MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach

Growing pains are one of the most common childhood musculoskeletal conditions, causing countless visits to health care professionals. Although they are referred to as “growing pains,” there is no actual evidence to show that growing is painful. Dr. Emory Chang, pediatric orthopaedic surgeon, shares what you need to know. https://lnkd.in/gTGNe7Kj

When she was just 10-years-old, Vanessa Sher’s world was turned upside down when she received her diagnosis of Crohn’s disease, a type of inflammatory bowel disease that causes swelling of the tissues in the digestive tract. Twenty years ago, her mother sought out Dr. Barry Steinmetz, a highly respected pediatric gastroenterologist who is now the medical director of our Gastroenterology & Nutrition Center. Under Dr. Steinmetz's care, Vanessa underwent various treatments, medications and infusions. Despite the physical challenges and side effects she endured, Vanessa's determination to overcome her illness remained unwavering. During her college years, Vanessa became more vocal about her illness, leading her to advocate for herself and others in the Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis community. Today, she serves as the Senior Manager of Fundraising Campaigns & Volunteer Engagement for the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation Greater Los Angeles - Orange County Chapter. Learn more about Vanessa’s journey at https://lnkd.in/g33AjbcM

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Douglas Fraser for being named medical director of the Trauma Center at MemorialCare’s Long Beach Medical Center and Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach. Dr. Fraser is a fellowship-trained, board-certified trauma surgeon and will provide clinical oversight of the trauma teams, contribute to the development of trauma program initiatives, resident and staff education, and trauma research, and foster collaborative relationships with hospital departments to support quality trauma care. “I am honored to come back home to Southern California and ensure we bring the best in pediatric and adult trauma services to the community we serve,” said Dr. Fraser. “I look forward to bringing my experience and passion for trauma care to this role and working with the talented team here to provide the highest level of care to our patients.” https://lnkd.in/g9GxcA-F

After falling off the back of a couch and hitting his head, Jayden was rushed to the Emergency Department to treat his traumatic brain injury. Jayden underwent surgery to lessen the pressure on his brain and stop internal bleeding. After spending a month in the Cherese Mari Laulhere Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), he underwent cranioplasty surgery to reattach a piece of his skull since the pressure had decreased.     After his accident, Jayden couldn’t speak or freely move his right side. After receiving physical, occupational, speech, and dysphagia (swallowing) therapy, Jayden is now back home with his family recovering.   “With therapy, we noticed right away that he was re-learning colors, animal voices, and putting words together,” said Jayden’s mom, Joudie. “His walking is improving a lot and he is just a funny kid that says hi to everyone, and loves playing with our dog and his cousins.”   Our team will continue to support Jayden in an outpatient setting at our Cherese Mari Laulhere Children’s Village.

Yesterday, Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto and catcher Logan O’Hoppe visited our patients, delivering rally monkeys, jerseys and hats. They played Go Fish and greeted one of our pet therapy dogs. To round out the visit, our Child Life team presented the Los Angeles Angels with the Friend of Child Life Award to thank them for their continued partnership in bringing smiles to our patients.

Fourteen-year-old Daniel recently rang the bell signifying being cancer free! Daniel was diagnosed with B-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia in February 2022 and has undergone 2.5 years of treatment which included several hospitalizations. With the help of our Child Life team and Handel’s Ice Cream Long Beach, Daniel was able to celebrate with his parents, brothers, grandparents, care teams, and his pediatrician.

Kayden Thomas, a young patient from the Island of Dominica, was born with a congenital heart disease (CHD) that required surgical repair. However, his home country did not provide the care he needed, so he was referred to our hospital through the World Pediatric Project (WPP).   Kayden received care from our Children’s Heart Institute team and underwent surgery to repair the hole in his heart. He is now living a healthy life back in Dominica.   “The Children’s Heart Institute is committed to providing the most advanced care and compassionate staff so our patients can not only recover quickly after their surgery but also have a long and healthy lifestyle,” says Dr. M. Babak Rahimi, pediatric cardiologist.   We’re proud to partner with the World Pediatric Project to continue bringing children from less developed countries directly to our doctors for life-saving treatments they would otherwise not be able to receive.   Learn more about Kayden’s story at https://lnkd.in/gxgiwJUj

We wish you a fun, festive, and safe Fourth of July!

Meet Cole, a recent Honorary Bat Kid for the Los Angeles Angels. Cole has received care at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital since he was born – he spent the first week of his life in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, underwent surgery at 2, and received care for breaking his foot at 9. We are proud to provide specialized pediatric and maternity care throughout the region. Photo Credit: Angels

Our Child Life Team is excited to kick off our Christmas in July Toy Drive! During the holidays, we receive many toy donations, but by summertime, our toy supply runs low. The donations we receive are used throughout the year in our numerous playrooms and patient rooms, as well as to reward children for completing a procedure or to celebrate a birthday, holiday, or special event. If you wish to donate, you can purchase items directly on our Amazon Wishlist at https://lnkd.in/gTUgKqA.