Roy was born two months early in October 2016, weighing just four pounds. He was immediately rushed to the neonatal intensive care unit, and his parents, Jess and Kenneth, didn’t get to hold him until hours later. Roy spent his first weeks fighting to gain enough strength to go home, and was finally discharged just in time for Thanksgiving.
But even after those first difficult months, it was clear something still wasn’t right.
But Roy wasn’t out of the woods yet. He began to miss his milestones like talking, crawling, and walking. He also had an irregular heartbeat, and there were moments when he would shake his head and one eye would stay inward, as if cross-eyed. Despite numerous tests and specialist referrals, Roy’s parents, Jess and Kenneth, couldn’t get any clear answers on what kind of care their little boy needed.
Then, at 17 months old, Roy had the first of a series of horrific seizures that lasted hours. That’s when the family turned to CHOC, part of Rady Children’s Health, and everything changed.
At CHOC, Roy was seen by pediatric neurologist Dr. Julian Thomas, who quickly ran targeted tests and was able to identify the exact type of epileptic seizures Roy was having, resulting in a long-awaited treatment plan and the correct medications to manage them. It was a turning point—Roy’s mom Jess shares, “CHOC has been our answered prayer from the moment we walked through its doors, and I’m eternally thankful.”
But Roy’s journey didn’t stop there.
At CHOC, Roy battled and conquered serious gastrointestinal problems with his GI specialist, managed a genetic blood clotting disorder with his hematologist, and improved his vision with his ophthalmologist.
“Even amidst all the fear and pain,” Jess explains, “CHOC’s amazing doctors have been there for us every step of the way—both as highly qualified professionals and compassionate caregivers. They not only diagnosed my son but took the time to help me understand what he was going through.”
Today, Roy is eight years old. He’s full of energy and personality, and—amazingly—seizure-free since 2021. He’s also an enthusiastic ice hockey player, now in his third season on the ice.
To celebrate his resilience, since 2019, the family has participated in the CHOC Walk to help raise awareness about CHOC’s world-class care. They named their team WarrioRoy, because Roy was a true warrior throughout his arduous medical journey.
“At CHOC, you immediately feel special, loved, taken care of, and that you’re in a safe place. Their kindness and support have made all the difference during some truly difficult times,” shares Roy’s mother, Jess.
Thank you for your support
Donations can transform lifetimes for children who depend on CHOC for care. With your generosity, CHOC—part of Rady Children’s Health—can continue providing lifesaving care to every child, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances. Your gift by June 30 will be matched dollar-for-dollar by Hyundai, doubling your impact and reaching even more kids.
