Cleats for a cause
Sacramento Republic FC midfielder (and childhood cancer survivor) Ray Saari and 11-year-old UC Davis patient Gianna Arredondo partnered to brainstorm design ideas for a special pair of one-of-a-kind soccer cleats. The Sacramento-based soccer team commissioned local artist Kevin Lee to design the cleats, then auctioned them off to support UC Davis Children’s Hospital — and to help tell the stories of patients like Arredondo, treated here for a genetic brain condition. In 2013, UC Davis Health was the founding kit sponsor and continues to be the kit sponsor of the Sacramento Republic FC — a second division professional team recently awarded a franchise in the top division of professional soccer in the U.S., Major League Soccer. The team and health system have partnered on multiple community initiatives, such as street soccer in underserved neighborhoods.
Carlo’s Calming Station
Make-A-Wish recipient Carlo Sandoval has given back to the UC Davis MIND Institute after he opted to give his wish away to help children with autism. Thanks to his kindness, and support from wish sponsor Bristol-Myers Squibb, Inc., the MIND Institute has obtained a calming station, valued at more than $5,000. The calming station features durable, hospital-grade material and long-lasting, non-breakable mirrors that create interesting illusions, a bubble-producing tube that changes colors, 100 fiber-optic strands for braiding and other play, an aromatherapy diffuser, a projector that can display a variety of realistic and abstract scenes, and an MP3-compatible stereo. The sensory-friendly machine helps kids cope with difficult procedures like blood draws and is great for patients of all ages who have developmental disabilities.
California International Marathon partnership
We are the medical team sponsor and chief beneficiary of the CIM, a major qualifier for the Boston Marathon. More than 12,000 runners and teams participated in the main race at the 37th annual event in 2019 and an additional 2,000 children participated in the UC Davis Children’s Hospital MaraFUNRun, a 5K fun run/walk. Meanwhile more than 100 faculty, staff and students reported for volunteer duty on the course and the finish-line medical tent, which included acute care and musculoskeletal teams.
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and philanthropic support
Philanthropy plays a crucial role in the kind of advanced care and research at UC Davis Children’s Hospital, and we are incredibly thankful to have the support of many partners. UC Davis Children’s Hospital is a proud member of the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN), an international nonprofit dedicated to raising funds for, and awareness of, children’s hospitals. Donations create miracles by funding medical care, research, equipment and education that saves and improves the lives of our children.
Former Pediatric Intensive Care Unit patient Jackson Manning was named the 2019 Sacramento Children’s Miracle Network child champion for being an advocate for children’s hospitals just like UC Davis. Jackson, who suffered from undiagnosed Type I diabetes, was in the PICU for 39 days after he was unable to walk or talk. He is now living a normal life, attending school, and managing his diabetes. Every year, 170 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals identify a “champion” in each of their communities to serve as the face for children treated at their local children’s hospital.
Give a gift
The CMN team is glad to help community members get to know our hospital and the variety of ways they can get involved. To learn more or give a gift, please visit us at give.ucdavis.edu/CHLD or contact:
Jacquelyn Mills, Executive Director
UC Davis Health Sciences Development and Alumni Relations
4900 Broadway, Ste. 1830, Sacramento, CA 95820
916-734-9192 | 916-451-2637 | jrkaymills@ucdavis.edu
News and information is also available at children.ucdavis.edu/cmn.
