MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital

10/30/2025

Our tiniest pumpkins are ready for their first Halloween! A special thank you to our volunteer photographers, Jennifer McNeil and Curt Nordling, Samantha Timmons from Timmons Volkswagen Subaru of Long Beach and Threads of Love for their generous donations.

10/30/2025

Liliana and Carlos were thrilled to be expecting their first child, Camila, but a routine ultrasound revealed she had bilateral clubfoot. Despite this, Liliana’s pregnancy was healthy, and Camila was born at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital.

At birth, Camila showed no facial movement and had trouble breathing, leading to specialized care in the Level IV NICU. She was diagnosed with Moebius syndrome, a rare neurological condition. Camila’s multidisciplinary care included therapy and surgery for clubfoot, helping her progress from sitting to walking.

Her family’s dedication—practicing therapy techniques at home and supporting her milestones—was key to her progress. Today, Camila uses a reverse walker and is working toward independent mobility.

https://www.millerchildrens.memorialcare.org/blog/tiny-steps-giant-strides-2-year-olds-journey-independence

10/28/2025

Meet our Music Therapy Team! Our Board-Certified Music Therapists have seen 5,000 patients since the inception of the Music Therapy Program! They help soothe patients and their families with the healing power of music, assist patients gain skills they have lost during their illness or injury, and so much more!

10/27/2025

As November approaches, we prepare to “fall back” with the end of daylight savings time. While gaining an extra hour of sleep can seem like a relief, the shift can still disrupt normal sleeping patterns for children.

Dr. Gary Feldman, Medical Director of our Stramski Children’s Developmental Center, shares tips to help your child adjust to the time change.

https://www.millerchildrens.memorialcare.org/blog/daylight-savings-time-ending-prevent-your-child-sleep-disruptions

10/23/2025

From patient to caregiver! Patients and their siblings stepped into the role of doctor, nurse, and parent at our Teddy Bear Clinic, hosted by our Cherese Mari Laulhere Child Life Program. Through imaginative play and hands-on activities, patients explored medical procedures in a safe, fun way, helping reduce anxiety and build confidence.🧸

https://www.millerchildrens.memorialcare.org/blog/teddy-bear-clinic-miller-childrens-womens-hospital-helps-ease-medical-fears-young-patients-and

10/17/2025

Diet can affect a child’s overall health – physically, emotionally, and developmentally. One of the most concerning trends is the overwhelming presence of ultra-processed foods in children’s diets.

Dr. Mini Mehra, Gastroenterologist at our Torrance Outpatient Specialty Center, shares many ways in which processed foods affect children, how parents play a role in shaping eating habits, and more.

https://www.millerchildrens.memorialcare.org/blog/hidden-cost-convenience-how-ultra-processed-foods-are-impacting-our-children

10/15/2025

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by the protein gluten—found in wheat, barley, etc.—that causes the immune system to attack the small intestine and is on the rise in children.

Dr. Barry Steinmetz, Medical Director of our Gastroenterology & Nutrition Center, shares signs of celiac disease in children, how to diagnose celiac, and more.

Understanding Celiac Disease in Children

10/10/2025

Happy Pediatric Nurses Week! Thank you to our pediatric nurses for your empathy and dedication. Your care and kindness make a world of difference for our young patients.

10/07/2025

For 18-year-old Atticus Maldonado, a patient at our Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute, the dream of earning a racing license once felt out of reach.

What began as a suspected baseball injury led to a life-changing diagnosis—rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare soft tissue cancer that primarily affects children and teens.

His journey since then has been anything but easy. After celebrating being cancer-free at the start of 2025, his family received heartbreaking news in May that the cancer had returned, and treatment would now focus on quality of life.

Even so, Atticus remained determined to chase his dreams, starting with the one that had always fueled his spirit: becoming a licensed race car driver.

Thanks to the incredible support of his care team, family, and community, that dream became a reality.

Eighteen-Year-Old Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Cancer Patient Checks Off Bucket List Dream, Earns Racing License Amid Diagnosis

09/29/2025

Thank you to the Los Angeles Angels for supporting our patients in recognition of Childhood Cancer and Sickle Cell Awareness Month. They took the time to decorate rocks that will be given to patients in our Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute. These will be sure to bring a smile to their faces!

09/23/2025

Although teen va**ng has declined, flavored vapes remain a powerful draw, with nearly 90% of youth choosing them. Ni****ne can interfere with brain development, raising the risk for mood disorders and ni****ne dependence.

Dr. Inderpal Randhawa, Medical Director of our Children's Pulmonary Institute, shares risks and how parents can play a role in preventing the use of e-cigarettes.

https://www.millerchildrens.memorialcare.org/blog/youth-va**ng-declines-experts-warn-fight-isnt-over

09/19/2025

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Childhood cancer impacts countless families worldwide.

We aim to raise awareness about various types of cancer, including osteosarcoma, the most common bone cancer in children, adolescents, and young adults.

Dr. Julie Chu, Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist at our Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute, discusses common symptoms, treatments, and more.

Osteosarcoma: A Rare and Aggressive Bone Cancer in Children