Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego

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Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego

Now part of Rady Children’s Health, Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego is one of the nation’s top pediatric health care systems.

Ranked as one of the 10 best children’s hospitals in the nation by U.S. News and World Report in 2024, Rady Children’s Hospital includes a 511-bed pediatric hospital that serves as the largest provider of comprehensive pediatric medical services in San Diego, southern Riverside and Imperial counties. With more than 40 locations, Rady Children’s is the only health system in the San Diego area dedic

ated exclusively to pediatric health care and is the region’s only designated pediatric trauma center. Rady Children’s is a nonprofit organization that relies on donations to support its mission. For more information, visit rchsd.org.

08/19/2025

Born with multiple complex conditions, Bowen underwent emergency surgery the day after he was born & spent his first four months in the NICU at .

Bowen’s early days in the NICU were filled with challenges. For the first three months, he was unable to eat & was in such distress that his tiny hands remained clenched shut. But after two life-saving surgeries & the unwavering dedication of his NICU team, Bowen was finally able to take his first feeds—a critical step in his journey toward recovery.
Bowen’s mom, Annie, calls his transformation “nothing short of incredible.” He quickly captured the hearts of everyone around him, especially his devoted nurses, lactation consultants & his doctors.

Today, Bowen is thriving. “He is our miracle warrior—full of light, joy & a smile that radiates warmth,” says Annie. 💙

08/12/2025

Meet Kian, who made his grand entrance into the world in 2020–earlier than planned & in an unexpected way. A routine check-up revealed a dangerously high heart rate, leading to an emergency C-section and the life-saving decision to transfer him to .

When the CHET (Children’s Hospital Emergency Transport) team arrived by helicopter to fly Kian to our NICU, his parents' fear was replaced with hope. "They looked like real-life superheroes," his mom recalls. 🌟🚑 Kian was diagnosed with atrial flutter—a rare heart rhythm condition in newborns—quickly treated with a defibrillator. But his tiny body still needed extra time for his lungs, liver, kidneys & digestive system to grow stronger.

After seven days in the NICU, Kian’s family left the hospital with their greatest gift: their healthy baby boy. “We are truly thankful for the gift of life we were given & are eternally grateful to Rady Children’s & the CHET Team for saving our son’s life.” 💙

08/07/2025

This , meet Dr. Michael Levy, chief of pediatric neurosurgery at Rady Children’s. 🧠 With more than 30 years of experience, he’s known for tackling some of the most complex and challenging cases in the field.

What drives him? A deep commitment to building trust with families, making a lasting impact in children’s lives, and partnering with hospitals across the country and around the world to advance care for every child. 💙

08/05/2025

After months of determination, multiple hospital admissions & two major surgeries, Gala is finally home & thriving! 🥳 Born with a muscle disease that made movement & breathing difficult, Gala has already overcome incredible challenges. Now, after a tracheostomy, she breathes comfortably at home with ventilator support.

Gala is full of energy, dancing, trying new sounds & working on her first words. We couldn't be prouder of Gala's strength & spirit! 🌟

08/02/2025

Measles cases are on the rise across the U.S., with nearly 1,300 reported this year—the most since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000. Swipe for more information & recommendations to help keep your child protected & healthy.

07/15/2025

Choco made a splash at Rady Children's with a surprise visit to our dedicated staff. 💙🧸 A small moment that brought big smiles — thanks for making our day, Choco!

07/10/2025

umpires, the San Diego Padres Pad Squad, and teddy bears—oh my! 🧸💙 Our patients were bear-y lucky to get this sweet surprise. Thank you to UMPS CARE Charities for bringing comfort & smiles to our kiddos & their families!

07/03/2025

At just 20 years old, Mikey—the oldest of five siblings—is living life with a second chance. 🌟

His health struggles began in third grade with stomach pain that only worsened through middle & high school. He missed school, adjusted his diet & tried everything to manage the pain. But by senior year, the pain was so severe he could barely walk.

He was diagnosed with a rare form of liver cancer & began his journey with our dedicated care team, including Dr. Amber Hildreth, pediatric gastroenterologist & transplant hepatologist, & Dr. Megan Paul, hematologist/oncologist. Together, they determined that a liver transplant was his best chance.

Last year, Mikey received a transplant—& with it, a new beginning. Today, he’s healthy & thriving: "I’m grateful for every single person at Rady Children's—the doctors, nurses, lab techs, food service workers, custodians & administrative staff. Even if we never met face-to-face, your work mattered. You helped save my life. Thank you." 💙

06/25/2025

Born at just 24 weeks, Owen spent his first five months in the NICU of a local hospital. Despite having underdeveloped lungs, Owen's resilience prevailed & eventually grew strong enough to go home. However, six weeks later, he began to show signs of respiratory distress. What started as a mild cold quickly escalated, requiring rapid intubation & admission to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at .

Owen spent 784 consecutive days at Rady Children’s, with nearly all of that time in the PICU. During his stay, he became dependent on medications to maintain his health, had a gastrostomy tube inserted for feeding & underwent a tracheostomy. Although his care team remained hopeful for a quick recovery & an eventual return home, each small setback extended his stay at the hospital.

“Each doctor & nurse had foundational & integral moments in helping him heal, advocating for us, coaching us & cheering us on,” says Owen's mom, Darlene. “Because of their combined impacts, Owen survived & made it out of the hospital.” 💙

Owen is now 10 years old & can breathe without a tracheostomy tube or ventilator. He communicates with an augmentative & alternative communication (AAC) device & has steadily built feeding & speech skills. He recently completed fourth grade & enjoys Legoland, trains & adaptive rock climbing. 🌟

06/20/2025

Meet Jose, a Surgical Technician at , whose journey began not as a staff member but as a patient.

As a child, Jose was treated for a hearing condition by Dr. Daniela Carvalho, Medical Director of Surgical Services & Director of the Hearing & Cochlear Implant Program. During one of his clinical rotations while preparing for surgery, Jose recognized Dr. Carvalho but couldn't place her. As the surgery began, Dr. Carvalho smiled & said, “I used to be your doctor!” They shared a heartfelt hug, a moment Jose will never forget. 🥹

Now, Jose works as part of the surgical team at Rady Children’s, helping care for young patients in the operating room. “I’m a first-generation college student, & I always wanted to give back to the community that helped me. Supporting kids the way I was supported—by a team that led with compassion—is what drives me every day. This isn’t just a job. It’s my way of paying it forward.” 🌟

Jose’s story is a powerful reminder of how full-circle moments can inspire purpose, healing, & hope. 💙

06/18/2025

From jugglers and stilt walkers to face painting and games, our River Walk transformed into a mini fairground—thanks to the San Diego County Fair. 🎡🌟 This fun-filled day offered a sense of normalcy and brought a bit of magic to our patients receiving care. 💙

06/15/2025

This , we’re celebrating a special bond between two members of —Dr. John Bradley, Medical Director of Infectious Diseases, & his daughter, Dr. Erin Bradley, a Critical Care Physician in our Pediatric ICU. 💙

John has dedicated over 35 years to , helping establish many of the programs that shape our care today—including the very PICU where Erin now cares for our most critically ill patients.

Inspired by her father, Erin knew early on she wanted to become a doctor. “He was always such a happy doctor—it made the job look really enjoyable.” At 14, she toured the PICU with him. “There were some really sick kids,” John recalls. “I said, ‘If this makes you uncomfortable, just let me know.’ But she was genuinely interested.”

Erin had always dreamed of working at Rady Children’s alongside her dad, so when a position opened in the PICU in 2023, she didn’t hesitate.

Their favorite part of working together? Sharing dinner in the cafeteria when Erin’s on call, catching up on Erin’s kids (John’s grandkids), her goals in medicine & the guidance John can offer as both a father & a mentor. 🌟

06/14/2025

Nine years ago, two pints of blood saved Megan’s life after a traumatic childbirth. Today, she donates to give that same lifesaving gift to others. 💗

As a proud team member & mom of two, Megan understands the impact of one generous act. “Every time I donate, I think of the stranger who saved me. Now I donate to be that person for someone else.”

Every donation counts. At Rady Children’s, we rely on about 20 donors daily to keep our blood supply strong & support the kids who need it most. This , consider becoming a donor ➡️ https://rchsd.co/6de1cc

06/03/2025

✨👑 Meet Princess Paloma, a joyful patient, who loves dancing, dressing up & singing her favorite Frozen songs.

When asked about her biggest wish, she shared so many magical ideas, each with one heartfelt theme: creating a special memory with her family. 💖

Paloma's wish was revealed by Make-A-Wish San Diego during a special princess tea party surrounded by her family & care team. She’s just days away from heading to Disneyland for the very first time! She can’t wait to visit the castle & make her princess dreams come true. 👸

06/01/2025

This , meet Ruby & her big brother, Luke—two brave fighters who beat leukemia. 💙

Luke was diagnosed the day after Christmas in 2018 at just 8 years old. After nine long months of treatment, he reached remission—and shortly after, his family got the surprise that Ruby was on the way. But in a heartbreaking turn, Ruby—at just 18 months old—was diagnosed with leukemia —on Christmas Day 2021.

Their journeys weren't easy—ICU stays, transplants & intense treatments. But there was light: Ruby went into spontaneous remission before her CAR-T therapy & both of them rang the bell, surrounded by love. 🔔👏

"Going through an impossible situation, every parent’s worse nightmare, it felt like the world was crashing in. But, we quickly realized how lucky we were to have Rady Children's & the staff at the Peckham Center—they became family. There are so many wonderful memories, but both kids ringing the bell surrounded by the ones we love will forever hold a special place," says Mom.

Today, Luke is 14, thriving in honors classes, playing baseball, guitar & leading his school as treasurer. Ruby is almost 5—singing constantly, loving her Barbies & living joyfully.

05/27/2025

"It's a gift that just keeps on giving," says Tiffany Minor, a special education teacher in Temecula who gave the ultimate gift—a kidney—to her 8-year-old student, James. 💙 "When I see this little boy and how active he is—he has his life back. I just gave a small part of me."

Thanks to her incredible act of kindness, James is a healthy, thriving young boy. Learn more about the life-changing power of living kidney donation: https://rchsd.co/ad0801

05/22/2025

Meet Dr. Emily Cidambi, an orthopedic surgeon, specializing in foot, ankle & dance-related injuries, & a valued member of our orthopedic team! 👋

As a former ballet dancer herself, Dr. Cidambi brings both clinical expertise & a dancer’s perspective to her care. She understands the unique challenges faced by this patient population & is passionate about helping them heal & return to doing what they love. 🩰

Thank you, Dr. Cidambi, for your commitment to providing the best possible care for our patients! 💙

05/20/2025

🌟 What an incredible day at the San Diego Zoo for our annual Wild Walkabout! 🐘

A heartfelt thank you to our amazing walkers & generous sponsors. Together, we raised vital funds for our Patient Experience programs—bringing joy to our patients through toys, books, art, music, Resident Canine Therapy & Child Life Services. 💙

05/19/2025

During a class trip to Mission Beach, Sienna & her friends were caught in a rip current while swimming in the ocean. Standing at 6 feet tall & being a strong swimmer, Sienna did her best to keep her friends afloat until lifeguards arrived.

The lifeguards managed to bring Sienna & her friends back to shore, but not before she was repeatedly hit by waves. Once on the beach, she felt disoriented & struggled to breathe. As a result, she was rushed to , where she spent five days.

Thankfully, Sienna made a full recovery. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that even strong swimmers can encounter danger in open water. This , learn more about water safety ➡️ https://rchsd.co/3c001c

05/16/2025

For years, our NICU has embraced the power of skin-to-skin contact—and this year, we’re thrilled to bring this meaningful practice to the CTICU. 💙

Also known as kangaroo care, skin-to-skin contact involves gently holding a baby against a parent or caregiver’s bare chest. This act helps regulate vital signs & strengthens the bond between the baby & caregiver.

While often used with premature or low-birth-weight infants, kangaroo care has benefits for all babies—including those with congenital heart disease. We’re proud to offer this practice & education to our nurses & families in the CTICU—because every touch matters. 🤝

05/13/2025

We're thrilled to kick off Music Mondays at the hospital with an unforgettable visit from Switchfoot! 🎶💛 Thanks to our amazing partners at Switchfoot Bro-Am, we're growing our Music Therapy Program to bring comfort, joy and healing to young patients through the power of music. It’s more than a tune—it’s a source of hope, strength and connection. 💫🎸

05/12/2025

Join us next Sunday, May 18th, for our annual walk at the San Diego Zoo! 🐘🌿

Walk for a cause & bring smiles to young patients at ! Your steps will help fund vital programs like toys, books, art, music & special programs like Resident Canine Therapy & Child Life Services, offering comfort & joy during challenging times. 💙

Ready to make a difference? Sign up now ➡️ https://rchsd.co/abda3d

05/11/2025

In honor of & , meet Jo & Jennie, 👋 a devoted mother-daughter nursing duo whose story with spans over 30 years.

Their journey began when Jennie, just five years old, was treated at Rady Children's for leukemia. Moved by the care her daughter received, Jo transitioned from adult nursing to join the Rady Children's team. “The lessons I learned at the bedside while caring for my child during her battle with pediatric cancer guide & encourage my work as the Supportive Care RN Coordinator at the Peckham Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders, ” she shares. 💙

Today, inspired by both her mother & her own healing journey, Jennie returns the favor. Now, a Liver Transplant Nurse Coordinator at Rady Children's, she brings empathy & strength to young patients, offering them the same second chance she once received. ✨

05/09/2025

“My mom gave me life—twice,” says 24-year-old Kenya.

Just days away from earning her Master’s in Public Health from SDSU, Kenya is driven by a mission to help others—but her journey began right here at . 🏥

Born with one polycystic kidney & another that wasn’t developing properly, Kenya’s health declined quickly as a teen. At 13, she was placed on the transplant list. Her mom didn’t wait—she became a living donor, giving Kenya the gift of life.

“The transformation was immediate,” Kenya shared. “I had energy. I could eat what I wanted. I gained weight. Just being able to exercise and feel strong is a privilege.”

Today, Kenya is a camp counselor, an advocate for organ donation & a future public health professional—turning her story into strength for others. 💙

Learn more about our living donor program ➡️ https://rchsd.co/0e869a

05/08/2025

Happy to our incredible team! 💙 Thank you for always going above & beyond to provide world-class care for our patients & their families. Your hard work & commitment inspire us all every day. 🤗

Address

3020 Childrens Way
San Diego, CA
92123

Telephone

+18585761700

Website

https://www.rchsd.org/, https://www.radyfoundation.org/

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