Month: May 2025

LuskinOIC welcomed City District 10 Councilmember Heather Hutt to a dynamic community forum hosted by the Central City Association, showcasing the vital intersection of civic leadership and healthcare access.

Councilmember Hutt delivered timely insights on healthcare equity, highlighting how hundreds of District 10 children benefit from LuskinOIC’s specialized care. Vice President Michael Sullivan complemented these remarks by illustrating the organization’s community impact and the transformative potential of public-private partnerships.

This collaborative exchange exemplified how strategic alliances between government and healthcare providers can drive meaningful change. We value Councilmember Hutt’s advocacy as we work to expand orthopaedic care access and enhance health outcomes throughout the community.

Above: LuskinOIC Volunteer runs SRLA marathon

May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, a time to celebrate the importance of staying active and the incredible benefits physical activity brings to children’s lives. At Luskin Orthopaedic Institute for Children (LuskinOIC), we’re not just treating injuries—we’re nurturing the next generation of champions through our world-class Sports Medicine Center.

The Power of Physical Fitness for Growing Bodies

Regular physical activity is essential for children’s development, offering benefits that extend far beyond the playing field:

• Strong bones and muscles: Weight-bearing activities help build bone density during crucial growth years
• Healthy weight management: Active children are less likely to experience childhood obesity
• Improved cardiovascular health: Regular exercise strengthens young hearts
• Enhanced motor skills and coordination: Sports help refine movement patterns and body awareness
• Better academic performance: Studies consistently show physically active children perform better in school
• Improved mental health: Physical activity reduces anxiety and depression while boosting self-confidence

As pediatric orthopaedic specialists, we see firsthand how maintaining an active lifestyle can prevent injuries and promote overall wellness in children of all ages.

World-Class Sports Medicine for Young Athletes

LuskinOIC’s Sports Medicine Program stands apart through our unique understanding of young athletes’ bodies. Children aren’t simply small adults—they have growing bones, open growth plates, and developing muscles that require specialized care.

Our multidisciplinary team includes:

• Pediatric orthopaedic surgeons with sports medicine fellowship training
• Physical therapists specializing in youth rehabilitation
• Athletic trainers who bridge the gap between medical care and return to play

This comprehensive approach ensures that when a young athlete comes to us with an injury, we’re addressing not just the immediate issue, but looking at the whole child to prevent future problems and optimize performance.

From Playground to Professional: Our Elite Sports Connections

LuskinOIC’s reputation for excellence extends to the highest levels of competitive sports. Our practitioners proudly serve as team physicians and consultants for:

• UCLA Athletics: Supporting Bruin student-athletes across multiple sports
• Los Angeles Lakers: Providing orthopaedic expertise to one of the NBA’s premier franchises
• Local high school athletic programs: Ensuring young competitors receive professional-level care
• Youth sports leagues: Bringing specialized care to community-level athletics

This elite-level experience enriches the care we provide to every young patient who walks through our doors. The same expertise that helps professional athletes return to peak performance is applied to helping a 10-year-old gymnast recover from a wrist injury or a teenage soccer player rehabilitate after ACL surgery.

Prevention: The Best Medicine

While we excel at treating sports injuries, our ultimate goal is prevention. Our sports medicine specialists regularly conduct:

• Pre-participation physical examinations to identify potential issues before they become problems
• Movement assessments to correct biomechanical inefficiencies
• Educational workshops for coaches and parents on injury prevention strategies
• Sport-specific training recommendations to build strength and resilience

During National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, we encourage families to schedule a sports preparedness evaluation, especially as children prepare for summer sports and activities.

Getting—and Staying—Active as a Family

As we celebrate National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, here are some ways families can embrace physical activity together:

• Establish a family fitness challenge with achievable goals for everyone
• Explore new activities—try hiking, swimming, or cycling together
• Create an obstacle course in your backyard or at a local park
• Sign up for a charity walk/run event as a family team
• Schedule “device-free” times dedicated to physical play

Remember, children who see their parents enjoying physical activity are more likely to develop lifelong fitness habits themselves.

Partners in Your Child’s Active Journey

At LuskinOIC, we’re more than just healers—we’re partners in your child’s journey toward an active, healthy life. Whether your child is a competitive athlete or simply enjoys recreational play, our sports medicine specialists are committed to keeping them moving safely and confidently.

This National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, we celebrate not just the champions we’ve helped heal, but the everyday victories of children staying active, building strength, and discovering the joy of movement.

To learn more about our sports medicine services or to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists, contact LuskinOIC today. LuskinOIC is proud to support active children and young athletes across our community—from playground enthusiasts to future Olympians. Our specialized pediatric orthopaedic care ensures that physical setbacks are just temporary pauses in a lifetime of healthy movement.

On Saturday, April 26, LuskinOIC celebrated the outstanding achievements of more than 100 talented adult and student volunteers who reached significant milestones, ranging from 100 to 3,500 hours of service. 

These dedicated hours were contributed through various activities, including assisting staff, spending time with patients, fundraising, and serving as board or committee members.

The event began with heartfelt testimonials from LuskinOIC researchers Dr. Jenna Wahbeh and Erika Hookasian, followed by a keynote speech from Director of Rehabilitation Chris Caron. Caron spoke about the profound impact of LuskinOIC’s volunteers, recognizing them as the backbone of the organization’s identity and mission.

Six awards were presented during the ceremony. The Family Volunteer of the Year Award went to Las Madrecitas and Las Niñas members Linda Gamero and her daughter, Agatha Hanson. The LuskinOIC Innovation Awards went to Educate2Elevate mentor Alex Kuncz and his mentee, Alicia Tam. The Adult Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Peter Ziegler, while the Youth Volunteer of the Year Award went to Uriel Chavez.

To conclude the awards portion, Assistant Vice President Mary Beth Perrine presented the Exceptional Dedication and Commitment Award to Caryl Pettit for completing more than 3,500 volunteer hours and for her enduring support through the Charitable Children’s Guild and LA Cañada Flintridge Orthopaedic Guild. 

Perrine then delivered the closing remarks, expressing gratitude and admiration for all the volunteers and acknowledging their pivotal role in advancing LuskinOIC’s mission to promote health equity—one child at a time.

Earlier this month, the LuskinOIC Foundation received a generous estate gift of $100,000 from the estate of Edyth Wagner-Roop. The gift honors her late husband, who was a LuskinOIC patient during his childhood.

Throughout his life, Frederick Crouch Roop faced ongoing orthopaedic challenges and received treatment at various hospitals, but he and Mrs. Wagner-Roop never forgot the compassionate care provided by LuskinOIC. When it came time to plan their estate, they chose to give back to the institutions that had made the greatest impact.

Thanks to their generosity, this $100,000 gift will be applied toward the purchase of a new MRI machine in our Advanced Imaging Center. This technology will enhance our ability to diagnose and treat pediatric patients with precision, compassion, and efficiency.

We are confident that the Wagner-Roop family would be proud of the impact this gift will have on children for years to come. If you would like to learn more about planned giving and how you can leave a legacy of healing, please contact Mary Beth Perrine at mperrine@mednet.ucla.edu.

LuskinOIC proudly served as a lead sponsor of this year’s Angel City Sports Youth Weekend—Los Angeles’ premier event for youth athletes with disabilities. 

LuskinOIC had the pleasure of providing swag bags to all attendees, speaking on a parent resource panel alongside AJ Muñoz, director of the San Diego State Adapted Athletics Program, and supporting the weekend’s cutest event, the Angel City Sports Toddler Games.

The weekend welcomed more than 80 participants who engaged in over 10 adapted sports, from track and field to wheelchair basketball and even an adapted climbing wall. Beyond sports, young athletes explored STEM activities with the Harvard-Westlake robotics team, connected with service dogs, and met other dogs with disabilities—highlighting the event’s focus on inclusive play, learning, and community.

The event was capped by a special appearance and wheelchair basketball scrimmage with members of the USC Trojans football team.

As part of LuskinOIC’s growing commitment to disability engagement, the organization partnered with Thrive Adaptive and UCLA’s Department of Orthopaedic Surgery to introduce more than 20 orthopedic surgery residents and local medical students to the world of adapted sports through the Prescription to Play initiative. For many of these future clinicians, it was their first hands-on experience working with youth with disabilities—laying the foundation for more inclusive, informed care in their future practices.

The UCLA Women’s Basketball team delivered an unforgettable 2024-25 season, achieving a historic milestone by reaching the NCAA Final Four for the first time in program history. With a 30-2 record and the No. 1 overall tournament seed, the Bruins—led by standout Lauren Betts and Head Coach Cori Close—captured national attention and inspired fans across the country.

Their thrilling 72-65 win over LSU in the Elite Eight was a testament to their grit and talent, and while their championship run concluded with a hard-fought semifinal loss to UConn, the team’s accomplishments marked a major step forward in the program’s legacy. But their impact doesn’t stop on the court. The Bruins are also champions of service, showing a deep commitment to community engagement. Thanks to LuskinOIC Board Chair Craig Ehrlich, the partnership between UCLA Women’s Basketball and LuskinOIC has flourished over the past two years. Team members regularly participate in LuskinOIC events, including LuskinOIC Night, Cerebral Palsy Camp, and Swing for Kids, bringing smiles, encouragement, and inspiration to young patients and their families.

Their involvement is a shining example of how athletic excellence can go hand in hand with compassion, service, and leadership—and how teamwork can uplift a community both in victory and beyond.

LuskinOIC hosted its third annual Ozzie’s Birthday Eggstravaganza, welcoming more than 300 families, including patients and the children of LuskinOIC employees. 

Children participated in egg hunts in the Everychild Foundation Universally Accessible Playground, egg decorating, games, face painting, raffles, and enjoyed music from a DJ, along with many other fun activities. This year, LuskinOIC also held a raffle for employees and gifted staff new LuskinOIC polos. 

Before the event was over, families and LuskinOIC staff gathered to sing “Happy Birthday” to Ozzie and enjoy delicious treats from the LA Donut Food Truck. 

A special thank-you goes out to the Ortho High student volunteers who helped plan and coordinate this amazing event. To make a lasting impact, nonprofits depend on volunteers who unreservedly give their talent and time to a shared cause such as this.

Led by Dr. Soroush Baghdadi, LuskinOIC staff and volunteers provided essential backpacks, school supplies, and other goodies for nearly 40 patients and their families at the Border Clinic in Calexico in April.

These giveaways were made possible by a successful donation drive coordinated by Las Niñas and Los Amigos. Volunteers from Las Niñas, Las Madrecitas, and Los Amigos showered the children with toys and engaged them in arts and craft activities.

As an added bonus, high school support group volunteers not only helped facilitate the event but also had the opportunity to shadow LuskinOIC doctors, highlighting a vital part of our mission to educate and train the next generation of health care professionals. 

Thank you to the many volunteers and donors who continue to make these opportunities possible for both our patients and students.

On April 10, LuskinOIC proudly hosted the 23rd Annual Combined Pediatric Orthopaedic Visiting Professor Program in collaboration with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and Shriners Hospital for Children Los Angeles. The highly anticipated educational event featured three distinguished speakers and drew attendees from across the region.

Dr. Derek M. Kelly of the University of Tennessee-Campbell Clinic opened the program with “Building a Clinical Program: Clubfoot,” sharing insights from his role as Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and Fellowship Director.

Dr. Donald Bae, Director of the Orthopaedic Hand and Upper Extremity Program at Boston Children’s Hospital, presented “Surgical Simulation in Pediatric Orthopaedics: Training Surgeons and Creating Value.” His dual fellowship training in pediatric orthopaedics and hand surgery brought unique expertise to the conversation.

The program concluded with Dr. Suken A. Shah, Chairman of Orthopaedic Surgery at Nemours Children’s Hospital, who delivered “Current Concepts and Controversies in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis,” drawing on his extensive experience in complex spinal deformities.

Held at LuskinOIC’s Downtown Campus, the program reaffirmed our commitment to education, collaboration, and excellence in pediatric orthopaedic care.

As announced in February, the deadline for the 2025 Board Challenge was the April 8, 2025, Board of Trustees meeting. We are thrilled to share that every single board member and advisory council member rose to the challenge, demonstrating their deep belief in LuskinOIC’s mission. 

Their unanimous and enthusiastic support helped unlock not only the initial $100,000 challenge gift but also an additional $50,000 from an anonymous board member. This incredible act of generosity brings even more momentum to our MRI fundraising campaign.

The newly unlocked $50,000 will directly support the purchase of a new MRI for the Advanced Imaging Center, which will significantly enhance our diagnostic capabilities for pediatric orthopaedic patients.

We extend our deepest thanks to all our board and advisory council members for their continued leadership and dedication.

Last month, the LuskinOIC Foundation received a heartwarming surprise: a generous $49,086.77 distribution from the estate of longtime supporters Mary and Alfred Carr. For more than 27 years, the Carrs faithfully supported our mission to provide world-class orthopaedic care to all children, making consistent and meaningful gifts through our direct mail campaigns.

Though their contributions were modest in size, the Carrs’ unwavering support reflected their deep compassion and genuine belief in our work. Alfred, a dedicated employee of Northrop Grumman, retired early to spend more time with his beloved wife, Mary, a devoted homemaker. Together, they built a life centered on love, family, and generosity.

Their five grandchildren remember them as the best grandparents ever—with very big hearts. Their legacy now lives on in the children who will receive transformative orthopaedic care because of their thoughtful planning.

We are deeply grateful for the Carrs’ enduring legacy of healing and hope. If you would like to learn more about estate planning, please contact Mary Beth Perrine at mperrine@mednet.ucla.edu