Month: February 2026

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. 

Ready to Join an Upcoming Orientation?

Orientation dates and details are posted on our website at https://www.luskinoic.org/become-volunteer/

To attend, please email luskinoicvolunteers@mednet.ucla.edu.

We look forward to meeting our newest volunteers and growing our LuskinOIC community. Thank you for your interest in supporting our mission!

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.