Limon
Linda Rider
Patrick Linsk
Lucy Lobato
Irene Longworth
Cassandra Lopez
Jill Lopez
Karen Lopez
Shawna Lopez-Bartha
Breanna Lotz
Karen Lotz
Darlene Luna
Chuck Macfarland
Bruce Malter
Angela Manalo-Lalas
Monica Manzanares
Bruce Mapel
James Marsh
Jessica Martinez
Julian Martinez
Roxanne Martinez
Mary Marx
Reggie Mas
Evan Maxwell
Hiromi Maxwell
Lowanna Maxwell
Justin Mcgee
Karen Mcneal
JoAnn Mcpherson
Ashley Melvin
Naye Merino
Tamara Merrill
Lisa Michler
Jayne Miller
Jill Miller
Carol N. Allen Mock
Leslie Monarrez
Bob Moores
Becca Mueller
Gabriel Mughadam
Joe Mulherin
Frank Naifeh
Joy Naifeh
Gabe Nasr
Krystal Nelson
Ray Nelson
Nancy Bronsert Newell
Sylvia Ness
Lynn Noah
Norma Noriega
Gloria Marie Pacheco Ocana
Connie O’Connor
Amy O’Neal
Irma Ochoa-Lopez
Darin Onishi
Harry Opsimos
Shelby Osowski
Lance Ott Sr.
John Owen
Ana Padron
Dawn Parkinson
Jillian Aalborg Payne
Robert Pedersen
Barb Pelland
Carlos Peralta
Travis Pesta
Eisenberg Phyllis
Monica Plata
Donna Poole
Andrea Poppleton
Diane Popson
Beth Powers
Dee Proffitt
Dan Quach
Gerard Raiti
Christine Gilmartin Ramirez
Alan Rashid
Dawn Rashid
Karen Brower Rawson
Lowell Reade
Dan Rehome
Paul Rhiney
Amber Fox Rhoades
Mick Rhodes
Gerry Riffle
Rebeca Rios
Richard Rios
Robert Ripley
Catherine Rivera
Tim Roberts
Andrea Rodriguez
Irma Rodriguez
Karim Roland
Lorena Rosales
Julie Roth
Linda Merlo Ruggio
Joyce Rusch
Carla Sal
Bianca Saldana
Richard Salgado
Corina Salugao
Lakshman Samynathan
Diana Sanchez-Mendoza
Davis Sandra
Larry Sartorius
Angela Scaturro
Heather Taylor Schaubmayer
Tom Schmidt
Ellie Schwartz
Mike Schwerin
Jeff Scooler
Mary Beth Scott
Anthony Seiffert
John Self
Patty Sexton
Candy Shearer
Anna Shepherd
Brittany Sims
Britta Smith
Fran Smith
Melissa Sottile
Cornelia Spickard
Alan Spitzer
Diane Stanton
Helen Staples-Evans
Robert Stover
Theresa Strehl
Erica Sutch
Suzanne Shephard Swisher
S.E. Tanita
Sandy Tarin
Chuck Tedeschi
Rick Terrazano
Lisseth Thomas
Marilyn Thompson
Cindy Tinsley
Rachel Tiscareno
Sonia Tito
Jeff Toboco
Mary Tolar
Jane Tom
Nora Torrero
Gabrielle Torres
Sue Townsley
Roberta Tracy
Andy Ungerer
Mse Val
Nica Valencia
Darreld Van Westrienen
Dawn Vaughn
Matt Vieira
Joe Viland
Marian Wagner
Brandon Walters
Malena Wareham
Linda Warren
Sunjeeve Weerasinghe
Kelly Wellman
Pinky Wesley
Tim Wheatley
Virgil White
Llewellyn Wilds
Jaci Wilkens
Joyce Wilkens
Russ Wilkinson
Patricia Williams
Ted Wondsel
Emma Woolley
Rosemary Workman
Steve Wormser
Carol Wortsman
Frank Xavier
Robert Ybarra For
Peter Baker, President
Candace Spiel, Chair
Amber Ruiz, Treasurer
Rachelle Bussell
Andy Carpiac
Debra Carrington
Francis Chan, MD
Robin Diamond-Ward
Trixie Fargo
Jill Golden
Martha E. Green
Evelyn Gusseck
Richard Hart, MD, DrPH
Ernie Hwang
Cathy Kienle
Steve Kienle
Melissa Koss
Neelima Kunam, MD
2023 Board of Directors
Jeanne Mace
Alaina Mathews
Glenn Moss
Dona Nixon
Ricardo Peverini, MD
Victoria PonTell
Maria Ramos
Kelly Roberts
Barbara Robinson
Phil Savage IV
Karen Scott
Lynn Sleeth
Ken Stream
Dennis Troesh
Sean Varner
Roger Wadell
James E. Woolen
Trevor Wright
Mary Ann Xavier
Advisors
Erin J. Anderson
Christi Bulot
Richard E. Chinnock, MD
H. Roger Hadley, MD
J. David Moorhead, MD
Honorable Patrick J. Morris
Dave K. Stockton
George D. Voigt
Dixie Watkins
Director
Joanna DeLeon
909-558-5366
jadeleon@llu.edu
Senior Development Officer and Guild Liaison
Josh N. Zahid 909-558-5384
jnzahid@llu.edu
Guilds Coordinator
Jill Green
909-651-9849
jmgreen@llu.edu
Contact Us
Corporate Program Coordinator
Shelley Brassfield 909-558-5368
sbrassfield@llu.edu
Events Coordinator
Austyn Wilson 909-558-5367
austynwilson@llu.edu
Physical Address
LLU Children’s Hospital Foundation 11175 Mountain View Avenue, Suite B Loma Linda, CA 92354
Mailing Address
LLU Children’s Hospital Foundation P.O. Box 2000 Loma Linda, CA 92354
Phone ~ Fax ~ Email
Phone: 909-558-5010 | 1-800-825-KIDS
Fax: 909-558-3562
Email: friends@llu.edu
Tax ID # 33-05565591
Help us provide the most advanced and quality care for our community’s children and families. Point your camera at the QR code, or visit us at lluch.org/annualreport to make a difference today.
