Posts Tagged: patient story
July 9, 2026
Racing Toward Smiles
NASCAR Drivers Visit Rady Children’s Ahead of the Big Race As anticipation built for the inaugural NASCAR competition in Coronado and the roar of engines drew near, drivers, children and families shared meaningful moments of laughter and connection away from the racetrack. NASCAR drivers Christopher Bell and Ryan Preece recently visited Rady Children’s Hospital San…
Community Impact
giving back, patient stories, patient story, volunteering
July 9, 2026
More Than a Game
Rady Children’s Patients Experience a Field Trip Like No Other at Padres Spring Training For a group of teens from Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego, a recent trip to Padres spring training in Arizona was about much more than baseball. For these 19 patients of the Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, it was…
Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders
cancer, giving back, hematology/oncology, patient stories, patient story, Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, pediatric cancer, pediatric hematology/oncology
June 30, 2026
Alexia’s Journey Through Chronic Pain
Finding Relief and Hope Through the Chronic Pain Programs at Rady Children’s For patients like Alexia at Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego, life can change overnight. From carefree and active to feeling trapped in a body that no longer felt like her own, with relentless pain compounded by the fear of not knowing how to…
Chronic Pain and Pain Management
chronic pain, chronic pain care, chronic pain management, patient stories, patient story
June 25, 2026
Where Personal Story Meets Purpose
A patient access representative who’s the father of a child with autism uses lived experience to connect with families As the dad of a daughter with autism, Garwin Enriquez knows how overwhelming a diagnosis can feel. He remembers the uncertainty, the questions and the effort it took to coordinate care and support. That experience shapes…
Rady Children's Staff
developmental evaluation clinic, patient stories, patient story, staff stories
June 25, 2026
Reunited and it Feels so Good
Rady Children’s NICU reunions give families and caregivers an opportunity to reconnect During the days, weeks or months a young patient spends in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego, doctors, nurses and volunteer caregivers become like a second family. The NICU team pours their hearts into caring for every…
Neonatology
NICU, patient stories, patient story
June 16, 2026
A Smile Bigger Than Cancer
A Second Grader, a Rare Cancer, and the Moment Hope Rang Loudest at Rady Children’s Haisley bursts into the room with her stuffed Choco bear tucked under her arm, moving quickly, like she’s late for something fun. She smiles before anyone even says hello. At 8 years old, she’s full of energy and confidence. She’s…
Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders
cancer, patient stories, patient story, Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, pediatric cancer
April 10, 2026
Living Life Without Limits Goes Viral
Enrrique’s Story Meet the “Superkid” with Type 1 diabetes who’s inspiring families everywhere Enrrique’s love of cooking began early. His mom has videos of him in the kitchen at just three years old, already experimenting with food and flavors. He was always the one showing up to soccer practice with a homemade snack, eager to…
Endocrinology/Diabetes
diabetes, endocrinology, Endocrinology/Diabetes, patient stories, patient story, T1D, type 1 diabetes
April 10, 2026
Celebrating Every Child for Who They Are at Alexa’s PLAYC
An Inclusive Preschool Where Every Child Thrives Stories of growth from families whose children have thrived at Rady Children’s inclusive preschool Childhood is made up of small moments that shape big futures: sharing a toy for the first time, spotting a roly-poly in the garden, or discovering that two paint colors can make a brand-new…
Alexa's PLAYC
Alexa's PLAYC, autism, patient stories, patient story, preschool
April 4, 2026
Kannon’s Story: Finding hope in the hardest moments
Kannon’s Story Finding hope in the hardest moments Last year, the day after Christmas, we received news no parent is ever prepared to hear. Our 2-year-old son, Kannon, had cancer. In the weeks leading up to the holidays, nothing quite added up. Kannon had one illness after another. Daily high fevers that sometimes climbed over…
Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders
cancer, hematology/oncology, patient stories, patient story, Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, pediatric cancer, pediatric hematology/oncology
March 22, 2026
From Patient to Physician: A childhood cancer diagnosis and care at Rady Children’s shaped a young doctor’s career
Turning a Diagnosis Into a Calling A childhood cancer diagnosis and care at Rady Children’s shaped a young doctor’s career When Alexis Doll was 15, her life changed forever. After months of persistent pain in her right knee, she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. She was referred to the Peckham Center…
Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders
cancer, hematology/oncology, patient stories, patient story, Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, pediatric cancer, pediatric hematology/oncology, staff stories
March 12, 2026
Scarlett’s Story: Hope, Healing, and a New Beginning at Rady Children’s Heart Institute
Scarlett’s Story Scarlett’s heart journey began before she was even born. During a routine anatomy scan, doctors discovered that only two of the four chambers of her heart were working. Her family learned early that she would need specialized care from the moment she arrived. Even before birth, Scarlett showed incredible strength. She is a…
Heart Institute
cardio, cardiology, cardiovascular health, patient stories, patient story
February 3, 2026
Ian’s Story of Strength Through Rare Disease and Recovery
Ian’s Story: Strength, Family and Specialized Care Meet Ian, the youngest of three brothers diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called ataxia telangiectasia (AT), which affects the nervous and immune systems, balance and coordination. Ian was also the second of the three boys to be diagnosed with leukemia at a young age. For years, he…
Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders
hematology/oncology, patient stories, patient story, Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, pediatric hematology/oncology
February 2, 2026
Finding Strength, Sharing Hope: Karen’s Story
Karen’s Story: Strength, Hope and a Second Chance When you meet Karen, the first thing you notice is her smile. It’s the kind of smile that makes you feel lighter, seen and welcomed. It’s no surprise, then, that one of the mottos she lives by is simple but powerful: “Give a smile to the world.…
Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders
hematology/oncology, patient stories, patient story, Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, pediatric hematology/oncology
February 1, 2026
Ariana’s Journey: Finding Strength, Joy and Hope at Rady Children’s
Ariana’s Story: Joy, Strength and the Power of Taking It Day by Day When you meet Ariana, the first thing you notice is her bright spirit. At just 6 years old, she loved nothing more than playing with her cats and taking afternoon walks with her family in the Coachella Valley. As the youngest of…
Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders
hematology/oncology, leukemia, patient stories, patient story, Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, pediatric hematology/oncology
January 5, 2026
Meet Isabella, a Tiny Fighter Thriving After a Brave Start
Isabella’s Story Meet Isabella. Born at just 26 weeks and weighing less than 2 pounds, Isabella entered the world much earlier than expected and faced challenges from the very beginning. She spent 114 days in our NICU and bravely underwent a life-saving heart surgery. Through every setback, Isabella showed extraordinary strength. A Fragile Start Babies…
Heart Institute
cardio, cardiology, cardiovascular, cardiovascular surgery, heart, heart institute, neonatology, NICU, patient stories, patient story
January 3, 2026
From Saipan to San Diego: Leon Beats Leukemia and Heads Home Healthy
Leon’s Story Congratulations to Leon, who is now cancer-free. Leon was diagnosed with leukemia when he was 14 years old at a hospital in Saipan, where he and his family are from. When they learned he needed specialized care beyond what was available locally, Leon and his father, Leo, began a journey that would bring…
Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders
cancer, hematology/oncology, leukemia, patient stories, patient story, Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, pediatric cancer, pediatric hematology/oncology, saipan
January 3, 2026
Meet Ruby and Luke, Brave Fighters Who Beat Leukemia at Rady Children’s
Ruby and Luke’s Story: Two Siblings, Two Journeys, One Incredible Family Meet Ruby and her big brother, Luke — two brave fighters who beat leukemia. Luke’s Diagnosis Luke was diagnosed the day after Christmas in 2018 at just 8 years old. What followed were nine long months of treatment, appointments and uncertainty. Then came the…
Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders
cancer, hematology/oncology, leukemia, patient stories, patient story, Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, pediatric cancer, pediatric hematology/oncology
January 3, 2026
From Leukemia to Living Life Fully: Max’s Journey of Courage
Max’s Story: Strength, Joy and a Smile That Never Faded Max was just 4 years old when he was diagnosed with leukemia. Those first months were the hardest, and watching his little body go through such intense treatment was heartbreaking. But through it all, Max showed unbelievable strength, courage and a smile that could light…
Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders
cancer, hematology/oncology, leukemia, patient stories, patient story, Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, pediatric cancer, pediatric hematology/oncology, pediatric leukemia
December 22, 2025
The Parks Effect: Turning Loss into Legacy
On July 15, 2016, Brock and Katy Heckmann welcomed their son, Parks Dempsey Heckmann, into the world at just 26 weeks. Born prematurely, Parks’ vital organs weren’t fully developed, and after three days in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, he developed a severe brain bleed. Despite his…
Neonatology
donor impact, foundation, giving back, neonatalogy, NICU, patient stories, patient story
December 14, 2025
Mission Possible: A Little Boy, a Big Team, and the Power of Hope
Elliot’s Story Elliot is a fighter. Diagnosed with achondroplasia, the most common form of dwarfism, at 32 weeks in utero, tiny Elliot faced huge challenges before he was even born. With concerns about his chest size and the complications it could cause, Elliot’s family sought the expertise of several children’s hospitals across the country—from Philadelphia…
Pulmonology
aerodigestive, airway disorders, ENT, GI, orthopedics, patient stories, patient story, PICU, pulmonology
December 6, 2025
Love Notes: Finding Strength Through Chronic Pain
BY ALEXIA ORTEGA CASTREJON (Patient) It’s hard to describe the moment everything changed. One day, I was walking through life like any other teenager. I was carefree, active, full of dreams. The next, I was on crutches, and pain became my constant companion. It wasn’t just physical. It was emotional, overwhelming and isolating. Chronic pain…
Chronic Pain and Pain Management
chronic pain, patient stories, patient story
November 3, 2025
Amazing Amir: A Premature Baby Thrives in the NICU at Rady Children’s
The majority of Blanca Cortez’s pregnancy could be described as uneventful. Ultrasounds showed that baby Amir was developing normally, and no serious issues were detected. “Amir’s dad was the one who was nauseous,” Blanca jokes. At 24 weeks, everything changed. Blanca was rushed to the hospital and gave birth to Amir. She didn’t even get…
Neonatology
critical care, feeding disorders, infant, infant health, neonatology, NICU, patient stories, patient story
October 11, 2025
Two Times the Care
Kids with complex musculoskeletal tumors benefit from specialized, coordinated care Rady Children’s Hospitals in San Diego and Orange County have long partnered to expand access to highly specialized pediatric care across Southern California. Now united under Rady Children’s Health*, the organization is poised to make an even greater impact for generations to come. For children…
Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders
cancer, ortho, orthopedics, patient stories, patient story, pediatric cancer, Pediatric Orthopedics, Rady Children's Health
July 14, 2025
Team Trent: Collaborative Cancer Care Across Counties
Collaborative care at Rady Children’s and CHOC helps a kid overcome an aggressive brain tumor It started with slight weakness on his left side. Trent, then 8, began stumbling. He had trouble using his hand, experienced severe headaches, and fell while riding his scooter near his Santa Ana home. Trent saw a doctor and eventually…
Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders
cancer, neuro-oncology, patient stories, patient story, pediatric cancer, proton center, proton therapy, Radiation Therapy
May 8, 2025
My Mom Gave Me Life—Twice.
After a lifesaving kidney donation from her mother, Kenya found strength, purpose, and a path to give back. Today, Kenya is just days away from earning her Master’s in Public Health at San Diego State University, driven by a mission to support others in health care. She wrote her thesis on organ donation, volunteers as…
Nephrology
donor, kidney, kidney transplant, living donor, patient stories, patient story, transplant
March 12, 2025
A Mother’s Gift
The Lifesaving Impact of Living Kidney Donation at Rady Children’s By Megan Matthew and Sarah Sapeda Melanie Sniff knew for years that she might one day be a kidney donor. Problems with her daughter Quincy’s kidney were detected while Quincy and her twin sister were still in the womb. The family anticipated surgery shortly after…
Nephrology
kidney, kidney transplant, living donor, patient stories, patient story, transplant, UC San Diego
February 14, 2025
Bailey the Brave
Beating Ewing Sarcoma at Rady Children’s Fifteen-year-old Bailey, a sophomore at Cathedral Catholic High School, loves shopping at the mall, listening to music, hanging out with friends, and playing soccer. But last year, her life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a rare and aggressive type of cancer. In February,…
Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders
cancer, hematology/oncology, patient stories, patient story, Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, pediatric cancer
October 11, 2024
Thicker Than Water
Young Patients Bond Over Shared Blood Disorder, Treatment at Rady Children’s Ella Martinez and Kamila Saradpon consider each other sisters. They hang out together, laugh, share secrets, and play games. They even went to school together for a time. They celebrate each other’s wins and encourage each other to keep going during tough times, as…
Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders
cancer, hematology/oncology, patient stories, patient story, Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, pediatric cancer, pediatric hematology/oncology
September 5, 2024
Rady Children’s and Little Heroes League: A Beacon of Hope for Premature Infants
Amir’s Story Amir was born at just over 24 weeks, marking the beginning of a long and challenging journey for both him and his family. Shortly after birth, he developed hydrocephalus, a condition where fluid builds up in the brain, leading to potentially severe complications. “Watching Amir struggle to breathe and seeing his head grow…
Neonatology
infant, infant health, neonatology, NICU, patient stories, patient story, premature
May 2, 2024
Rickey’s Journey: Thriving with Alexa’s PLAYC
When Rickey turned 3, his parents noticed something was different about their son compared to his siblings. Initially, signs of delay in speech, difficulty with social interactions, and fixation tendencies raised concerns. He eventually was diagnosed with autism. The Montessori preschool he was enrolled in was becoming a challenge, so his parents sought specialized services.…
Autism Discovery Institute
Alexa's PLAYC, autism, autism education, autism services, autism spectrum, autism spectrum disorder, autism support, patient stories, patient story
April 26, 2024
Maverick’s Journey: Conquering Heart Challenges at Rady Children’s
Maverick’s Story Meet Maverick Ezekiel Miles, affectionately known as Mavey, a resilient 18-month-old with an indomitable spirit. Since birth, Mavey faced a series of health hurdles, including recurrent RSV infections (respiratory syncytial virus) and a congenital heart defect called atrial septal defect (ASD). The condition is characterized by a hole in the heart’s upper chambers…
Heart Institute
cardiology, cardiovascular health, cardiovascular surgery, dickinson image-guided intervention center, infant, infant health, patient stories, patient story
April 23, 2024
The Story of Amazing Mia
Mia Roman’s extraordinary journey began unexpectedly early. Born at just 25-and-a-half weeks, she weighed a mere 1 pound or just a loaf of bread. Her lungs were not ready for the outside world, and Mia’s care team at a Los Angeles hospital struggled to wean her off respiratory support despite many attempts. The team…
Neonatology
aerodigestive, airway disorders, feeding disorders, infant health, neonatalogy, NICU, Otolaryngology, patient stories, patient story
March 21, 2024
Rowin’s Journey to Diagnosis and Hope at Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego
In July 2020, Rowin, a lively 6-year-old from Bozeman, Montana, began experiencing frequent and uncontrollable daytime naps. This disrupted his daily routine and concerned his family. Despite multiple visits to pediatricians and specialists, a definitive diagnosis remained mysterious. Frustrated by the lack of progress, Rowin’s family sought a referral to a sleep specialist in Bozeman.…
Sleep
behavioral sleep disorder, childhood narcolepsy, hypersomnia, insomnia, narcolepsy, neurology, patient stories, patient story, pediatric narcolepsy, sleep, sleep apnea, sleep disorders, sleep study
November 14, 2023
Jordan the Heart Warrior
Jordan was welcomed into the world following a healthy full-term pregnancy and birth. He was deemed healthy during his newborn exam and at his early pediatric visits. Around 7 weeks of age, he began breathing rapidly, sweating profusely when eating, and seemed to be struggling with breathing. A pediatric visit revealed he was not gaining…
Heart Institute
ALCAPA, cardiac, cardiology, cardiopulmonary, cardiovascular health, cardiovascular surgery, CTICU, ECMO, heart, NICU, patient stories, patient story, surgery
October 24, 2023
Amelia’s Triumph Over Chronic Pain: A Journey to Recovery
Missing school. Frequent visits to the emergency room. Spending days in bed. Feeling depressed. This was what Amelia’s life looked like after a sports injury left her in constant pain. Amelia, once a vibrant and active teenager, watched as her life, health, and schoolwork spiraled downwards. She eventually was diagnosed with amplified musculoskeletal pain syndrome…
Chronic Pain and Pain Management
anxiety, behavioral health, canine therapy, certified child life specialist, child life, chronic pain, depression, inpatient chronic pain management, inpatient pain, inpatient pain management, mental health, opioid- and pain medication-free, pain, patient stories, patient story, pediatric mental health
October 19, 2023
Sports Injury to Surgical Triumph – One Athlete’s Inspiring Comeback Story
Iliana Downing wouldn’t let injury deter her from reaching new heights and reclaiming her athletic dreams. The 17-year-old’s journey began five years ago at a soccer match, when an explosive kick caused a hip fracture, common among young athletes whose growth plates have not fully developed. Though Iliana was advised to take time off for…
Orthopedics & Scoliosis
hip, hip disorders, orthopedics, patient stories, patient story, pole vaulting, sport
September 19, 2023
A Journey Through Chronic Pain: Stella’s Story
Stella was 12 years old when she was diagnosed with amplified musculoskeletal pain syndrome (AMPS). AMPS is a chronic pain condition that causes the brain to send pain signals to the body even when there is no injury. Stella’s pain was so severe that she could barely move, and she had to be hospitalized and…
Chronic Pain and Pain Management
chronic pain, chronic pain care, chronic pain management, patient stories, patient story, pediatric rheumatologist, rheumatology
September 13, 2023
Courageous Dreams: Noah’s Journey Through Leukemia
Noah’s Story Noah is a six-year-old boy with boundless energy and a heart full of dreams. “Noah loves baseball, soccer and all things related to construction workers, firefighters and police officers,” shares his mom, Charlotte. “He wants to be all three professions when he grows up, so he’s going to be busy!” Noah’s mom is…
Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders
cancer, hematology/oncology, leukemia, patient stories, patient story, Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, pediatric cancer, pediatric leukemia
September 4, 2023
When Medicine is a Mystery
Mina Longo is a soft-spoken 13-year-old who loves to read horror novels, listen to heavy metal music and is learning to play the guitar. She sounds like many girls in middle school, worrying about things like making time for friends and if she might finally get a new Google Pixel. You would never know it…
Aerodigestive
aerodigestive, airway disorders, ENT, esophageal disorders, Otolaryngology, patient stories, patient story
August 16, 2023
Ethan’s Journey: From Bike Injury to Off-Road Racing Success
Ethan is a boy who lives for adventure and off-road racing. Ethan and his family were no strangers to the thrill of exploring the desert in their quads, Jeeps, and UTVs. In 2015, for Christmas, they gifted Ethan a Polaris 170 Rzr, which he and his younger brother cruised around the desert in, creating countless…
Orthopedics & Scoliosis
ortho, orthopedics, patient stories, patient story, pediatric ortho, Pediatric Orthopedics, sports medicine, surgery
August 3, 2023
Catching a Breath – Jazz’s Journey to Health
Two-year-old, Jazz Antes, can now enjoy a simple activity that was off-limits to him for so long: bubble baths. Taking a bath can be something we take for granted, but for parents Lydisha and James, it was a huge milestone for their son. “We wanted Jazz to experience some of the wonderful things about childhood,…
Aerodigestive
aerodigestive, airway disorders, ENT, feeding disorders, gastro, gastroenterology, NICU, Otolaryngology, patient story, pulmonology, vascular ring
June 21, 2023
Super Sage: From surgery to skateboarding, Sage Blake won’t let anything slow him down
When 5-year-old Sage Blake walked into his first day of transitional kindergarten last fall, his mother, Kimberly, was there alongside other teary-eyed parents waving goodbye to their kids as they embarked on a new chapter. However, unlike a lot of the other moms who were sad to see their babies growing up, Kimberly was crying…
Otolaryngology
aerodigestive, airway disorders, ENT, patient stories, patient story, vascular ring
May 10, 2023
From Stomachache to Heart Transplant: How Genomics Saved a Teen’s Life
Mario Luna, an eighth-grader from Culver City, has always been passionate about basketball. He even dreams of playing in the NBA one day. However, on January 12, his world was turned upside down. It all started with a stomachache which quickly turned into a more serious heart condition. Mario’s heart began beating uncontrollably and his…
Heart Institute
cardiology, cardiovascular health, cardiovascular surgery, gene, genetics, genome, Genome Institute, genomics institute, heart, heart institute, heart transplant, patient story, transplant
May 2, 2023
All Clear: Pioneering Portal Vein Thrombosis Procedure Opens Up New Possibilities
Ashlyn Frye hadn’t been feeling her best for the last several years. Teachers said she didn’t pay attention in class and would crawl under her desk to take a nap. At home, the 11-year-old seemed disconnected, says her mom Stacey Frye. “I was used to her being out of breath and tired,” Stacey recalls. “Just…
Heart Institute
cardio, cardiology, cardiovascular surgery, heart, hepatology, innovation, liver, patient stories, patient story, portal vein thrombosis
March 20, 2023
An Unbreakable Bond: Andrew and Brooklyn’s Story
After waiting on pins and needles, Andrew All learned that he could save his daughter’s life with the gift of a kidney donation. A donation could mean a return to normal 6-year-old activities, like, swimming, taking baths, and enjoying popsicles. It also meant not being hooked up to a machine for 10 hours a night,…
Nephrology
cancer, kidney, kidney transplant, living donor, nephrology, patient stories, patient story, pediatric cancer, transplant
February 24, 2023
A Heart to Hold – Parker’s Story
Can you imagine holding your own heart in your hands? That’s just what 15-year-old Parker Mayorgas did after receiving a life-saving heart transplant. But his story didn’t begin there. At 2 years old, Parker’s mother, Melissa, noticed something amiss. Parker wasn’t meeting his developmental milestones like his older brother, and his balance seemed off. Eventually,…
Heart Institute
cardio, cardiology, cardiovascular health, cardiovascular surgery, child life, heart, heart transplant, patient story, pediatric cardiology, transplant
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