Month: May 2025

On Tuesday, May 27, members of the Everychild Foundation visited LuskinOIC as part of their rigorous grant review process. We are honored to be among the eight organizations selected for a site visit. 

The Everychild Foundation’s mission—“We are dedicated to easing the suffering of children in the Greater Los Angeles area, whether due to disease, disability, abuse, neglect or poverty”—makes them a perfect partner for LuskinOIC. Nearly years ago, they funded the construction of our adaptive playground. The water feature on the Everychild Playground even inspired the creation of our beloved mascot, Ozzie.

Each year, the foundation awards a  $1 million grant to a worthy cause in support of Los Angeles’ children. After a highly competitive application process with multiple levels of review, we have reached the site visit stage. In June, we will learn if we are selected as one of two finalists.

We are requesting Everychild’s support for LuskinOIC’s first MRI—a long-standing priority for our clinical and research teams. Having an in-house MRI will enable us to capture critical diagnostic images quickly and efficiently, especially for patients with little or no insurance. Currently, many of these children face wait times averaging 2.5 months.

[Top image: Everychild Foundation visits Everychild Playground]

When Dr. Edward Ebramzadeh arrived in Milan this March for a three-month sabbatical at the prestigious Polytecnico di Milano, he continued a scientific exchange that began decades ago. His host, Dr. Roberto Chiesa—head of the biomaterials division in the Department of Chemical Engineering—proudly displays his fellowship diploma from the J. Vernon Luck Research Center (JVL) at LuskinOIC alongside his engineering degrees.

Between exploring Milan’s magnificent Duomo cathedral with visiting family members (both orthopaedic surgeons themselves) and presenting a seminar on  fracture fixation biomechanics to biomedical engineering students, Dr. Ebramzadeh focused on developing joint projects in spine implant evaluation and innovative biomaterials applications.

Even while embracing Italian culture—including weekend hikes in Como Province near the Swiss border with Dr. Chiesa’s family—Dr. Ebramzadeh has maintained his leadership role in LuskinOIC research through remote work sessions and regular Zoom meetings with the Los Angeles team.

This cross-continental partnership exemplifies LuskinOIC’s commitment to advancing pediatric orthopaedic innovation through global scientific exchange—combining the engineering excellence of Italy’s top technical university with our institute’s specialized focus on improving care for children with orthopaedic conditions.

We’re excited to unveil LuskinOIC’s completely reimagined website—designed with our patients and families at the center of every decision.

The new luskinoic.org transforms the online experience with intuitive navigation that helps visitors seamlessly find the information they need, whether they’re looking for specialists, researching treatments, or scheduling appointments.

Vibrant visuals bring our mission to life through compelling videos of young patients returning to activities they love, while colorful graphic elements create an atmosphere that’s both professional and approachable.

Behind the scenes, we’ve enhanced mobile responsiveness, streamlined appointment scheduling, and improved accessibility features—all while maintaining the human connection central to our care philosophy. 

We invite you, your families, and friends to explore our new digital home at luskinoic.org and share your feedback as we continue refining this experience—built for the parents, caregivers, and young champions who inspire our work every day.

This weekend, LuskinOIC was proud to sponsor the Long Beach Adaptive Sports Fair, which brought together more than 300 athletes with disabilities and 150 community volunteers for a day of inclusive fun. Participants of all abilities had the opportunity to try more than 10 adaptive sports during the second annual event held at Long Beach city College. Through our partnership with Thrive Adaptive, we also provided hands-on experiences for aspiring clinicians to work alongside people with disabilities and some of the area’s top coaches.

The weekend’s impact didn’t stop there. LuskinOIC’s disability community liaison, Joe Holt, was invited by the city of Burbank as a dignified guest to celebrate its adaptive recreation program. The city also recognized the Burbank Leadership Council, a group of emerging leaders, for their yearlong fundraising efforts that resulted in $90,000 in adapted sports equipment.

The new equipment includes two electric all-terrain vehicle wheelchairs—making city trails accessible for all for the first time—as well as custom fencing wheelchairs to support the city’s growing adaptive fencing program, now one of the largest in the country. 

None of this would be possible without the continued commitment of Burbank Parks and Recreation under the leadership of Diego Ceballos.

This past month, LuskinOIC and UCLA Health partnered to host their third Sawbones Workshop, introducing students of all grades to the field of orthopaedics. Fifteen residents and medical students led hands-on activities for high school students from over 15 high schools, including Orthopaedic Medical Magnet High School, Da Vinci High School, STEAM Legacy High School, USC Hybrid High School, St. Mary’s Academy, Palos Verdes Peninsula High School, and more. 

During the event, students rotated through ex-fix, lag screw, and compression plating stations. After the workshop, they participated in a Q&A session with the residents to learn what inspired them to pursue medicine and orthopaedics. They also explored fracture management techniques using casting, sawbones models, power tools, and surgical hardware.

Thank you to Dr. Rishi Trikha, the UCLA Health team, Whitney Coe, and the Johnson & Johnson Medtech team for coordinating such an amazing event for our students!

Over the past few months, LuskinOIC’s community of staff, board members, donors, and volunteers has come together to help those impacted by the devastation of the recent urban fires. From donating school supplies to teachers and students at Altadena Arts Magnet Elementary School to providing support to staff and patients in need, LuskinOIC recently partnered with the nonprofit, A Sense of Home, whose mission is to create homes for youth aging out of foster care. Unfortunately, many of their members fell victim to the L.A. fires and are in urgent need of support. 

To help with this initiative, LuskinOIC made a donation to purchase new furniture and had more than 50 staff and volunteers help build the items in the Luck Family Conference Center before they were delivered. Departments including Research, Fracture, Rehabilitation, Security, and many more supported the builds! 

Thank you to all staff and volunteers for continuing to support not just our patients, but our surrounding community in this time of need.

[Top image: “LuskinOIC staff at A Sense of Home Day]

Dr. Harry McKellop and his family have generously donated $161,000 to the J. Vernon Luck, Sr., MD Orthopaedic Research Center, supporting the McKellop/Biomechanics Research Assistant Fund at LuskinOIC. This fund, named in honor of the McKellop family’s ongoing generosity, supports emerging researchers working toward advancing critical orthopaedic research. This contribution helps fund the training and development of research assistants, enabling them to participate in groundbreaking studies to improve patient outcomes and drive innovation in musculoskeletal care.

[Top image: JVL Orthopaedic Research Center]

LuskinOIC’s support groups, Las Amigas and Los Amigos, presented a $30,000 check to help fund our upcoming MRI unit, part of the new Advanced Imaging Center set to open in 2026.

At the annual Los Amigos Senior Recognition & Awards Night, Assistant Vice President Mary Beth Perrine accepted the donation and  honored  eight high school seniors for their volunteerism and fundraising efforts. She was joined by Patient Ambassadors Luis and Arturo. 

Mary Beth also presented a plaque to longtime volunteer Amy Forte in recognition of her 10 years of heart-strong leadership, commitment, and service to LuskinOIC and Las Amigas de Las Lomas.

[Top image: AVP, Mary Beth Perrine presenting award to volunteer, Amy Forte]

LuskinOIC welcomed City District 10 Councilmember Heather Hutt to a dynamic community forum hosted by the Central City Association, showcasing the vital intersection of civic leadership and healthcare access.

Councilmember Hutt delivered timely insights on healthcare equity, highlighting how hundreds of District 10 children benefit from LuskinOIC’s specialized care. Vice President Michael Sullivan complemented these remarks by illustrating the organization’s community impact and the transformative potential of public-private partnerships.

This collaborative exchange exemplified how strategic alliances between government and healthcare providers can drive meaningful change. We value Councilmember Hutt’s advocacy as we work to expand orthopaedic care access and enhance health outcomes throughout the community.

(Top Image: Councilmember Heather Hutt speaks at CCA x LuskinOIC community forum)

Above: LuskinOIC Volunteer runs SRLA marathon

May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, a time to celebrate the importance of staying active and the incredible benefits physical activity brings to children’s lives. At Luskin Orthopaedic Institute for Children (LuskinOIC), we’re not just treating injuries—we’re nurturing the next generation of champions through our world-class Sports Medicine Center.

The Power of Physical Fitness for Growing Bodies

Regular physical activity is essential for children’s development, offering benefits that extend far beyond the playing field:

• Strong bones and muscles: Weight-bearing activities help build bone density during crucial growth years
• Healthy weight management: Active children are less likely to experience childhood obesity
• Improved cardiovascular health: Regular exercise strengthens young hearts
• Enhanced motor skills and coordination: Sports help refine movement patterns and body awareness
• Better academic performance: Studies consistently show physically active children perform better in school
• Improved mental health: Physical activity reduces anxiety and depression while boosting self-confidence

As pediatric orthopaedic specialists, we see firsthand how maintaining an active lifestyle can prevent injuries and promote overall wellness in children of all ages.

World-Class Sports Medicine for Young Athletes

LuskinOIC’s Sports Medicine Program stands apart through our unique understanding of young athletes’ bodies. Children aren’t simply small adults—they have growing bones, open growth plates, and developing muscles that require specialized care.

Our multidisciplinary team includes:

• Pediatric orthopaedic surgeons with sports medicine fellowship training
• Physical therapists specializing in youth rehabilitation
• Athletic trainers who bridge the gap between medical care and return to play

This comprehensive approach ensures that when a young athlete comes to us with an injury, we’re addressing not just the immediate issue, but looking at the whole child to prevent future problems and optimize performance.

From Playground to Professional: Our Elite Sports Connections

LuskinOIC’s reputation for excellence extends to the highest levels of competitive sports. Our practitioners proudly serve as team physicians and consultants for:

• UCLA Athletics: Supporting Bruin student-athletes across multiple sports
• Los Angeles Lakers: Providing orthopaedic expertise to one of the NBA’s premier franchises
• Local high school athletic programs: Ensuring young competitors receive professional-level care
• Youth sports leagues: Bringing specialized care to community-level athletics

This elite-level experience enriches the care we provide to every young patient who walks through our doors. The same expertise that helps professional athletes return to peak performance is applied to helping a 10-year-old gymnast recover from a wrist injury or a teenage soccer player rehabilitate after ACL surgery.

Prevention: The Best Medicine

While we excel at treating sports injuries, our ultimate goal is prevention. Our sports medicine specialists regularly conduct:

• Pre-participation physical examinations to identify potential issues before they become problems
• Movement assessments to correct biomechanical inefficiencies
• Educational workshops for coaches and parents on injury prevention strategies
• Sport-specific training recommendations to build strength and resilience

During National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, we encourage families to schedule a sports preparedness evaluation, especially as children prepare for summer sports and activities.

Getting—and Staying—Active as a Family

As we celebrate National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, here are some ways families can embrace physical activity together:

• Establish a family fitness challenge with achievable goals for everyone
• Explore new activities—try hiking, swimming, or cycling together
• Create an obstacle course in your backyard or at a local park
• Sign up for a charity walk/run event as a family team
• Schedule “device-free” times dedicated to physical play

Remember, children who see their parents enjoying physical activity are more likely to develop lifelong fitness habits themselves.

Partners in Your Child’s Active Journey

At LuskinOIC, we’re more than just healers—we’re partners in your child’s journey toward an active, healthy life. Whether your child is a competitive athlete or simply enjoys recreational play, our sports medicine specialists are committed to keeping them moving safely and confidently.

This National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, we celebrate not just the champions we’ve helped heal, but the everyday victories of children staying active, building strength, and discovering the joy of movement.

To learn more about our sports medicine services or to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists, contact LuskinOIC today. LuskinOIC is proud to support active children and young athletes across our community—from playground enthusiasts to future Olympians. Our specialized pediatric orthopaedic care ensures that physical setbacks are just temporary pauses in a lifetime of healthy movement.

Earlier this month, the LuskinOIC Foundation received a generous estate gift of $100,000 from the estate of Edyth Wagner-Roop. The gift honors her late husband, who was a LuskinOIC patient during his childhood.

Throughout his life, Frederick Crouch Roop faced ongoing orthopaedic challenges and received treatment at various hospitals, but he and Mrs. Wagner-Roop never forgot the compassionate care provided by LuskinOIC. When it came time to plan their estate, they chose to give back to the institutions that had made the greatest impact.

Thanks to their generosity, this $100,000 gift will be applied toward the purchase of a new MRI machine in our Advanced Imaging Center. This technology will enhance our ability to diagnose and treat pediatric patients with precision, compassion, and efficiency.

We are confident that the Wagner-Roop family would be proud of the impact this gift will have on children for years to come. If you would like to learn more about planned giving and how you can leave a legacy of healing, please contact Mary Beth Perrine at mperrine@mednet.ucla.edu.

LuskinOIC proudly served as a lead sponsor of this year’s Angel City Sports Youth Weekend—Los Angeles’ premier event for youth athletes with disabilities. 

LuskinOIC had the pleasure of providing swag bags to all attendees, speaking on a parent resource panel alongside AJ Muñoz, director of the San Diego State Adapted Athletics Program, and supporting the weekend’s cutest event, the Angel City Sports Toddler Games.

The weekend welcomed more than 80 participants who engaged in over 10 adapted sports, from track and field to wheelchair basketball and even an adapted climbing wall. Beyond sports, young athletes explored STEM activities with the Harvard-Westlake robotics team, connected with service dogs, and met other dogs with disabilities—highlighting the event’s focus on inclusive play, learning, and community.

The event was capped by a special appearance and wheelchair basketball scrimmage with members of the USC Trojans football team.

As part of LuskinOIC’s growing commitment to disability engagement, the organization partnered with Thrive Adaptive and UCLA’s Department of Orthopaedic Surgery to introduce more than 20 orthopaedic surgery residents and local medical students to the world of adapted sports through the Prescription to Play initiative. For many of these future clinicians, it was their first hands-on experience working with youth with disabilities—laying the foundation for more inclusive, informed care in their future practices.

(Top Image: Staff and volunteers at Angel City Sports Youth Weekend)

The UCLA Women’s Basketball team delivered an unforgettable 2024-25 season, achieving a historic milestone by reaching the NCAA Final Four for the first time in program history. With a 30-2 record and the No. 1 overall tournament seed, the Bruins—led by standout Lauren Betts and Head Coach Cori Close—captured national attention and inspired fans across the country.

Their thrilling 72-65 win over LSU in the Elite Eight was a testament to their grit and talent, and while their championship run concluded with a hard-fought semifinal loss to UConn, the team’s accomplishments marked a major step forward in the program’s legacy. But their impact doesn’t stop on the court. The Bruins are also champions of service, showing a deep commitment to community engagement. Thanks to LuskinOIC Board Chair Craig Ehrlich, the partnership between UCLA Women’s Basketball and LuskinOIC has flourished over the past two years. Team members regularly participate in LuskinOIC events, including LuskinOIC Night, Cerebral Palsy Camp, and Swing for Kids, bringing smiles, encouragement, and inspiration to young patients and their families.

Their involvement is a shining example of how athletic excellence can go hand in hand with compassion, service, and leadership—and how teamwork can uplift a community both in victory and beyond.

LuskinOIC hosted its third annual Ozzie’s Birthday Eggstravaganza, welcoming more than 300 families, including patients and the children of LuskinOIC employees. 

Children participated in egg hunts in the Everychild Foundation Universally Accessible Playground, egg decorating, games, face painting, raffles, and enjoyed music from a DJ, along with many other fun activities. This year, LuskinOIC also held a raffle for employees and gifted staff new LuskinOIC polos. 

Before the event was over, families and LuskinOIC staff gathered to sing “Happy Birthday” to Ozzie and enjoy delicious treats from the LA Donut Food Truck. 

A special thank-you goes out to the Ortho High student volunteers who helped plan and coordinate this amazing event. To make a lasting impact, nonprofits depend on volunteers who unreservedly give their talent and time to a shared cause such as this.

(Top Image: Arts & crafts station at 2025 Ozzie’s Birthday Eggstravaganza)

Led by Dr. Soroush Baghdadi, LuskinOIC staff and volunteers provided essential backpacks, school supplies, and other goodies for nearly 40 patients and their families at the Border Clinic in Calexico in April.

These giveaways were made possible by a successful donation drive coordinated by Las Niñas and Los Amigos. Volunteers from Las Niñas, Las Madrecitas, and Los Amigos showered the children with toys and engaged them in arts and craft activities.

As an added bonus, high school support group volunteers not only helped facilitate the event but also had the opportunity to shadow LuskinOIC doctors, highlighting a vital part of our mission to educate and train the next generation of health care professionals. 

Thank you to the many volunteers and donors who continue to make these opportunities possible for both our patients and students.

(Top Image: Dr. Baghdadi with volunteers at Calexico Clinic)

On April 10, LuskinOIC proudly hosted the 23rd Annual Combined Pediatric Orthopaedic Visiting Professor Program in collaboration with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and Shriners Hospital for Children Los Angeles. The highly anticipated educational event featured three distinguished speakers and drew attendees from across the region.

Dr. Derek M. Kelly of the University of Tennessee-Campbell Clinic opened the program with “Building a Clinical Program: Clubfoot,” sharing insights from his role as Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and Fellowship Director.

Dr. Donald Bae, Director of the Orthopaedic Hand and Upper Extremity Program at Boston Children’s Hospital, presented “Surgical Simulation in Pediatric Orthopaedics: Training Surgeons and Creating Value.” His dual fellowship training in pediatric orthopaedics and hand surgery brought unique expertise to the conversation.

The program concluded with Dr. Suken A. Shah, Chairman of Orthopaedic Surgery at Nemours Children’s Hospital, who delivered “Current Concepts and Controversies in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis,” drawing on his extensive experience in complex spinal deformities.

Held at LuskinOIC’s Downtown Campus, the program reaffirmed our commitment to education, collaboration, and excellence in pediatric orthopaedic care.

(Top Image: From left to right: Dr. Derek M. Kelly, Dr. Donald Bae & Dr. Suken A. Shah at Annual Visiting Professor Program)

As announced in February, the deadline for the 2025 Board Challenge was the April 8, 2025, Board of Trustees meeting. We are thrilled to share that every single board member and advisory council member rose to the challenge, demonstrating their deep belief in LuskinOIC’s mission. 

Their unanimous and enthusiastic support helped unlock not only the initial $100,000 challenge gift but also an additional $50,000 from an anonymous board member. This incredible act of generosity brings even more momentum to our MRI fundraising campaign.

The newly unlocked $50,000 will directly support the purchase of a new MRI for the Advanced Imaging Center, which will significantly enhance our diagnostic capabilities for pediatric orthopaedic patients.

We extend our deepest thanks to all our board and advisory council members for their continued leadership and dedication.

Last month, the LuskinOIC Foundation received a heartwarming surprise: a generous $49,086.77 distribution from the estate of longtime supporters Mary and Alfred Carr. For more than 27 years, the Carrs faithfully supported our mission to provide world-class orthopaedic care to all children, making consistent and meaningful gifts through our direct mail campaigns.

Though their contributions were modest in size, the Carrs’ unwavering support reflected their deep compassion and genuine belief in our work. Alfred, a dedicated employee of Northrop Grumman, retired early to spend more time with his beloved wife, Mary, a devoted homemaker. Together, they built a life centered on love, family, and generosity.

Their five grandchildren remember them as the best grandparents ever—with very big hearts. Their legacy now lives on in the children who will receive transformative orthopaedic care because of their thoughtful planning.

We are deeply grateful for the Carrs’ enduring legacy of healing and hope. If you would like to learn more about estate planning, please contact Mary Beth Perrine at mperrine@mednet.ucla.edu

(Top photo: CEO, Dr. Scaduto with Patient Ambassador, Victoria)