Patient Stories

Life-saving stem cell transplant program offers a lifeline

Faith was diagnosed in early 2024 with acute myeloid leukemia. When she was offered the opportunity for a stem cell transplant, her family decided it was a lifeline for their daughter that they couldn’t refuse.

We love to hear from families after their care experience

After being diagnosed with hyperlactation, a mother expresses gratitude after receiving unique lactation support and raises awareness about becoming a milk donor for the UC Health Milk Bank.

Lodi boy battles cancer with support from UC Davis and local community

“Not only do we have support, love and good care from UC Davis, our community continues to rally around us.”

Baby born at 22 weeks gestation, saved by Sacramento firefighters and UC Davis Health

Jazmin’s baby girl Daleyza was 1 pound, 1 ounce at birth. Thanks to the care she received, Daleyza was nearly 8 pounds when she was discharged after spending 146 days in the NICU.

17-year-old Roseville girl nearly dies of ‘walking pneumonia’

Teen reunites with UC Davis Health team that saved her life.

UC Davis Children’s Hospital provides life-saving care to Lodi baby

After Ruthie was diagnosed with Down syndrome and a heart defect, a multidisciplinary team helps her soar.

UC Davis respiratory therapist Audrey and patient Eduardo

Unique support from a respiratory therapist helps patient, mother with CPAP care

After Eduardo was struggling with wearing his CPAP, his respiratory therapist helps him make a breakthrough.

CuRe trial provides family hope for a better future

“We couldn’t be more full of gratitude for our little miracle boy and everyone at UC Davis who has made his miracle possible.”

‘Nothing holds him back’: Child born with 2 very rare conditions gets life-saving care

17 surgeries later, 6-year-old Shine runs on prosthetic legs and Paralympic dreams.

Local girl’s cardiac care both life-saving and life-changing

Diagnosed with aortopulmonary window and supravalvular aortic stenosis, local girl gives new meaning to ‘big hearted.’

Surgeons use collarbone to create new upper arm for young cancer patient

Exceptionally rare procedure helps 9-year-old avoid amputation after she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma.

Image of the retrievable leadless pacemaker

Heart Health

UC Davis doctor first in the world to implant a retrievable leadless pacemaker in a child

“It’s amazing how small the device is. It’s like the size of one AA battery,” said Heather Hayes, whose son Matias was the first to have the procedure done.

Local teen walks again after tubing accident, thanks to UC Davis Children’s Hospital

Julia was a talented gymnast. She had just taken first place at a regional competition and her future looked bright. On a day out with friends, that future changed dramatically when she had a water tubing accident.

Surgery

Local fetal and cardiac surgery team saves Folsom baby with heart defect

When a routine ultrasound at 20 weeks revealed a potential heart defect in their developing baby, Stephanie and Travis Dover of Folsom were caught off guard.

Cancer Care

Mom’s ‘gut feeling’ leads to daughter’s cancer diagnosis, treatment at UC Davis

Peyton, a sassy, spirited girl who had endless energy was just not herself, so her mom took the then 3-year-old into the local urgent care clinic near their home and insisted on a blood test.

Father, daughter treated for diabetes by same UC Davis team

Not only does Elena have her dad to help her through her new diagnosis, she has the same care team helping to manage her diabetes.

Cancer Care

Isaac’s story: A boy with leukemia and his family’s drive to save his life

Our pediatric oncologists helped Isaac replace chemotherapy and bed rest with the freedom to be a kid again.

Pediatric pulmonology patient De’Jaye and doctor Nandalike

We love to hear from families after their child’s care experience

After De’Jaye’s diagnosis of narcolepsy with cataplexy, Dr. Nandalike has advocated for my daughter and educated us as a family. We thank her for bringing so much light to our dark situation.

Surgery

Jaelyn’s story: A road to recovery

After a serious car accident, UC Davis Children’s Hospital enveloped both my daughter and I in kindness, care and community. We felt as though we were part of a team, and everyone was invested in Jaelyn’s recovery.

Football player receives a cheerful surprise and world-class care after game injury

Julian broke his arm in the fourth quarter after completing a tackle, and was admitted to UC Davis Children’s Hospital for surgery.

Theodore’s story

Theodore first visited UC Davis in February 2019. Even though we never want to be back in a hospital, we love everything about UC Davis. He is now an energetic boy that loves to play, talk and go to school!

Boy makes excellent recovery after ruptured brain aneurysm

James has continued to make great strides, relearning to ride a bike and taking piano lessons. He has gone back to the rock-climbing gym, a pastime he enjoyed before his world changed so drastically.

Infant’s RSV exposes life-threatening heart defect

Pediatric nurse expresses gratitude after his co-workers save his daughter’s life.

Odette and her family celebrating her birthday

Maternity

One-in-a-million pregnancy brings woman to UC Davis Health

Her newborn son died of a rare disorder. Brianna Thompson was going to do everything she could to save her next child.

Joshuah-Sanchez in his high school cap and gown

Surgery

Defying the odds: Recovery of a teenage stroke survivor

17-year-old boy receives life-saving neurological care at UC Davis Medical Center.

Fresno teenager was a picture of health and never dreamed he would have a heart attack

His first symptom was repeated vomiting. He thought it was something he had eaten at his football banquet dinner earlier that evening. But when he started having trouble breathing, his grandma called 911.

Clinic helps 10-year-old with inflammatory bowel disease get back to being a kid

Adam Olson had always been a funny, active kid. But when his mom noticed he had low energy and lost his sense of humor, she turned to the experts at UC Davis Children’s Hospital.

Heart Health

Cardiac procedure saves child with superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome

“Dr. Frank Ing took one look at Zyllah and said that she had SVC syndrome. Right off the bat he knew it and he knew what to do to treat it. We were so relieved.”

Heart Health

Happy homecoming for local baby after high-risk heart procedures

JJ Gomez-Flores’ heart defect meant a long, scary road ahead. But he and his family would not be alone on the ride.

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