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At just 7 years old, Tesla’s life changed dramatically when she was diagnosed with Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma at Valley Children’s Hospital in December 2021. Her parents recall the fear and uncertainty of those early days, but also the comfort and compassion they found in the hospital’s care team.
Tesla began chemotherapy immediately and completed treatment in June 2022. Today, she has been in remission for over three years and is thriving. Now 10 years old and in the 5th grade, Tesla excels academically and athletically, while also pursuing her passions for art, dance and singing. She is deeply committed to giving back, with a strong interest in social justice and equal rights.
Through the Fresno Truck Center Childhood Cancer Survivorship Program, Tesla embraces life to the fullest, joining camps, making new friends and sharing her story of resilience. Her journey is a powerful reminder that hope can triumph, even during the most difficult times.
We are proud to celebrate Tesla as our 2026 CMN Champion, a shining example of courage, strength and joy.
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Earlier this fall, Valley Children’s Hospital’s ENT team hosted their first-ever Cochlear Implant Picnic, a joyful gathering for patients and families. Thanks to the generosity of sponsors and vendors, the team’s vision came to life in a day filled with connection, laughter and community.
Families had the opportunity to meet others on the same journey, while patients were able to connect with peers who share similar experiences. The event fostered a sense of belonging and celebration, highlighting the impact of cochlear implant support programs.
This milestone event was made possible through the generous support of the G.L. Bruno Family Foundation, Sunshine Savers and CopperPoint Insurance Companies, in partnership with M&S Construction Services Inc. and HUB International Insurance Services.
The Cochlear Implant Picnic is a beautiful example of how donor support helps create meaningful experiences for patients and families, strengthening the bonds of community and care.
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Valley Children’s Healthcare recently launched The Pulse, a publication dedicated to championing the health of kids across the Central Valley. Designed to inform, inspire and connect, The Pulse brings readers closer to the heart of our mission: to provide high-quality, comprehensive healthcare services to children, and to continuously improve the health and well-being of children.
Each article aims to feature patient journeys, physician expertise and stories of impact, all showcasing Valley Children’s nation-leading role in advancing children’s health.
The Pulse is a reliable source of accurate information and a strong advocate for the children and families of the Central Valley. We invite you to join us in celebrating milestones, learning from experts and standing together for healthier futures.
Check out The Pulse at news.valleychildrens.org
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For nearly 40 years, Derrel’s Mini Storage has been a proud supporter of Valley Children’s Hospital, donating $1 for every new unit rented across its Central Valley locations. That effort generated an incredible $31,677 this year, turning everyday rentals into meaningful contributions.
Since 1986, the company has given more than $1.1 million to Valley Children’s, helping ensure children and families receive the critical care they need. We are deeply grateful for the ongoing support from Derrel’s Mini Storage and for every individual who rented a unit this year.
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Over the last five years, Radio LOBO 98.7 FM, a Children’s Miracle Network partner, has rallied the community in incredible fashion, raising $208,835 for Valley Children’s Hospital. This beloved Merced radio station plays a crucial role in raising necessary funds for Valley Children's through the annual Radiotón en Español. 2025 marked another successful year for the CMN and Radio LOBO partnership as it helped raise $31,409 to help heal kids in our community.
Radio LOBO personalities Diana Miramontes, Armando Villanueva and Oscar Silva once again did an incredible job in sharing miracle stories from Valley Children’s Hospital. We appreciate the entire Radio Merced team and all our donors for their ongoing support. Muchas gracias a todos los que donarón!
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We are sincerely grateful to the Nasim Rad Hope Foundation and their board of directors for their generous donation of $13,000 to benefit the patients and families of the Valley Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center.
The Nasim Rad Hope Foundation was created to honor the memory of Nasim Rad, who passed away in 2013 from leukemia. During her five-year battle, Nasim devoted herself to organizing fundraisers that brought hope and support to children facing cancer.
Her compassion and determination continue to inspire. For the past nine years, the Foundation has carried forward her legacy, helping countless young patients and families. Nasim’s spirit lives on in every act of generosity, reminding us that one person’s courage can spark a lasting change.
| | Children’s Miracle Network partner, Walmart, made a generous donation just in time for the holidays. Valley Children’s Hospital was one of a select group of CMN hospitals to receive a large LEGO donation on Walmart’s behalf. Three pallets filled with a wide assortment of LEGO sets for children of all ages. Thank you, Walmart, for making an impact on the lives of our kids all year round. | |
Valley Children’s Healthcare is proud to celebrate Emily, a remarkable young philanthropist whose creativity and compassion are making a real difference. This past November, Emily transformed her love for chocolate into a mission by making and selling Dubai Chocolates. Through her efforts, she raised an incredible $2,500 and donated toys to our Child Life Department.
Her generosity ensures that children receiving care at Valley Children’s experience moments of joy and comfort during their hospital stay. Emily’s inspiring passion for giving reminds us that even the sweetest ideas can have a powerful impact. Thank you, Emily!
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Since 2022, Caroline and Cameron have raised over $1,400 and donated 1,300 toys to benefit Valley Children’s Hospital. This year, they hosted their 5th Annual Christmas for Kids with Cancer in honor of their dad, Brandon, a cancer survivor.
Their generosity continues to brighten the holidays and bring hope to the children and families we serve. Thank you, Caroline and Cameron, for making Christmas truly special for our patients.
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This holiday season, Smile Generation’s trusted dental offices demonstrated remarkable generosity through a multi-location toy drive and fundraising campaign. Across 10 participating offices, their teams and patients came together to raise more than $1,500 in support of Valley Children’s Hospital.
Their contribution will help bring comfort and joy to children receiving care during the holidays, making the season a little brighter for families who need it most. We extend our sincerest thanks to Smile Generation for their commitment to our community and for helping create moments of hope and happiness for young patients.
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This past November, Valley Children’s hosted the “Drive 4 Hope Car Show and Toy Drive” at the Pelandale Specialty Care Center in Modesto. Community members, car enthusiasts and generous donors all came together to participate in the event.
Families enjoyed a lively day filled with a dazzling car show, local vendors and fun activities for all ages. Even George the giraffe made an appearance, adding extra cheer to the celebration.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to the Central Valley Association of REALTORS and Young Professionals Network for their outstanding support, helping make the event a true success.
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