UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital

10/07/2025

We are proud to share that UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital placed in California’s top five hospitals by U.S. News and World Report's latest evaluation of pediatric care. Additionally, multiple subspecialties earned a national ranking.

This is the 19th consecutive year that UCLA Health has demonstrated broad excellence with multiple pediatric subspecialties rated among the nation’s leaders in the publication’s Best Children’s Hospitals assessment. Thank you to our amazing team, patients, families and community for making this recognition possible. Learn more about the rankings here: https://ucla.in/46VcnET

10/01/2025

For some, it was their first Los Angeles Dodgers game. Ten pediatric oncology patients and survivors basked in an evening full of Dodger dogs and unforgettable experiences at MLB's Childhood Cancer Awareness Night, before being honored on the field. Read their stories: https://ucla.in/47300bg

09/29/2025

It’s back and better than ever! Party on the Pier is celebrating 25 years this November 2nd, raising funds to support high-priority programs, clinical research, and specialty care for pediatric patients. Don’t miss out on the legendary event held on the Santa Monica Pier, including carnival games, exclusive prizes, celebrity appearances, meal vouchers, crafts and entertainment, and our UCLA PAC animals! Secure tickets for your family and friends now – it’s guaranteed fun: https://partyonthepier.ucla.edu/

09/27/2025

A very special visitor brought a wave of smiles to pediatric patients and their families: Hello Kitty. Special thanks to our friends at Sanrio.

09/17/2025

In honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Night at Dodger Stadium, UCLA Health's pediatric oncology patients drew photos of Dodger players to be used for tonight’s player walk-up photos. 💛

09/05/2025

When Francis was born, he immediately began enzyme therapy for a rare genetic disorder called perinatal severe hypophosphatasia, which causes soft bones and teeth due to an inability to mineralize calcium.

His mother, Liviera, turned to Dr. Deborah Krakow, an expert in maternal and fetal medicine. With the NICU prepared for his arrival, a dedicated medical team was ready to care for Francis from his first moments. After three months, Francis was stable and strong enough to go home – now making strides in progress.

Read about his inspiring journey and the specialists who support him: https://ucla.in/481A1BV

09/03/2025

🔗: bit.ly/4mMqSSk

According to UCLA Health's Dr. Ilina Pluym, who was Jocelyn Galvez's physician during the pregnancy, the odds of identical triplets happening are between 1 in 100,000 to 1 in 1,000,0000.

📷: Jocelyn Galvez

09/03/2025

A fresh school year brings fresh challenges, and there's a simple shift that can make all the difference. (Hint: it starts at home.) UCLA Health’s Sandra Loo, PhD, a pediatric psychologist, shares tips on how to help children maintain focus as they return to the classroom:📚

08/26/2025

08/25/2025

08/13/2025

The colorful handprints of young cancer patients returned as Hyundai Hope On Wheels awarded Dr. Steven Jonas a $400,000 grant, his fourth from the nonprofit.

Dr. Jonas’ latest project aims to create simple blood tests or “liquid biopsies,” to help doctors monitor a child’s cancer more precisely and adjust treatment sooner.

At the ceremony, pediatric cancer survivors shared powerful stories of resilience and hope for gentler, more effective treatments. As one survivor put it: “Survival is important, but so is the quality of life during and after treatment.” Read more: https://ucla.in/40ZaaX3

David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
Broad Stem Cell Research Center at UCLA
UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center
California NanoSystems Institute at UCLA

07/25/2025

Before Kane’s birth, his parents knew he’d have a cleft abnormality. He was diagnosed with both a cleft lip and a cleft palate on the left side, which made feedings difficult - that’s when the experts at UCLA Health’s Craniofacial Clinic stepped in with comprehensive options.

Kane's care team developed a plan that included surgeries that brought his lip together and closed the gap in the roof of his mouth. Kane has made huge improvements with feeding and speech therapy, as he continues to receive complex cleft care. A bright personality, Dr. Irene Hendrickson describes Kane as “just the happiest baby – always a smile for everybody."

Read more about Kane's care:https://ucla.in/4lLMePp