CHOC Children's Foundation
Long Live Childhood
The Hyundai Cancer Institute at Rady Children’s was first established in 2011—the same year a 15-month-old named Hudson Kent came to the institute with a lump on his stomach and ultrasound results indicating cancer. At the institute, pediatric oncologist Dr. Elyssa Rubin determined that Hudson had a cantaloupe-sized Wilms tumor—a rare kidney cancer that required […]
“When I was 3, I was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia—a blood cancer of the bone marrow and the most common pediatric cancer. At Rady Children’s (CHOC at the time), the nurses were like family to us. They made what was such a difficult time for my family so much easier and brought so much […]
“I have had the pleasure of working at the Hyundai Cancer Institute for over six years. My team walks alongside patients and families through their most difficult moments. We provide comprehensive psychosocial care, emotional support, resource navigation, and advocacy throughout their care journey. My career at Rady Children’s allows me to help ensure children and […]
When Veronica Mercado was just 18 months old, her mother, Virginia, took her to the Hyundai Cancer Institute at Rady Children’s to treat her leukemia. “She was given a 75% chance of survival,” says Virginia. “It’s an overwhelming feeling that no parent ever wants to experience. But once we got here, everyone was really helpful […]
“My role in the Adolescent and Young Adult oncology program—or AYA—was created 12 years ago by clinicians who cared not only about patients getting better but also about seeing them thrive. When the Hyundai Cancer Institute opened a unit on the fifth floor of the Bill Holmes Tower, patients and families had access to beautiful […]
Upon retiring this year after 25 years with Rady Children’s, Dr. Torno shares this grateful message about her time at the institute. “I joined CHOC as a pediatric oncologist in 2001 and the Hyundai Cancer Institute at its inception in 2011. My team is responsible for delivering complex cancer care to children and adolescent and […]
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