UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital

04/10/2026

The Chase Foundation helped us celebrate 15 years of partnership by hosting a special event to recognize our incredible staff who care for our patients and their families. The day featured activities for our patients, including a coffee cart with baristas serving cookies and making custom coffee, tea and hot chocolate. We are proud to recognize this milestone together.💙💛

Learn more about our Chase Child Life Specialists and how they are dedicated to supporting children’s well-being at UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital: https://ucla.in/4lXt2ie

03/31/2026

At a children’s hospital, there’s a role specifically dedicated to helping kids be kids during treatment: the Child Life Specialist. This Child Life Month, meet two of our specialists:

💫 Hanna Skane, MS, CCLS: After experiencing personal loss, Hanna began volunteering at hospitals and learned more about Child Life. She came to UCLA Health in 2023, then moved into pediatric oncology. Building rapport and connecting with patients is a priority for Hanna, as well as making space for them to reclaim their identity beyond their diagnosis.

🌟 Millicent Ongaco, MS, CCLS: Having spent a decade at UCLA Health, Millie works in an outpatient setting at the infusion center. She focuses on creating a safe environment for them to explore their feelings, while also being attentive to their parents and caregivers too. For Millie, play is her superpower — it’s how specialists bridge the gap with kids.

“It’s not just about physical healing, but the emotional safeguard we provide the family and the kiddo as well,” says Kelli Carroll, MS, CCLS, director of the Chase Child Life program.

Learn more about their impact: https://ucla.in/4syRmJM

03/19/2026

Meet Annalise. 💙 After completing chemotherapy, this incredible young warrior celebrated in the best way — as an honorary UCLA Health Kid Captain at a UCLA Gymnastics meet. A gymnast herself, she was beyond excited to meet some of the team and even joined them as a member of the starting lineups. Her smile lit up Pauley Pavilion. Click to see her experience.

UCLA Athletics
UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center

02/27/2026

Liam’s life began with a diagnosis no parent is prepared to hear. Born with a fatal congenital heart defect, he needed extraordinary care from his very first days. At just 1 month old, Liam came to UCLA Health and was placed on the heart transplant waiting list. During the four-month wait for a pediatric heart transplant, UCLA Health's expert pediatric cardiology team cared for him. Today, at 2 years old, Liam is talking, chasing adventures and loving pizza, a testament to resilience and hope. https://ucla.in/4sjHljm

02/24/2026

Scientists are uncovering how a child’s gut bacteria might set the stage for future emotional well-being. This UCLA Health study found that certain microbes are tied to brain communication patterns linked to anxiety and depression. Learn more about what it could mean for children’s health:

02/20/2026

Thank you to the Spirit of Children Foundation for their incredible generosity in supporting pediatric patients and their families.

The foundation presented our children’s hospital with a $115,000 gift, which provides funding for a full-time Child Life Specialist in our Emergency Department. Collectively, Spirit of Children has donated more than $1.8 million to support our Chase Child Life Program, making a meaningful impact for children.

Spirit Halloween

02/14/2026

Feeling extra grateful this Valentine’s Day. 💕 Thank you to the Laker Girls and UCLA People‑Animal Connection for helping spread joy, comfort and smiles throughout our hospital.

01/23/2026

Bridging creativity with expression, we’re grateful to The Sami Foundation for bringing the gift of art to tween, teen and young adult patients.

Through the generosity of the Liber family, art and drawing kits are shared in honor of their daughter, Sami, and are thoughtfully curated to inspire creativity. Led by dedicated volunteers, these workshops offer patients and families a calming space for connection and healing.

12/24/2025

Everyone’s favorite friend, Stitch, made a surprise visit, earning his spot on Santa’s “nice list!” Thank you Disney CEO Bob Iger for joining Disney VoluntEARS and Stitch, bringing a sprinkle of Disney holiday magic to our patients and families.

12/24/2025

Holiday moments around our hospitals.🎁 Thank you to Santa, our local Rabbi, the Laker Girls, and many other partners who made the festive season special!

12/19/2025

Our Child Life Zone became even brighter with Kendra Scott's Color Bar. Pediatric patients and families designed jewelry and selected their favorite pieces to keep.

Thank you, Kendra Cares, for bringing warmth and festivity on Giving Tuesday!

12/09/2025