LuskinOIC continues to strengthen its commitment to training future clinical leaders and collaborating with colleagues around the world. By engaging in global education and knowledge exchange, the organization ensures that its providers remain at the forefront of innovation and best practices in patient care.
Chief Medical Officer Mauricio Silva, Dr. Doris Quon, and Cindy Bailey represented LuskinOIC at the World Federation of Hemophilia Conference in Asia. This internationally recognized conference brought together leading experts, clinicians, researchers, and advocates dedicated to improving outcomes for individuals with bleeding disorders. The event offered extensive educational programming focused on the latest advancements in treatment, care delivery, and patient support.
Participation in this global forum reflected LuskinOIC’s ongoing dedication to advancing specialized care through continuous learning and collaboration. By connecting with peers from around the world, Dr. Silva and Bailey gained valuable insights into emerging therapies, innovative care models, and strategies to enhance patient outcomes. These opportunities strengthened clinical expertise and fostered partnerships that could lead to meaningful improvements in care for patients locally and globally.
Through active participation in global initiatives like this conference, LuskinOIC continues to elevate its mission of delivering exceptional care while contributing to the broader advancement of healthcare worldwide.
More than 20 LuskinOIC volunteers supported the three-day Abilities Expo at the Long Beach Convention Center—one of the nation’s premier gatherings for the disability community—engaging with more than 5,000 attendees.
Led by Volunteer Coordinator Isabel Marquez, our team partnered with Angel City Sports, a national leader in adaptive sports, to power the annual Sports Zone. Together, they supported hundreds of participants of all ages and abilities as they explored adaptive equipment and played wheelchair basketball, pickleball, golf, and more—while also connecting attendees to local resources designed to help people with disabilities thrive.
For LuskinOIC volunteers, the Expo served as a hands-on learning environment—offering direct experience working alongside people with disabilities, strengthening communication skills, and reinforcing the role of adaptive recreation in advancing health, independence, and community inclusion.
The scale of Abilities Expo and the leadership of Angel City Sports continue to set the standard for inclusive, community-driven programming nationwide. Through this partnership, LuskinOIC is not only expanding access to adaptive sports but also helping train the next generation of disability-competent providers across Southern California.
LuskinOIC is proud to congratulate the UCLA Women’s Basketball team on claiming the 2026 NCAA National Championship. For the past three years, made possible through the leadership of our Board Chair Craig Ehrlich, we have had the honor of partnering with the Bruins. These student-athletes have visited our patients, energized our staff, and inspired our community in ways that will not be forgotten.
One moment stands out above the rest: Guard Kiki Rice visited LuskinOIC and shared her own experience as a patient, having undergone successful shoulder surgery at our downtown surgery center. For our patients facing their own recoveries, her story was nothing short of transformative.
The championship capped a remarkable season, and the recognition did not stop there. In a testament to the extraordinary talent on this roster, all six players were drafted in the first round of the 2026 WNBA Draft, each within the first 18 picks. Lauren Betts went fourth overall to the Washington Mystics, followed by Gabriela Jaquez, fifth, to the Chicago Sky, Kiki Rice, sixth, to the Toronto Tempo, Angela Dugalic, ninth, to the Washington Mystics, Gianna Kneepkens,15th, to the Connecticut Sun, and Charlisse Leger-Walker, 18th, also to the Connecticut Sun.
It has been an honor to support this team, and we could not be prouder of what they have achieved. Their dedication, generosity, and grace have meant as much to us as any trophy, and we are grateful to call them our partners.
Dodger Day brought together a team of 13 volunteers alongside our volunteer team to support the Dodgers Foundation and its community initiatives. Hosted in partnership with UCLA Health at Algin Sutton Recreation Center on April 11, the event brought together community members for a day centered on access, engagement, and care. Throughout the day, we helped serve hundreds of community members, ensuring a smooth, welcoming, and impactful experience for all.
From sharing information about LuskinOIC’s services to providing on-the-ground support at the booth, every volunteer played a key role in the event’s success. Volunteers also led arts-and-crafts activities and interactive games, creating a fun and inviting environment where children and families could connect and feel supported. We’re proud to have contributed to a day centered on service, connection, and community impact.
On Friday, April 3, LuskinOIC patients, families, and staff flocked to Perrine Way for Ozzie’s Birthday Eggstravaganza! More than 300 guests joined us to celebrate the spring season and our favorite red dragon. The highlight of the afternoon was the egg hunt hosted on the Everychild Playground. Guests also enjoyed crafts from Mail a Smile and Healing Clay, facepainting with artists from Paint On Your Face, bubble activities with Bubblemania, and the 360 photobooth from Photobooth Party LA. The event capped off with everyone singing “Happy Birthday” to Ozzie and enjoying cupcakes from Hansen’s Cakes.
Special guests for the afternoon included Kieran Tamondong (“Monster: A Jeffrey Dahmer Story”), Aiden Coleman (“Jane the Virgin”), Bella Blanding (“9-1-1 Lone Star”), and singer/songwriter Elizabeth Sams. Elizabeth even had a surprise performance, singing “Happy” by Pharrell. LuskinOIC is incredibly grateful to all of our volunteers and volunteer groups, without whom events like this would not be possible. Our deepest thanks to Ortho High student volunteers, Project Sunshine, Las Madrecitas and Las Niñas, Las Amigas and Los Amigos, and USC Delta Delta Sigma.
This spring, we are proud to share the story of Samantha Rodriguez, the patient at the heart of our 2025 spring appeal campaign.
Samantha is 4½ years old and was born with osteogenesis imperfecta, a rare condition that causes extremely fragile bones. She has already experienced 32 fractures in her short life. Despite everything, she learned to walk and dance. By age three, however, repeated fractures and a femur deformity made walking too painful to continue. Her family sought care closer to home, but nothing available locally was equipped to meet her needs. That search brought her family to LuskinOIC and to Dr. Bowen.
What makes Samantha’s story so compelling for this campaign is not only her resilience but her family’s deep and lasting connection to this institution. Samantha is the fourth generation of her family to receive care here. Her grandmother first walked through our doors in 1987. Her mother, Karla, and her aunt became patients in 2002, both with the same diagnosis. Now Samantha is our patient too.
Her mother, Karla, a former patient herself, said it best: “My surgery changed my life. I want that for Samantha. I want her to start kindergarten this September with confidence, ready to take on the world.”
Samantha’s story reflects everything we stand for, and it is a reminder of the impact each of us contributes every single day.
LuskinOIC, the largest provider of pediatric orthopaedic care on the West Coast, was proud to be represented at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday, April 14, when Dr. Nicholas Bernthal threw the ceremonial first pitch during Healthcare Appreciation Night.
Dr. Bernthal is an attending pediatric orthopaedic surgeon and board member at LuskinOIC, as well as chair and executive medical director of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. The evening honored healthcare professionals across Los Angeles for their dedication to their patients and communities, a recognition that reflects the values at the core of LuskinOIC’s mission every day.
For 115 years, LuskinOIC has been a trusted leader in pediatric orthopaedic care in Los Angeles. As a nonprofit children’s orthopaedic hospital, LuskinOIC provides innovative treatments for children with musculoskeletal injuries, bone disorders, and complex orthopaedic conditions, regardless of a family’s ability to pay. With more than 80% of patients underinsured, LuskinOIC relies on donor and sponsor support to ensure every child has access to world-class orthopaedic treatment. The institution is guided by a simple but powerful belief: every child deserves the freedom to move, grow, and play.
In alliance with UCLA Health, LuskinOIC welcomes more than 60,000 pediatric patient visits each year, serving families throughout Los Angeles and Southern California. The institute’s commitment to accessible orthopaedic care extends globally, with pro-bono treatment offered to patients in Calexico, Mexicali, and communities around the world. Dr. Bernthal’s appearance on the Dodger Stadium mound was a proud moment for the LuskinOIC community and a reflection of the passionate physicians and staff who advance pediatric orthopaedic medicine every day.
The Charles L. Lowman, M.D. Visiting Professor Lectureship at LuskinOIC is a distinguished annual event dedicated to advancing excellence in pediatric orthopaedics. Named in honor of Dr. Charles Leroy Lowman, a pioneer in pediatric orthopaedic care, the lectureship reflects his lifelong commitment to improving the lives of children through innovation, education, and compassionate care.
Each year, the Lowman Visiting Professor Program recognizes an outstanding leader in pediatric orthopaedics and invites them to share their expertise, research, and clinical insights with residents, faculty, and the broader orthopaedic community. This year, LuskinOIC welcomed Dr. Jonathan G. Schoenecker as the Visiting Professor.
During his visit, Dr. Schoenecker delivered a featured presentation titled “Thumbs Up and Thumbs Down: The Endothelial Cell is the Emperor of Bone Biology” at the UCLA Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Grand Rounds. He also engaged directly with residents, participated in case conferences, and reviewed research presentations, fostering meaningful academic exchange and mentorship throughout his time with us.
A defining feature of the Lowman Lectureship is its long-standing collaborative partnership with Shriners Children’s Hospitals and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA). Now in its 24th year, this combined program brings together three leading pediatric orthopaedic institutions to promote shared learning, innovation, and collegiality across organizations. The joint format enhances the depth and breadth of the educational experience, offering participants exposure to diverse perspectives and expertise within the field.
Together, the Lowman Visiting Professor Lectureship and its combined program embody LuskinOIC’s commitment to education, collaboration, and leadership in pediatric orthopaedics, honoring Dr. Lowman’s legacy while shaping the future of care for children.
LuskinOIC’s commitment to accessible pediatric orthopaedic care extends well beyond the walls of our institution, and our recent trip to Calexico is a powerful example of that mission in action.
Led by the ICP Clinic and Dr. Baghdadi and his team of residents, 29 dedicated volunteers from our Las Niñas Support Group came together to serve families in need. Throughout the day, more than 45 patients received compassionate, specialized orthopaedic care, many of whom have limited access to this level of expertise close to home.
The day was about more than medical services. Volunteers donated three bins of toys and blankets and organized arts-and-crafts activities to create a warm, welcoming environment for children and their families. The goal was simple: to make every family feel seen, supported, and cared for from the moment they arrived.
This clinic was a true team effort, made possible by the generosity and dedication of everyone who gave their time and expertise. It is a meaningful reminder of what becomes possible when community and care come together, and a reflection of the values that have guided LuskinOIC for more than 115 years.
LuskinOIC has secured support from the office of Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell to expand access to its annual Cerebral Palsy Summer Camp, taking place June 10–12, at the LuskinOIC campus in Downtown Los Angeles.
This partnership, supported by a $10,000 investment from Supervisor Mitchell’s office, ensures that 25 children with cerebral palsy—particularly those living in Los Angeles County’s Second District—can attend camp at no cost to their families, eliminating financial barriers to participation.
The three-day camp will feature adaptive sports and recreational programming led by LuskinOIC’s Orthopaedic Rehabilitation Department under the leadership of Chris Caron, in partnership with Angel City Sports. Activities include wheelchair tennis, adaptive cycling, group programming, a fully accessible water-play experience, and therapy-dog engagement through Canine Companions.
The camp will also serve as a hands-on training ground for dozens of clinicians and student clinicians from across Southern California, providing direct, supervised experience in disability care and adaptive programming—advancing LuskinOIC’s role in building a more prepared, disability-competent healthcare workforce.
Support from Supervisor Mitchell’s office advances LuskinOIC’s commitment to equitable access for children with disabilities. By prioritizing outreach across District 2, the partnership strengthens connections to families who have historically faced barriers to specialty care and adaptive recreation.
Our 2026 Stand for Kids Gala is fast approaching, and we are proud to recognize the continued generosity and leadership of LuskinOIC Board of Directors Chair Craig Ehrlich. For the fifth consecutive year, Craig has demonstrated his deep commitment to our mission through a remarkable $25,000 sponsorship. His steadfast support plays a vital role in helping us expand opportunities and create brighter futures for the patients and families we serve.
We are excited to welcome our donors, partners, and guests to an unforgettable evening at Manhattan Beach Studios on Saturday, June 6. This special event will bring together a community of champions dedicated to making a lasting impact, and we look forward to celebrating the collective efforts that drive our work forward.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available for those who wish to support this meaningful cause. For more information, please contact Destiny Jones at dyjones@mednet.ucla.edu.
The LuskinOIC Foundation team is proud to share that we have received a generous $75,000 donation from Mark Kalmansohn. Mark, a UCLA alumnus, accomplished author, and retired attorney, has long demonstrated a deep commitment to advancing educational opportunities and supporting student success. He is also a passionate advocate for women’s athletics, having previously contributed to initiatives that supported UCLA’s Women’s Basketball championship-winning team.
This latest gift reflects Mark’s continued dedication to empowering student-athletes and expanding access to meaningful opportunities both on and off the field. His support will directly strengthen LuskinOIC’s NIL partnership with UCLA, helping to provide valuable resources in support of our mission to provide academic-level specialty care to our patients.
We are incredibly grateful for Mark’s generosity and vision. Contributions like his play a vital role in ensuring that student-athletes can thrive academically, athletically, and professionally, and we look forward to the continued impact of this partnership.
Luskin Orthopaedic Institute for Children (LuskinOIC) announced that Dr. Nicholas Bernthal, attending surgeon and board member at LuskinOIC, as well as chair and executive medical director of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, threw the ceremonial first pitch at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday, April 14, during Healthcare Appreciation Night.
Through a collaborative partnership between Thrive Adaptive and LuskinOIC, a lived experience patient workshop was recently delivered at Western University of Health Sciences to advance disability-competent care among future clinicians. Led by Joe Holt, executive director of Thrive Adaptive and disability community engagement manager at LuskinOIC, the initiative reflects a shared commitment to integrating community-informed education into clinical training. The session brought together 10 individuals with cerebral palsy and neuromusculoskeletal conditions alongside nearly 30 medical students from Western University College of Osteopathic Medicine, as well as faculty and specialist facilitators. Through structured mock clinical encounters, students engaged in hands-on learning focused on communication drills, patient-centered interviewing, and osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) techniques delivered directly with and alongside patients.
The workshop created an immersive environment where lived experience shaped clinical education, allowing students to better understand the goals, challenges, and perspectives of patients with disabilities. Thrive Adaptive’s community network and LuskinOIC’s continued support worked in tandem to design and facilitate the experience, reinforcing best practices in interdisciplinary care and adaptive clinical approaches. This collaboration highlights how aligned missions across community-based organizations and healthcare institutions can drive meaningful change in medical education and patient outcomes. The three-part curriculum developed by WesternU COMP Dean of Students Dr. Michelle Park, faculty advisors, and Thrive Adaptive was funded by the American Association of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry NICHE Med program. Special thanks were extended to the lived experience participants, faculty, specialist facilitators, and students whose engagement and leadership made this impactful day of learning possible.
On February 28, the X-Bots Robotics Mobility Program hosted an inspiring event at the UCLA Luskin Orthopaedic Hospital, bringing together students passionate about STEM and families of toddlers with mobility disabilities.
During the service-learning workshop, student volunteers designed and built custom mobility cars, applying their skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to create meaningful solutions. By the end of the event, seven toddlers received personalized cars, giving them greater independence and new ways to explore their world.
Supported by the PPG Foundation, the event highlighted how STEM education can be used to make a real impact, empowering both the students who built the cars and the children whose lives were changed by them.
LuskinOIC is thrilled to be honoring two incredible organizations at the 2026 Stand for Kids Gala. This year, the Everychild Foundation and the UCLA Health Sarcoma Team will be recognized for their contributions to the health and wellness of children in the greater Los Angeles area and beyond.
The Everychild Foundation will be receiving the Community Inspiration Award. The organization is a women’s collective that awards an annual $1 million grant to a project that serves as an innovative, replicable new approach to filling a critical unmet need of children. The Everychild Foundation also advocates for policies that ease the suffering of local children, specifically in areas of early childhood development, foster care, juvenile justice, and youth homelessness. The Everychild Foundation recently awarded LuskinOIC its annual grant to fund our Innovation Campaign, acting as the capstone to our $2.1 million MRI project. They also previously awarded funds to build the accessible playground at the LuskinOIC downtown campus. Previous Community Inspiration Awardees include the Los Angeles Chargers (2024).
The UCLA Health Sarcoma Team will be receiving the Power of Partnership Award. The UCLA Health Sarcoma Center is the third-largest sarcoma center in the country. Led by a team of expert physicians, the Sarcoma Team evaluates more than 100 patients and performs more than 500 surgeries annually. UCLA has pioneered techniques of limb-sparing surgery that allow patients to not only retain their limbs but also use affected joints almost immediately and return to active lifestyles quickly. One of the members of the team, Dr. Nicholas Bernthal, is one of LuskinOIC’s incredible doctors, as well as serving on the LuskinOIC Board of Directors. Previous Power of Partnership Awardees include the Perry Initiative (2023) and Students Run LA (2024).The LuskinOIC 2026 Innovation Gala will be held on Saturday, June 6, at Manhattan Beach Studios. The night will feature our wonderful awardees, as well as performances from DJ Shigeki Ito, students from the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, and The Voice finalist Marisa Corvo. Proceeds from the evening will benefit LuskinOIC’s Innovation Campaign, an $80 million, multi-phase project that will expand our facilities, advance research, and ensure every child has timely access to high-quality diagnosis and treatment.
An evening centered on community, compassion, and commitment, the Charitable Children’s Guild’s annual fundraiser on Saturday, March 14, was a meaningful celebration of a partnership that has helped change the lives of children for generations.
Held at the San Pedro Elks Lodge, this year’s event was themed “Growing Stronger Together”—a fitting tribute to the enduring bond between the Charitable Children’s Guild and LuskinOIC. The evening brought together supporters, friends, and champions of our mission to honor a shared legacy of service and raise critical funds to benefit LuskinOIC.
For more than a century, the Charitable Children’s Guild and its auxiliary groups have played an extraordinary role in advancing LuskinOIC’s mission. Since 1911, their dedication, volunteerism, and philanthropy have helped ensure that children receive exceptional orthopaedic care regardless of a family’s ability to pay. Their long-standing support has made a lasting difference in the lives of countless children and families.
During the program, Michael Sullivan shared remarks highlighting the strength and significance of this long-standing partnership and the profound impact the Charitable Children’s Guild continues to have on the patients and families we serve. His message reflected the spirit of the evening: gratitude for all that has been made possible through this enduring relationship and hope for all that is still to come.
Proceeds from the annual fundraiser benefit LuskinOIC and help continue a legacy of care, compassion, and opportunity for the children who rely on us. The Guild’s steadfast support remains an important part of the LuskinOIC story and a powerful example of what is possible when a community comes together with purpose.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to CCG President Nancy Rossi and Vice President Debbie Clark for their leadership and dedication, and to the entire Charitable Children’s Guild community for their continued generosity and belief in our mission. We are proud to celebrate this special partnership and grateful to continue growing stronger together.
LuskinOIC is honored to announce a transformative $100,000 donation from Abraham and Elizabeth Corlin to support the acquisition of an EOS scanner for LuskinOIC’s new Advanced Imaging Center. This generous gift represents more than four decades of unwavering commitment to children’s healthcare—the Corlins began supporting LuskinOIC in 1981—and their legacy of compassion continues with this latest contribution, which will directly impact the lives of thousands of children who rely on frequent imaging to monitor and treat musculoskeletal conditions.
The EOS scanner represents a significant advancement in pediatric imaging technology. Unlike traditional X-rays and CT scans, the EOS system produces high-quality 2D and 3D images with 50 to 85% less radiation than conventional X-rays and 95% less radiation than CT scans. For children with conditions like scoliosis, hip dysplasia, limb–length discrepancies, and other musculoskeletal disorders who require frequent imaging throughout their growth and treatment, this dramatic reduction in radiation exposure is transformative. Children with chronic orthopaedic conditions often need multiple imaging studies over months or years to monitor their progress, and the EOS scanner allows physicians to obtain the detailed images they need to make critical treatment decisions while significantly reducing young patients’ cumulative radiation exposure.
The Corlin family’s donation directly supports LuskinOIC’s fundamental mission: to ensure every child receives timely access to world-class orthopaedic care, regardless of their family’s ability to pay. By eliminating extended wait times for essential imaging—one of the most significant barriers families face—this gift helps LuskinOIC fulfill its promise that no child should be sidelined from childhood because of delays in diagnosis and treatment.
Every child deserves the chance to move freely, play without pain, and experience childhood on equal footing with their friends. When imaging delays are eliminated, children return to the playground faster, families regain peace of mind sooner, and the simple joy of play becomes accessible to all.
UCLA Center for Cerebral Palsy at LuskinOIC recently hosted the Margaret Jones Professional Conference and Family Forum, bringing together providers, researchers, families, and community partners for a dynamic day of learning, connection, and inclusion.
The day’s event centered around the theme of growing up with cerebral palsy, the world’s most common lifelong disability. The event featured a professional conference for physical therapists and healthcare providers, a family forum designed to empower individuals with cerebral palsy and their caregivers, as well as a vibrant resource fair with more than a dozen high-impact community partners. Attendees engaged with leading experts, including keynote speaker Dr. Mark D. Peterson of the University of Michigan, whose insights highlighted the evolving landscape of care and long-term outcomes for individuals with cerebral palsy.
Throughout the day, participants explored interdisciplinary approaches to care, shared lived experiences, and connected with organizations dedicated to advancing resources and opportunities for the disability community. The event underscored LuskinOIC’s longstanding commitment to accessible, high-quality care and community engagement for families across Los Angeles. Special thanks were extended to all community partners, speakers, LuskinOIC staff, UCLA Center for Cerebral Palsy staff, and board members whose collaboration and dedication made this meaningful day of education, resources, and inclusion possible for all.
On Tuesday, March 10, LuskinOIC was named the recipient of the Everychild Foundation’s $1 million grant to support the design and implementation of the Everychild MRI Suite at the UCLA Luskin Orthopaedic Hospital.
LuskinOIC is profoundly honored to be the first organization to receive a second grant from the foundation. This funding will help transform patient care, reducing MRI wait times for children from approximately 2.5 months to just 2.5 days, providing faster access to life-saving diagnostic clarity.
The award was presented at the Skirball Cultural Center and accepted by the LuskinOIC team, led by Dr. Scaduto and Michael Sullivan, whose leadership continues to advance innovative care for children in need.
On March 14, Dr. Silva, chief medical officer of LuskinOIC, embarked on a cross-border mission that underscores the transformative power of medical expertise paired with education. Traveling from Calexico to Mexicali, Mexico, Dr. Silva spent the day providing specialized care to underserved families and equipping the next generation of orthopaedic surgeons with critical skills in clubfoot treatment.
Morning: Direct Patient Care
The day began with clinical consultations for 10 families who had secured appointments to see Dr. Silva. For many of these families, access to specialized pediatric orthopaedic care remains limited, making this clinic a rare opportunity to receive expert evaluation and treatment planning. Dr. Silva’s direct patient care provided immediate impact—offering families personalized recommendations and pathways to treatment that might otherwise be unavailable in their region.
Afternoon: Educational Lecture on the Ponseti Method
In the afternoon, Dr. Silva transitioned to education, delivering a comprehensive lecture to Mexicali orthopaedic residents on clubfoot and the Ponseti method. This evidence-based, nonsurgical treatment approach has transformed clubfoot care globally by using gentle manipulation and serial casting to correct foot deformities gradually. However, the method’s success depends entirely on proper technique and consistent application, making high-quality training essential for effective implementation.
Hands-On Workshop: Building Sustainable Expertise
Following the lecture, Dr. Silva conducted a hands-on workshop, during which he demonstrated precise casting techniques and provided individualized guidance as residents practiced their skills. This practical component ensures that theoretical knowledge translates into clinical competence, empowering these physicians to deliver high-quality clubfoot treatment within their own communities. By training local providers, Dr. Silva’s impact extends far beyond the families seen that morning—his education creates a sustainable model of care that will benefit countless children in the years ahead.
A Model of Sustainable Impact
Dr. Silva’s trip exemplifies a dual approach to expanding access: providing immediate care while simultaneously building local capacity through education. This strategy creates a multiplier effect—expertise shared with one generation of physicians cascades into improved outcomes for future generations of patients. It is a testament to LuskinOIC’s commitment to ensuring that world-class pediatric orthopaedic care reaches children regardless of geographic or economic barriers.
Through initiatives like this, LuskinOIC continues to advance its mission of delivering excellence in care, education, and advocacy—one patient, one provider, and one community at a time.
When Dr. Anthony Scaduto, president and CEO of the LuskinOIC, and Dr. Richard Bowen, director of the Center for Sports Medicine, traveled to San Pedro Sula, Honduras, they brought more than surgical expertise—they brought a vision for sustainable, locally led scoliosis care that will transform lives for generations to come.
The multi-day mission, organized in partnership with World Pediatric Project, assembled an international team of surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, surgical support staff, and a spinal cord monitoring electrophysiologist from Los Angeles, Boston, Buffalo, Vancouver, and Austin. Working at Ruth Paz Foundation Hospital alongside local spine surgeon Dr. Tomas Minuesa and his team of Honduran physicians and medical students, the group evaluated patients, identified 15 children for surgery, and executed a carefully planned five-day surgical schedule.
Education Drives Long-Term Impact
While the surgical interventions provided immediate, life-changing care for 15 children with scoliosis, the mission’s most transformative work occurred through operating room instruction and bedside teaching delivered to young Honduran surgeons. This educational component is not an add-on to the mission—it is the cornerstone of its long-term strategy.
“One of the most important parts of the mission trip is to make scoliosis surgery sustainable in Honduras by educating local surgeons,” the team emphasized. Rather than creating dependency on annual visiting teams, the mission prioritizes knowledge transfer and skill development, empowering Honduran physicians to provide advanced scoliosis care within their own communities year-round.
Dr. Scaduto shared clinical decision-making frameworks, surgical techniques, patient selection criteria, and postoperative management strategies—the full spectrum of expertise required to build a sustainable scoliosis program. By investing in the next generation of Honduran surgeons, the mission creates a multiplier effect: the 15 patients treated represent just the beginning of what these newly trained surgeons will accomplish in the months and years ahead.
A Collaborative Model for Global Health Equity
The mission drew significant attention from Honduras’ medical and governmental leadership, with the minister of health for all of Honduras visiting the clinic alongside board members and the president of World Pediatric Project. This high-level engagement reflects the mission’s strategic importance—not just as a charitable endeavor, but as a catalyst for strengthening Honduras’ pediatric orthopaedic infrastructure.
The collaboration between LuskinOIC, World Pediatric Project, Ruth Paz Foundation Hospital, and local Honduran providers demonstrates how international partnerships can create sustainable change. By combining immediate surgical care with rigorous physician education, the mission addresses both urgent patient needs and systemic healthcare gaps.
Building Futures, One Surgeon at a Time
For Dr. Scaduto and Dr. Bowen, the Honduras mission embodies LuskinOIC’s core values: delivering world-class care while building capacity that ensures every child has access to expert treatment, regardless of geography or economic circumstance. The 15 children who received surgery will live healthier, more active lives. But the young Honduran surgeons who trained alongside Dr. Scaduto will carry forward that expertise, treating hundreds or thousands more children in the years to come.
This is the true measure of the mission’s success—not just the lives changed this week, but the futures transformed by physicians empowered to lead scoliosis care in their own country.
Cerebral Palsy is the most common physical disability in childhood in the United States, affecting about 1 in 345 children and resulting in roughly 10,000 new diagnoses each year.
Founded in 2000 in honor of Norma J. Ehrlich — beloved mother of Craig Ehrlich, Chair of the LuskinOIC Board of Directors — the Norma J. Ehrlich Alumni Scholarship is a scholarship at UCLA awarded to two or more young women every year who exhibit some of the qualities and characteristics that Norma J. Ehrlich embodied. Women who have already shown a commitment to give back to their communities, were educated in the public school system of Los Angeles or elsewhere in California, and those who will continue the legacy established by Norma, best represent what this scholarship is all about. This scholarship fund allows these young women to pursue their academic interests without concern for the increasingly expensive cost of attending a university of distinction, like UCLA.
This year, one of those remarkable recipients is Jasmine Lara, whose connection to LuskinOIC began at just five years old when she arrived as a patient seeking treatment for broken arms. Over the years, her connection deepened—she became a volunteer, graduated from Ortho High, and eventually served as a paid intern, embodying the organization’s mission of transforming lives and building community. Today, as a third-year public health student with aspirations of attending dental school, she has achieved another milestone: becoming a recipient of the prestigious Norma J. Ehrlich Alumni Scholarship.
“It’s important to understand the disparities and systems that are set in place that affect patients,” she explains, describing her decision to study something with deeper meaning than clinical practice.
Her relationship with LuskinOIC evolved from patient to volunteer to intern. During her paid internship, she led the planning and execution of Ozzie’s birthday event. She notes how meaningful it was to give back to children going through difficult times, just as the organization once supported her.
When Jasmine learned she had received the Norma J. Ehrlich Alumni Scholarship from the chair of LuskinOIC’s Board of Directors, her reaction was one of surprise and gratitude. The scholarship came at a crucial time, providing assistance as education costs continue to rise.
For Jasmine, the scholarship represents more than financial support—it symbolizes her connection to a community that uplifts minority voices and demonstrates how members support one another.
“I felt very empowered getting to meet other recipients because it’s a very close-knit family that empowers women and checks in with each other,” she said. She also had the opportunity to meet Craig Ehrlich at a UCLA scholarship reception, making the experience even more meaningful and personal.
As Jasmine continues her academic journey toward dental school and beyond, she carries with her the lessons learned from LuskinOIC: the power of community, the importance of giving back, and the understanding that health care equity requires both individual care and systemic change. Her story illustrates how organizations like LuskinOIC create ripple effects, transforming patients into advocates who, in turn, support the next generation.
From Feb. 19 to 22, LuskinOIC and UCLA Orthopedics proudly sponsored the 2026 Little People of America (LPA) West Coast Trifecta Conference in Las Vegas. The event brought together more than 350 individuals with dwarfism and their families for four days of education, connection, and community.
The conference featured specialty workshops, a medical panel, and individual consultations designed to support individuals with skeletal dysplasia across the lifespan. We were especially honored to sponsor the Welcome Reception Dinner, helping launch the weekend in a spirit of celebration and partnership.
Our participation reinforces our longstanding commitment to high-quality, specialized orthopedic care and to strengthening our relationship with the LPA community.
LuskinOIC is excited to announce that Ozzie will once again host his annual birthday bash! Ozzie’s fourth annual Birthday Eggstravaganza will take place on Friday, April 3, from noon to 3:00 p.m.
Children of all ages are invited to join us as we transform Perrine Way into a springtime celebration. The arts and crafts section will include “egg” decorating, flower crowns, creating your own pinwheel, and more. Once everyone receives their birthday hat, we’ll sing “Happy Birthday” to Ozzie and enjoy festive treats together. The highlight of the day will be the egg hunt on our Everychild Playground, where you will get a chance to find some amazing hidden treasures.
LuskinOIC hosts community events like Ozzie’s Birthday Eggstravaganza throughout the year. For more information on these and other happenings around the organization, subscribe to our newsletter!
All events are made possible by our amazing volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering or becoming a day-to-day volunteer, please reach out to LuskinOICvolunteers@mednet.ucla.edu.
LuskinOIC recently partnered with USC student leaders who serve on the Healthcare Awareness Committee to host our first Build-a-Knee Workshop—a hands-on educational experience designed to spark interest in healthcare, strengthen STEM engagement, and make orthopaedic anatomy approachable and fun.
From Idea to Impact
What began as a student-led concept evolved into an orthopaedic-focused workshop delivered in a meaningful and realistic way at the hospital. The students explored ways to educate and engage our community—especially parents and families who spend significant time in urgent care waiting areas—by offering interactive learning opportunities connected to musculoskeletal health.
Over time, the committee refined its approach, discussing a variety of ideas such as educational posters, short “mini fair” tables, and hands-on stations that teach basic orthopaedic concepts. From this planning came the Build-a-Knee Workshop: a simple, creative activity that uses everyday materials to model the knee joint and introduce key anatomy concepts through hands-on learning.
A Hands-On Anatomy Experience
Participants built knee models using household-style materials like paper towel and toilet paper rolls and rubber bands, turning abstract concepts into something tangible. The activity created opportunities to discuss injuries, ligaments, and movement in an accessible way.
Future sessions may allow students to bring their models back to help educate pediatric patients, supporting children’s understanding of their injuries and care plans while building confidence and communication skills in future healthcare leaders.
Investing in the Future of Healthcare
The Healthcare Awareness Committee’s work reflects a broader goal of creating meaningful, hospital-based experiences that inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals while offering positive engagement for patients and families. The committee also explored other possible interactive stations for future programming, such as cast demonstrations, anatomy exploration through radiographs, PT-inspired movement activities, and additional STEM exposure opportunities for high school students.
Thank You, USC Healthcare Awareness Committee
We are grateful to these USC students for their creativity, organization, and commitment to service. Their leadership helped transform a thoughtful idea into an engaging program that aligns with LuskinOIC’s mission and deepens our connection to students who want to learn, volunteer, and give back. We look forward to continuing this partnership and expanding hands-on learning opportunities that connect STEM, service, and pediatric orthopaedic care.
Interested in volunteering with LuskinOIC? We’re excited to welcome new community members who want to make a difference for the children and families we serve.
Volunteer orientation is a required first step for anyone interested in volunteering with us. Orientation covers what to expect as a volunteer, time commitments, policies and procedures, and next steps so you feel informed, prepared, and set up for success.
New in 2026: Monthly Orientations (In-Person + Virtual)
Beginning in 2026, LuskinOIC will offer volunteer orientations every month, with a mix of in-person and virtual sessions to make attendance easier and more accessible.
Esther Chung, research coordinator at LuskinOIC, recently represented the institute at the Pediatric Research in Sports Medicine (PRiSM) conference, where she presented cutting-edge research on ACL reconstruction outcomes in young patients.
The conference proved to be an eye-opening and valuable opportunity for Chung to learn from leading experts in pediatric sports medicine and to showcase the innovative work being conducted at LuskinOIC. She had the honor of presenting both a poster and an oral presentation on research conducted with pediatric patients who underwent ACL reconstructions.
In her presentation, Chung shared important findings about surgical techniques and patient outcomes. The research revealed that adding an extra ligament in addition to reconstructing the ACL was associated with knee stiffness in pediatric patients, a critical insight that may help inform future surgical approaches.
By identifying a potential trade-off between added stability and post-operative mobility, the study encourages surgeons to more carefully weigh procedural decisions and tailor interventions to the unique circumstances and needs of younger patients. Her poster presentation demonstrated that adductor and geniculate nerve blocks appeared to reduce both narcotic use and pain scores in pediatric patients following reconstruction surgeries, offering a promising pathway for improved post-operative pain management. Identifying reduced pain levels and decreased narcotic use with the addition of a geniculate nerve block strengthens our ability to implement safer, more effective, and patient-centered pain management strategies.
Collectively, both research topics have meaningful practical implications for pediatric orthopedics, a rapidly growing specialty facing a scarcity of research that can guide evidence-based practices. These studies provide evidence that can refine surgical decision-making, enhance rehabilitation outcomes, and reduce reliance on narcotics in our pediatric patients undergoing ACL reconstruction. By translating clinical observations into actionable insights, the work contributes to a growing evidence base that promotes safer, more individualized treatment protocols.
In addition, the studies lay the groundwork for future prospective trials and larger-scale investigations. By highlighting both potential risks and therapeutic opportunities, it advances the conversation around best practices in pediatric orthopedic surgery and represents a significant step forward in optimizing both surgical technique and post-operative care for young patients
The research underscores LuskinOIC’s commitment to advancing pediatric sports medicine through rigorous investigation and evidence-based care, ultimately improving outcomes for young athletes across the country.
We’re excited to welcome Pilar Freeman to LuskinOIC as our Senior Manager of Volunteer and Community Engagement. She brings a thoughtful, relationship-driven approach to service, grounded in the belief that when people feel connected to a mission, they show up with consistency, heart, and purpose.
Pilar’s background includes guiding initiatives and events of all sizes, where success depends on clear communication, steady coordination, and creating experiences that make people feel seen and supported. She also brings experience in multimedia and communications, along with a gift for storytelling that captures and shares the “why” behind our mission in ways that help volunteers, partners, and supporters feel genuinely connected to the work.
At LuskinOIC, those strengths translate directly into volunteer leadership, helping us share our mission in a compelling way, strengthen engagement, and ensure volunteers feel valued for the time and heart they bring. That same attention to experience helps our programs feel welcoming and well run, whether a volunteer is joining us for a campus shift or supporting a special event in the community. Above all, Pilar is energized by the people at the heart of our work and the relationships that turn support into lasting impact.
In her role, Pilar will also lead stewardship for LuskinOIC’s longstanding support groups, nurturing the relationships and traditions that have sustained our work for generations. With care and intention, she’ll help strengthen these valued communities and build meaningful pathways for supporters to stay engaged with the patients and families we serve.
We’re grateful to have Pilar on the team, and we look forward to the care and leadership she will bring to the volunteer experience at LuskinOIC.
Innovation Campaign co-chairs Dr. Bowen, Feld, Jenkins, and Silletti are proud to share exciting news: Cornelia Madesko has made a generous $100,000 gift to LuskinOIC’s Innovation Campaign.
Ms. Madesko’s contribution will help bring our new Advanced Imaging Center to life—a state-of-the-art facility that will transform the way we diagnose and treat the children who depend on us.
For the underinsured and uninsured children who make up 85% of our patients, access to advanced imaging, such as MRI, is rarely straightforward. Without an on-campus facility, families often face waits of two months or more—delays that can mean the difference between catching a condition early and watching it worsen. For a child with a spinal deformity, a bone tumor, or a complex fracture, that wait is not just an inconvenience. It can be devastating.
Bringing this technology on-site at LuskinOIC means patients will no longer have to navigate a fragmented healthcare system simply to receive the imaging their doctors have already ordered. It means faster diagnoses, faster treatment, and better outcomes for children who deserve nothing less.
Construction is set to begin this spring, made possible through the extraordinary generosity of donors like Ms. Madesko, whose philanthropy represents 83% of this multimillion-dollar project. Because of supporters like her, the future of pediatric orthopaedic care in Los Angeles is being built, one gift at a time.
Will you help us finish what we’ve started? Every gift brings us one step closer to opening the doors of our Advanced Imaging Center and ending the wait for children who cannot afford to be put on hold. Donate to the Innovation Campaign today.
LuskinOIC is proud to announce a $25,000 gift from the La Cañada Flintridge Orthopaedic Guild, generated through the Guild’s 2025 fundraising efforts. This generous contribution will support the Tech Station in our MRI Suite—an important component of LuskinOIC’s Innovation Campaign—helping strengthen the patient and family experience and the technology-enabled care environment surrounding our new MRI services.
The La Cañada Flintridge Orthopaedic Guild is one of the five auxiliary support groups under the Charitable Children’s Guild (CCG) umbrella, part of a legacy of volunteerism and philanthropy that has helped advance pediatric orthopaedic care at LuskinOIC for generations.
Together, the Guild and its auxiliaries have raised more than $14.25 million for LuskinOIC over the years—an extraordinary collective impact made possible through devoted members who give their time, talent, and resources in support of the children and families we serve.
We are deeply grateful to the La Cañada Flintridge Orthopaedic Guild for continuing this tradition of partnership and for investing in the future of care through this meaningful gift.
From Classroom to Community: Preparing the Next Generation of TBI Clinicians
The Thrive Adaptive Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) curriculum continued its three-part series with a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Symposium, presented in collaboration with students from Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine (COMP). The hybrid learning module advanced Thrive Adaptive’s mission to embed disability-informed care into medical education by integrating clinical knowledge, communication skills, and lived experience.
The program featured Jamie Currie, MS, behavioral specialist and disability advocate, who led instruction on patient-centered communication strategies for individuals with TBI. Clinical foundations were presented by Dr. Dan Miulli, neurosurgeon and medical director of the Brain Injury Program at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, who provided an overview of TBI pathology, treatment pathways, and long-term outcomes.
A panel discussion moderated by Hector Ochoa, disability self-advocate and community leader, centered the lived experience of individuals with TBI and highlighted community-based resources available to clinicians and patients. The experience concluded with a visit to The Perfect Step Neurological Rehabilitation Center, where students met founder Hal Hargrave and learned about emerging rehabilitation technologies and recovery strategies shaping neurological care.
A Full Calendar, a Shared Mission: Expanding Disability Inclusion
The LuskinOIC calendar is filled with opportunities to learn from, support, and engage with the disability community—positioning this year as one of the institute’s most impactful to date. Through partnerships with regional and national organizations, LuskinOIC faculty, staff, and collaborators will be present across Southern California and beyond, reinforcing a commitment to access, inclusion, and community-driven care.
Upcoming highlights include:
Feb. 19–22: Little People of America West Coast Regional Event — Las Vegas
Feb. 21: Burbank Adaptive Sports Expo — McCambridge Park, Burbank
Feb. 22: Los Angeles Adaptive Sports Fair with Angel City Sports — Ted Watkins Park, Los Angeles
March 7: Casa Colina Roll & Rally with Triumph Foundation — Claremont
March 21: UCLA Center for Cerebral Palsy Margaret Jones Professional Conference & Family Forum — LuskinOIC
March 21–22: Angel City Sports Youth Weekend — Harvard-Westlake Upper School, Los Angeles
March 27–28: Los Angeles Abilities Expo — Long Beach Convention Center
Together, these events reflect a clear and enduring commitment: showing up for the disability community, learning directly from lived experience, and turning partnerships into action. By maintaining a strong presence across Southern California and beyond, LuskinOIC continues to build trust, strengthen community connections, and ensure that access, inclusion, and impact remain at the center of everything we do.
On Jan. 8, LuskinOIC was filled with laughter, creativity, and sweet treats during a special event hosted in partnership with Project Sunshine and Baskin-Robbins.
Children and families enjoyed a fun afternoon of hands-on arts and crafts led by Project Sunshine and Baskin-Robbins volunteers, creating a welcoming space for creativity, play, and connection. To make the day even sweeter, Baskin-Robbins generously provided ice cream, bringing smiles to patients, siblings, and caregivers alike.
Events like this reflect LuskinOIC’s commitment to caring for the whole child by supporting not only physical healing but also joy, emotional well-being, and moments of normalcy during medical visits.
We are grateful to Project Sunshine and Baskin-Robbins for their continued partnership and generosity, as well as to our volunteers and staff who helped make this day memorable for the children and families we serve.
Learning that your child needs orthopaedic surgery can feel overwhelming for the whole family. In our latest blog post, LuskinOIC specialists share a comprehensive guide to preparing children for surgery in ways that provide comfort, build confidence, and reduce anxiety.
The guidance is tailored by age and developmental stage, recognizing that toddlers, school-age children, and teenagers each process information differently. Research consistently shows that children who are well prepared experience better outcomes, and thoughtful preparation can positively shape how they approach medical care throughout their lives.
The post covers universal principles, including the importance of telling the truth using age-appropriate language, and offers specific strategies for supporting children at every stage of development.
Read the full guide on our blog to help your child navigate this surgery with confidence and resilience.
We’re excited to share that Dr. Joshua Goldman, associate director of the Center for Sports Medicine at LuskinOIC and a 2025 Super Doctors SoCal honoree, will be featured in Southbay Magazine’s “All About Kids” special section in March.
In the profile, Dr. Goldman discusses how LuskinOIC’s sports medicine team delivers the same level of expertise provided to elite athletes—including the Los Angeles Chargers, UCLA football and beach volleyball teams, and the Red Bull Athlete Performance Center—to young athletes across Los Angeles. He reflects on the evolving landscape of youth sports, the importance of keeping kids active and engaged, and why physical and social literacy should be the true goal of youth athletics.
Dr. Goldman also emphasizes that curiosity is the foundation of medical innovation, driving LuskinOIC’s research efforts to help children heal faster and more effectively. He shares how his own experience as a multisport athlete growing up shaped his belief that every child deserves access to youth sports, a conviction that aligns closely with LuskinOIC’s mission to provide world-class care regardless of a family’s ability to pay.
The feature offers a wonderful glimpse into the philosophy and passion driving LuskinOIC’s Center for Sports Medicine and its commitment to helping young athletes thrive.
LuskinOIC will host the UCLA/LuskinOIC Center for Cerebral Palsy Margaret Jones Professional Conference and CP Family Forum on March 21, an important annual event that brings together leaders in cerebral palsy care, research, and advocacy from across the country.
This year’s conference is particularly significant as it will feature remarks from Dr. Soroush Baghdadi, newly appointed director of the UCLA/LuskinOIC Center for Cerebral Palsy. Dr. Baghdadi will share his vision for advancing interdisciplinary care and strengthening community partnerships to better support individuals with cerebral palsy and their families.
The 2025 theme, “Growing Up With CP,” focuses on the evolving needs of individuals with cerebral palsy across the lifespan, with an emphasis on transitions in care, long-term outcomes, and whole-person support. The conference brings together clinicians, families, researchers, and community partners to foster collaboration and shared learning.
The event will be headlined by Dr. Mark D. Peterson, Charles E. Lytle Jr. Endowed Research Professor at University of Michigan Medicine and a Fulbright Scholar. An international leader in disability health research, Dr. Peterson has authored more than 200 publications and leads the development of Clinical Practice Guidelines for Cerebral Palsy. His work is also informed by lived experience as the father of a teenager with cerebral palsy.
The conference will welcome more than 30 families affected by cerebral palsy, more than 50 physical therapists, and a dozen high-impact community organizations for a full day of learning, connection, and support—reinforcing LuskinOIC’s role as a national hub for interdisciplinary CP care.
On Friday, Jan. 23, LuskinOIC hosted a dinner reception to honor the creation of the new Harry A. McKellop, Ph.D., Excellence in Research and Innovation Award. Presented on behalf of the J. Vernon Luck, Sr., M.D., Biomechanics Research Center at LuskinOIC, the award recognizes outstanding achievement and forward-thinking leadership in research.
Before establishing the McKellop Award, LuskinOIC presented the G. June Marshall Award, named in honor of the research center’s first director. To continue that legacy of revolutionary orthopaedic research, the JVL Research Center has introduced this new award honoring Dr. Harry McKellop.
Dr. McKellop served at the JVL Research Center from 1980 until his retirement in 2014. During that time, he held multiple leadership roles, including Director of the Biomechanics Laboratory, Director of the Research Center, and eventually Vice President of Orthopaedic Hospital. For his research on wear and tear on artificial joints, Dr. McKellop was awarded numerous patents and received prestigious awards, such as the Kappa Delta Award from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Under his leadership, the JVL Research Center became, and remains, one of the world’s most prominent and renowned orthopaedic research institutions.
The 2025 McKellop Award recipient is Dr. Jenna Wahbeh, Ph.D. Dr. Wahbeh joined LuskinOIC in 2019 as a volunteer and later became a researcher, Ph.D. candidate, and lab manager at the JVL Research Center. Over five years, she published groundbreaking research addressing critical gaps in orthopaedics and mentored more than 30 high school and college students. During her time as a Ph.D. candidate, Dr. Wahbeh received the ORS Spine Section Travel Fellowship and the UCLA Dissertation Year Fellowship. In March 2025, Dr. Wahbeh successfully defended her dissertation, which focused on evaluating cervical disc replacements to improve clinical outcomes.
The evening was attended by past and present JVL Research Center researchers, LuskinOIC leadership and staff, and honored guests. Dr. James Luck Jr. gave a history of LuskinOIC and the Research Center, while Dr. Edward Ebramzadeh reflected on Dr. McKellop and his time with LuskinOIC. Dr. McKellop then spoke about his own experience before introducing this year’s awardee, Dr. Wahbeh. Dr. Wahbeh closed the evening by thanking the JVL Research Center for the recognition and reflecting on her time at LuskinOIC.
LuskinOIC is excited to announce that the 2026 Stand for Kids Gala will take place Saturday, June 6, at Manhattan Beach Studios.
The evening will honor this year’s Community Inspiration Award recipient, the Everychild Foundation, and the Power of Partnerships Award winner, the UCLA Sarcoma team. The 2026 gala theme, “Innovation,” will highlight the advancements LuskinOIC’s campus and providers are making to better serve the children of Los Angeles and beyond.
The Everychild Foundation is dedicated to easing the suffering of children in the greater Los Angeles area. The organization unites more than 200 Los Angeles women, each contributing $6,000 annually, to fund a single high-impact project addressing a critical unmet need of local children. In 2025, Everychild awarded LuskinOIC its first seven-figure grant from a foundation, providing the capstone to our $2.1 million MRI initiative.
The UCLA Sarcoma team provides innovative, multidisciplinary care for patients with sarcoma at every stage of the disease. UCLA is among the busiest sarcoma centers in the country, performing more than 500 sarcoma surgeries annually. The UCLA Pediatric Sarcoma Center is also dedicated to advancing research to improve treatment and outcomes. Led by Dr. Noah Federman, the UCLA Pediatric Oncology team helps children achieve remission and get back to being kids.
The 2024 gala, held at SoFi Stadium, featured the announcement of a $50 million dollar estate gift from Meyer and Renee Luskin. Nearly 1,000 guests gathered at center field as LuskinOIC honored the Los Angeles Chargers and Students Run LA.
We are proud to share a video created by our longtime partner, A+E Networks, highlighting LuskinOIC’s mission and the impact of their continued support.
In the video, LuskinOIC CEO Dr. Anthony Scaduto underscores the urgency of our work—providing life-changing orthopaedic care to children who otherwise could not access or afford it. Viewers see firsthand how our team transforms young lives through specialized surgical care, physical therapy, and prosthetics and orthotics services.
For more than a decade, A+E has championed our mission, helping support more than 60,000 patient visits each year, 85% of which serve children who are underinsured or uninsured. Their commitment to sharing our story with global partners reflects a deep understanding that investing in children’s mobility is an investment in their futures.
We are grateful for partners who do more than give. A+E Networks takes the time to truly understand our work and amplify our mission to audiences around the world.
On behalf of LuskinOIC and the patients we serve, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Board of Trustees member Iran Hopkins and her husband, Christopher Hopkins, for their generous $15,000 gift in support of the Innovation Campaign.
Since joining the Board this past fall, Iran has been a passionate and committed advocate for our mission. Through a thoughtful review of their personal and professional networks, along with the use of a director’s discretionary fund, Iran and Christopher designated their gift to support a key Innovation Campaign project focused on improving access to our front entrance and Urgent Care Center.
Dr. Goldman with a LuskinOIC patient
This project, a passion initiative of our Chief Medical Officer Dr. Silva, will replace stairs and a lengthy ramp with a graded slope and rotary drop-off area, helping ensure safer, more welcoming access for our patients and families.
Iran and Christopher’s leadership and generosity underscore the meaningful impact individuals can make when they leverage their resources to support innovation in care. We invite our community to follow their example by contributing to the Innovation Campaign. Together, we can advance innovative programs, expand access to care, and help ensure brighter futures for the patients and families who rely on LuskinOIC.
John J. Goldrick and his wife, Gabrielle Saxton Goldrick, made a $1.1 million planned gift to LuskinOIC that reflects their deep belief in the transformative power of accessible, equitable healthcare.
Through JJ’s volunteer work at LuskinOIC’s Toys & Joy event and the annual Swing for Kids Golf Classic, he and Gabrielle gained a front-row seat to our mission: providing world-class orthopaedic care to children regardless of their families’ ability to pay. With no children of their own, the couple made a deliberate estate-planning decision to support that work. Their gift represents the kind of philanthropic investment that enables pediatric specialty hospitals to sustain and expand services for underserved communities.
A Purple Heart recipient, JJ built a distinguished career in property management following his military service and remained deeply committed to healthcare access throughout his life. He volunteered three days a week at the Santa Monica UCLA Medical Center & Orthopaedic Hospital information desk and served on the UCLA Santa Monica Patient Family Advisory Council until his recent passing.
In recognition of the Goldricks’ transformative gift, LuskinOIC will name the rotary driveway at its downtown campus The Goldrick Circle as part of the Innovation Campaign to enhance facility accessibility.
“We thank JJ and Gabrielle for thoughtfully planning to make the future count for the mission of LuskinOIC,” said Michael Sullivan.
Their legacy exemplifies how planned giving can create lasting impact in pediatric healthcare, ensuring that children across Los Angeles continue to receive the specialized orthopaedic care they need. The Goldrick Circle will serve as a daily reminder that exceptional patient care is built not only through clinical excellence, but through the generosity of those who believe every child deserves access to healing.
On December 5, LuskinOIC welcomed 24 students and three chaperones from LAUSD’s University Pathways Medical Magnet Academy (UMED) for a behind-the-scenes tour of our campus. The career-pathways visit paired quick department spotlights with Q&A sessions, allowing students to hear directly from our teams about real roles, training paths, and what it’s like to serve children every day.
After a welcome from Michael Sullivan in the Luck Family Conference Center, students rotated through the Ahmanson Foundation Fracture Center, Harbison Radiology, Urgent Care, ICP, ASC, the 4th-Floor Clinic, JVL Research, Pharmacy, and Physical Therapy. Along the way, they learned how clinicians, techs, researchers, and support staff work together to deliver world-class pediatric orthopaedic care, often to uninsured or underinsured families.
Thank you to every department that hosted a stop and shared time and expertise. Your enthusiasm made a lasting impression and may have sparked a few future careers in healthcare.
On Tuesday, December 9, LuskinOIC and California Highway Patrol once again partnered for their annual toy giveaway. The Luck Family Conference Center was transformed into a winter wonderland, where patients and community guests were greeted by Santa Claus. Tables were stocked with toys donated by generous supporters, including CHP. Every child chose a toy they loved and received a Project Sunshine craft kit, holiday meal essentials, and a few additional treats.
LuskinOIC welcomed more than 50 guests from community partners, including Gilbert Lindsay Park, MaMa’s del Sur Centro, Soledad Enrichment Action, and Volunteers of America. Families enjoyed the festivities while learning more about LuskinOIC’s mission, services, and commitment to the community.
LuskinOIC is deeply grateful to California High Patrol for their continued partnership and support. Their annual contribution to the toy drive helps create a memorable experience for patients and families during the CHP Toy Giveaway.
LuskinOIC’s Downtown Los Angeles campus transformed into a winter wonderland for the 36th annual Toys & Joy Holiday Party, welcoming more than 1,000 patients and families, with some arriving as early as 6:00 a.m.
Star-Studded Celebration
The festivities kicked off with Ozzie the Dragon arriving aboard a SWAT BearCat, joined by celebrity guests including Keith David, Kevin Nealon, Jharrel Jerome, and many more. American Idol warm-up host Josh Randall served as MC, while DJ Amused, Nayah Damasen, and Angelino Brass filled the morning with holiday music.
Santa’s Grand Entrance
In an unforgettable moment, Santa rappelled down the Luskin Medical Pavilion wall after arriving by helicopter, courtesy of LuskinOIC’s long-time partners at the LAPD SWAT team.
Fun for the Whole Family
Families enjoyed LA Galaxy soccer darts, photos with the LA Ghostbusters and SWAT B.E.A.R., a 360° photo booth, Project Sunshine craft bags, Insomnia Cookies, holiday card-making with Project Joy Card, and much more.
The Heart of Toys & Joy
Toys & Joy ensures that pediatric patients, siblings, and under-resourced children in our community experience the magic of the holiday season. Every child went home with gifts and memories to last a lifetime.
Thank You to Our Partners
Toys & Joy is a culmination of a year-long toy collection program and is made possible by our generous donors and partners, including LA Galaxy, LA Ghostbusters, The Book Foundation, Photobooth Party LA, Hero Dental, Insomnia Cookies, Capri Sun, Joy Card Project, Project Sunshine, Angelino Brass, Mattel, Starlight Children’s Foundation, Orthopaedic Medical Magnet High School, UCLA and USC student organizations, LuskinOIC support groups, and the LAPD SWAT team.
Innovation Campaign Chairs Bowen, Childers, Feld, Jenkins, and Silletti are thrilled to announce the first gifts supporting an advanced surgical simulation lab, the first of its kind at LuskinOIC.
The Fox, Griffiths, Riley, Schweitzer, and Stockley families, all long-time supporters of the Luskin mission, have collectively donated just over $30,000 to fund this new training facility.
Teaching the next generation of surgeons is a top priority of the LuskinOIC and UCLA faculty. With cutting-edge haptic and physical surgical simulators, tools that bring unmatched realism to orthopaedic education, we will better prepare aspiring surgeons for the challenges of pediatric orthopaedic procedures.
High-fidelity simulation does more than just sharpen skills; it saves lives. From precise arthroscopic procedures to complex fracture management, the tactile feedback offered by these simulators will help develop safer, more confident surgeons.
Putting your philanthropy to work through innovative teaching technologies is core to the Luskin mission. Thanks to these generous families, our residents and fellows will be better prepared to deliver exceptional care to children.
Four long-time supporters, the Bryson, Lichtenberger, Spenser, and Wirick families, combined their year-end donations to contribute $100,000 toward the purchase of a new EOS scanner.
The scanner will be housed in the new Advanced Imaging Center, located on the second floor of the outpatient medical center building. The Center will also be home to the Everychild Foundation MRI Suite.
The EOS captures vivid 2D and 3D images while reducing a child’s exposure to radiation by up to 90%. These images help physicians better understand each patient’s unique anatomy and condition. For children who require surgery, these scanners allow our surgeons to prepare more precisely and develop highly informed treatment plans.
We are proud to put your philanthropy to work with innovation and excellence!
We are honored to receive an estate gift in memory of Vice Admiral George Davis. His widow, Jean Carroll Davis, told us, “We are so proud to be part of something that has been so meaningful to my family, and to so many children. We have always been pleased to support LuskinOIC’s commitment to the future, and we have always fully supported the Institute growing stronger and stronger in the years to come.”
Vice Admiral George W. DavisJean Carroll Davis and Vice Admiral George Davis
Vice Admiral George Davis honored LuskinOIC with a gift in his personal estate plan, and Mrs. Davis is pleased to direct her husband’s gift toward the Innovation Campaign. In recognition of this generosity, the lobby in the renovated Center for Sports Medicine will be named for the Davis family.
The Jean Caroll Davis family has a long and rich history with LuskinOIC. Drs. Robert L. Carroll, Mrs. Carroll Davis’ father and brother were both orthopaedic surgeons with deep ties to LuskinOIC. Her father practiced at the hospital in the 1930s and early 1940s, and her brother completed his residency here in the mid-1960s. This gift stands as a testament to Mr. and Mrs. Davis’ enduring commitment to LuskinOIC and each other.
Year-end giving to our Care for Kids Fund, which supports the day-to-day operations of each department at LuskinOIC, has yielded just over $400,000 since November 1.
The Care for Kids Fund is a significant part of our Innovation Campaign, representing $10 million of the campaign’s $80 million goal.
Innovation cannot succeed without extraordinary physicians, scientists, teachers, and staff. We are proud to put our donors’ philanthropic support to work for the children of Los Angeles and beyond.
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Knowing When to Seek Care for Your Child: A Guide from LuskinOIC
As a parent, your top priority is keeping your child safe and healthy. But when your child is sick or injured, it can be hard to know what level of care they need. Should you call your pediatrician, visit urgent care, or head straight to the emergency department?
When to Call Your Pediatrician or Visit Urgent Care
For non-emergencies, your child’s pediatrician or a pediatric urgent care center is often the best place to start. If your child’s doctor isn’t available—such as during evenings or weekends—urgent care can provide fast, effective treatment. Contact your pediatrician or visit urgent care if your child has:
A fever lasting more than 3 days
A fever over 102°F for more than 2 days in an infant, without a clear cause
Symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, dry cough, runny nose)
Minor injuries like sprains, strains, or swelling
Cuts that may need stitches
Minor burns
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Bladder or urinary tract infections
Cold symptoms, coughs, or sore throats
Earaches or sinus pain
Skin concerns like rashes or irritation
You may also have access to virtual urgent care for non-emergency issues, allowing your child to be seen by a provider from home. Check if pediatric virtual urgent care services are available in your area.
When to Go to the Emergency Department
If your child is seriously injured or ill—especially if the condition may be life-threatening or needs immediate attention—take them to the emergency department (ED). Seek emergency care if your child:
Is extremely drowsy, hard to wake, or behaving unusually
Is experiencing severe or constant pain
Has trouble breathing, or is breathing rapidly or deeply
Has a suspected broken bone, a visibly deformed limb, or a lot of swelling and pain
Has a deep or large cut, a cut that won’t stop bleeding after 10 minutes of pressure, or a wound on the head, chest, or abdomen
Sustains a head injury that causes vomiting, confusion, a severe headache, or loss of consciousness
Falls from a significant height
Ingests a harmful substance or medication
If your child is alert, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222
If your child is unresponsive, having trouble breathing, or has collapsed, call 911
Is under 2 months old and has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher (call your doctor first)
Has a high fever along with a stiff neck or headache
Has a fever along with a widespread purple or red rash
Shows signs of severe dehydration (no wet diapers, sunken eyes, dry mouth, weakness, or inability to drink or respond)
Your child’s health matters. When in doubt, trust your instincts—and don’t hesitate to seek care. LuskinOIC is here to support your family with trusted pediatric expertise every step of the way.
