Impact Stories

Beating cancer at age 2 earned him the nickname Fierce Pierce—and the privilege of celebrating two birthdays. Now 8, the third grader enjoys soccer, baseball and French cuisine!

Gene Therapy Saves Greigh From a Paralyzing Muscle Disease

The 3-year-old was CHLA’s first patient identified with spinal muscular atrophy by California’s Newborn Screening Program, setting him on a remarkable path to a normal childhood.

A Lifesaving Bridge—Then a New Heart—for Baby Ciara

Too fragile to wait for a heart transplant, the 4-week-old needed a breakthrough to survive. Shortly before Christmas 2021, she became the first patient born with a single ventricle to receive a ventricular assist device at CHLA—and continues to beat the odds.

Oliver Is ‘A Whole Different Kid’ After Kidney Transplant

Born with a rare genetic disorder, Oliver needed a new kidney—and lots of care. Thanks to a multidisciplinary team at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, the 3-year-old is now thriving.

A Baby Girl Makes a Comeback

Ann received a second chance at life thanks to experts in the Newborn and Infant Critical Care Unit at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles—and therapeutic cooling treatment.

A Lifesaving Move for Ella

Ella and her family moved from the East Coast to Southern California in search of the best treatment for high-risk neuroblastoma—and found it at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

With a Limb Difference, Forrest Is Perfect in His Own Way

Comprehensive care provided by orthopedic experts at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles—combined with a spunky personality and can-do attitude—allow this 6-year-old to look beyond his condition and simply enjoy being a kid.

No Longer Night-Blind, Natalia Isn’t Afraid of the Dark

After being treated with a breakthrough gene therapy at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles for a genetic eye disorder, 5-year-old Natalia can now see clearly for the first time in her life.

Teen Receives Historic Heart-Liver Transplant

After a rare heart disorder triggered severe liver problems, Mark needed a lifesaving dual organ transplant. Read how 11 hospital teams carried out the intricate procedure, a first at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.