Month: August 2025

We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Shane Hervey is joining the LuskinOIC Sports Medicine team, bringing exceptional expertise in non-surgical orthopaedic care and sports medicine to our young athletes.

Dr. Hervey serves as an Assistant Clinical Professor in UCLA’s Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and specializes in treating athletes and active people of all ages with non-surgical orthopaedic conditions and sports-related injuries. He currently serves as team physician for UCLA Football and Baseball and has previously worked with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Lakers, and Sparks.

Having played football and basketball himself, Dr. Hervey brings a unique personal understanding of athletic challenges. His experience as a team athlete enhances his approach to patient care and makes him particularly effective in treating young athletes.

Dr. Hervey earned his medical degree from Oregon Health & Science University, completed his Family Medicine residency at UC San Francisco, and finished his Sports Medicine fellowship at UCLA. He currently serves as faculty lead for high school sports within the UCLA Sports Medicine fellowship.

Dr. Hervey’s passion for community engagement, healthcare access, and mentorship aligns perfectly with LuskinOIC’s mission. His collaborative approach and commitment to comprehensive care will strengthen our ability to provide elite-level treatment to young athletes while maintaining our focus on compassionate, patient-centered care.

Welcome to the team, Dr. Hervey!

[Top photo: From  left to right:  Dr. Duffaut, Dr. Goldman, Dr. Hervey, and Dr. Swisher]

Ready, Set, School!

The LuskinOIC Back-to-School Drive was a huge success, thanks to the incredible energy and generosity of our community! Patients and their families were welcomed with open arms and big smiles as they received free school supplies, backpacks, and essential gear to kick off the new school year with confidence.

We were especially grateful for the support of our amazing LuskinOIC volunteers and the ever-enthusiastic Las Niñas volunteers, whose positive energy lit up the entire event. Their presence made the day extra special for every child and family who walked through our doors.

Even Ozzie the Dragon and members of the UCLA Women’s Basketball Team joined in the fun, spreading joy and sharing some unforgettable moments with our young scholars.

A special thank-you goes out to the Starlight Children’s Foundation for their generous donations—including backpacks, toothbrushes, hoodies, and more—which ensured that every child felt ready, supported, and excited for the school year ahead.

Together, we’re helping our patients head back to school not just prepared, but empowered. Thank you to everyone who made this day possible!

[Top photo: Ozzie walking with kids at event while all are wearing backpacks]

LuskinOIC, in partnership with UCLA and the Los Angeles Dodgers, recently participated in community engagement events at the Dream Center Back to School event in Los Angeles and at Heartwell Park in Long Beach. These events brought smiles and support to many local families, and our team was thrilled to connect with the community, promote the services of our nonprofit hospital, and promote healthy living tips.

Attendees enjoyed a wide range of activities, including face painting provided by our enthusiastic volunteers. We also gave away LuskinOIC merchandise—socks, hand sanitizers, and workout bands—to encourage health and wellness within our community.

These events are a cornerstone of our commitment to community health and well-being, and we’re incredibly grateful to partner with organizations like UCLA and the Dodgers, who share our dedication to making a positive impact.

[Top photo: A family learning about LuskinOIC at our booth]

This summer has been extraordinary for LuskinOIC, with our innovative programs capturing the attention of major news outlets across Los Angeles. KCAL, ABC7, and Fox featured our groundbreaking events, sharing our mission of healing and fostering future champions with audiences throughout Southern California.

On July 30, KCAL cameras captured the magic as we transformed the Luck Family Conference Center into a winter wonderland for our Christmas in July celebration. The feature showcased children’s faces lighting up as they received toys from Santa, played festive games, created crafts, and experienced pure holiday joy in the middle of summer. The event welcomed patients, families, staff, and community members—demonstrating how LuskinOIC goes beyond traditional medical care to create memorable experiences that bring families together.

From August 5–7, our 3rd Annual Cerebral Palsy Camp took center stage on both ABC7 and Fox. The features captured what makes this camp so special: a unique blend of play, creativity, and inclusive sports designed specifically for children with cerebral palsy. Viewers saw campers enjoying adaptive water activities, creating art projects, joining the traditional camp parade, and forming friendships in a safe, supportive environment.

This remarkable media attention highlights LuskinOIC’s comprehensive approach to pediatric orthopaedic care. Both events exemplify our belief that true healing extends beyond the exam room to encompass the whole child and their family’s well-being. The coverage reached thousands of Southern California families, helping us connect with those who could benefit from our services while inspiring others in the healthcare community. These stories demonstrate how LuskinOIC is redefining pediatric healthcare—creating spaces where children can thrive, families can connect, and communities come together to help every child reach their full potential.

As we look ahead, this summer’s media coverage serves as a powerful reminder of our impact: healing and fostering future champions, one child at a time.

[Top photo: CP Camp 2025 featured on ABC7]

We are incredibly proud to celebrate our Patient Ambassador Alex Heenan, who recently made history representing Team USA at the 2025 World University Games in Duisburg, Germany. Alex’s remarkable achievement serves as a powerful testament to what’s possible when exceptional medical care meets unwavering determination.

The UCLA men’s water polo team earned its invitation to represent Team USA after winning the NCAA National Championships in the 2024-25 season. Joining them was the UCLA women’s team, which claimed the 2024 title and finished third in 2025. At the World University Games, both teams made history by clinching spots in the gold medal game—marking the first time the United States medaled in both men’s and women’s water polo at the same tournament. Both teams proudly brought home silver medals.

Just a few years ago, Alex faced a life-changing moment when he received a scoliosis diagnosis. The condition threatened not only his athletic dreams but also his ability to participate in the sport he loves. Like many young athletes facing orthopaedic challenges, Alex wondered if he would ever return to competitive water polo, let alone reach the pinnacle of the sport. Under the expert care of Dr. Anthony Scaduto and the entire LuskinOIC team, Alex’s journey took a dramatically different path. The comprehensive treatment and support he received didn’t just restore his ability to play—it enabled him to excel at the highest levels of competition.

Alex’s story exemplifies LuskinOIC’s mission of healing and fostering future champions. His journey from uncertainty to international success demonstrates how specialized pediatric orthopaedic care can transform not just medical outcomes but entire life trajectories. When we provide comprehensive, compassionate care, we don’t just treat conditions—we preserve dreams and create possibilities. 

Alex Heenan continues to serve as a Patient Ambassador for LuskinOIC, inspiring other young athletes facing orthopaedic challenges and demonstrating the life-changing impact of specialized pediatric care.

As summer came to a close, our talented Ortho High interns marked the end of their immersive healthcare experience by presenting their final projects to staff, mentors, and peers. These capstone presentations were more than just a summary—they were a celebration of growth, learning, and impact across a wide range of disciplines, including patient care, research, rehabilitation, radiology, sports medicine, international outreach, and community engagement.

Throughout the program, students had hands-on opportunities to explore the various facets of orthopaedic healthcare. They learned foundational clinical skills, including casting techniques at the Fracture Center, and contributed to cutting-edge innovation by assisting with 3D printing of medical components. In therapy and rehabilitation departments, they worked side by side with pediatric specialists to support young patients through their healing journeys.

Beyond the clinic, interns played a key role in planning and executing signature events, such as our much-loved CP Camp, which brings joy and connection to children with cerebral palsy. Their involvement in both the behind-the-scenes logistics and direct patient interaction gave them a full-circle view of the dedication and teamwork involved in healthcare delivery.

Throughout the summer, the interns didn’t just gain technical knowledge—they also developed professional confidence, communication skills, and, most importantly, a deeper appreciation for compassionate, patient-centered care.

We are incredibly proud of the passion and commitment these future healthcare leaders brought to the program. As they head back to school and look ahead to their next chapters, we know they’re taking with them not just experiences, but a clear vision of what it means to make a difference in the lives of others.

[Top photo: Urgent Care Intern Diana with Urgent Care and Fracture Center Staff]

The 2025 LuskinOIC Cerebral Palsy Summer Camp was pure joy in motion, led by Rehab Director Chris Caron and Sera Cho. Over three action-packed days, campers laughed, played, and splashed their way through unforgettable activities while grateful parents looked on with pride.

Our lead partner Angel City Sports brought the thrill of adaptive sports, The Painted Turtle sparked creativity with arts and crafts, SoCal Trikers led a parade full of smiles, and Canine Companions added extra love and cuddles. Special guests from the UCLA Women’s Basketball team brought their championship spirit, joining in the fun and supporting our kids every step of the way.

A daily highlight was transforming our accessible playground—made possible by the Every Child Foundation—into an inclusive water park where the joy was contagious. None of it would have been possible without our incredible team of volunteers, especially the medical students who brought energy, care, and heart to every camper moment.

Wheelchair tennis at CP Camp 2025

[Top photo: CP Camp volunteer with Camper at 2025 CP Camp]

Earlier this month, the LuskinOIC Foundation received the final distribution from the Tigner and Gibson Estate. For more than 46 years, Evert Tigner and Ian Gibson were devoted supporters of LuskinOIC’s mission to provide exceptional orthopaedic care to children regardless of their financial circumstances.

Evert, a lifelong educator, witnessed firsthand how the care provided by LuskinOIC transformed the lives of his students. Inspired by the impact he saw in the classroom, he became a committed donor—choosing to support our work both during his lifetime and as part of his legacy. 

The final gift from their estate—totaling $12,000—has been designated to help fund the purchase of a Siemens MRI machine for our forthcoming Advanced Imaging Center. Today, our patients face an average MRI wait time of nearly three months, delaying diagnosis and treatment for serious conditions. This generous contribution will help reduce wait times and ensure more timely, effective care. 

To learn more about planned giving opportunities, please contact Mary Beth Perrine at MPerrine@mednet.ucla.edu.

[Top photo: Evert Tigner and his partner Ian Gibson, longtime LuskinOIC donors.]

We are pleased to share that the Foundation is expected to receive a generous gift of approximately $200,000 from the Morris Family. Roy Morris and his wife, Dao, were introduced to our mission through the outstanding efforts of our community engagement team and Board of Trustees Chair, Mark Zytko.

After learning about our planned Advanced Imaging Center and the significant challenges our patients face—including scan wait times of nearly three months—Mr. and Mrs. Morris were moved to take action. Their generous contribution will play a vital role in helping us improve access to critical diagnostic services and reduce delays in care for our patients.

We are deeply grateful to the Morris family for their support and commitment to advancing health equity in our community. If you are interested in learning more about making a stock gift or other ways to support our mission, please contact Mary Beth Perrine at MPerrine@mednet.ucla.edu.

[Top photo: A patient and her siblings smiling as they pose next to Doctor Ozzie.]

A few weeks ago, the Foundation team received a heartfelt call from Bruce Buettell, who wished to make a gift in memory of his late father, Robert Buettell. 

In 1941, 15-year-old Robert was the victim of a hit-and-run accident while waiting for a bus, leaving him with a severely injured knee and a grim prognosis. Desperate for help, his mother brought him to Orthopaedic Hospital. Despite her being a single mother with no means to pay, they were welcomed with open arms. Thanks to the expert and compassionate care Robert received, he went on to live a long and fulfilling life.

He served in the U.S. Army, raised a family, and became a proud USC alumnus—known far and wide as the Trojans’ biggest fan. From age 21 to 86, he attended nearly every home game and even traveled out of state to cheer on his team.

Robert Buettell passed away in 2023 at the age of 96, but his legacy lives on through his son and grandsons, who continue to cheer on the Trojans. 

To learn more about making a gift in honor or memory of a loved one, please contact Mary Beth Perrine at MPerrine@mednet.ucla.edu. 

[Top photo: Three generations of the Buettell family proudly cheering on USC.]

With profound gratitude and a touch of wistfulness, we announce the retirement of Mary Beth Perrine, assistant vice president of the LuskinOIC Foundation, effective November 7, 2025. For 36 years, her boundless energy, infectious enthusiasm, and unwavering dedication have illuminated our halls and transformed countless young lives.

Since joining our team in 1989, Mary Beth has focused relentlessly on creating opportunities for children to receive expert care regardless of financial circumstances. Her innovative fundraising efforts and community partnerships have directly supported our ability to serve the 93% of our patients who are underinsured or uninsured.

Key Achievements

Mary Beth’s impact at LuskinOIC has been both substantial and measurable:

· Operation Impact: Alongside Captain, her beloved canine “Chief of Morale,” Mary Beth completed 50 therapy visits to 50 different patients over 50 days, raising $10,000 to fund 200 patient visits.

· Stand for Kids Gala: She transformed our annual gala into a premier fundraising event, most notably orchestrating the 2024 celebration at SoFi Stadium for 1,000 guests—balancing grandeur with our signature personal approach.

· Community Outreach: After gaining valuable experience elsewhere, Mary Beth returned to LuskinOIC in 2011 as senior director of community outreach, managing volunteer services and serving as liaison to our support groups.

· Toys & Joys: Under her leadership, our annual holiday celebration has brought joy to thousands. At the 2024 event, more than 1,000 patients and families participated in a day designed to care for the whole child—including a dramatic helicopter arrival from Santa. Mary Beth was the lead in establishing the now 30-plus-year relationship with LAPD SWAT.

· Patient Ambassador Program: Mary Beth’s first Patient Ambassador was Melissa Sanchez, who lives with arthrogryposis. Together, they raised funds by finishing the LA Marathon! A team of four pushed Melissa across the finish line! Since then, the program has grown exponentially under Mary Beth’s leadership and love.

· Personal Advocacy: Mary Beth and Captain became beloved fixtures in our hospital corridors, bringing comfort, encouragement, and moments of joy during patients’ difficult medical journeys. Her passion for the mission was as loud as it was warm and effusive, inspiring everyone around her.

Her rallying cry—“SAY YES TO KIDS!”—has inspired countless donors and volunteers to join our mission, creating a lasting legacy of expanded access to care.

Moving Forward

A retirement celebration is being planned—save the date: October 14 at LuskinOIC Downtown, for a HoeDown! To honor Mary Beth’s legacy, donations may be made to the Perrine Family Patient Ambassador Fund, established by Mary Beth in honor of her family’s decades of commitment to LuskinOIC children. This fund will support Patient Ambassadors’ special needs, wishes, and requests—whether medical or personal. Click here to make a donation today.