Patients Treated to 1950s Car Show and Party in Honor of Mascot Luke the Lion’s Birthday

Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital (LLUCH) patients were taken back to the 1950s with a classic car show and party in honor of hospital mascot Luke the Lion’s birthday Monday, June 15. The annual event was all thanks to the collaboration and benevolence of Big Hearts for Little Hearts Loma Linda Guild and board member Carol Troesh. “Luke’s birthday party gives kids and adults at the hospital a chance to do something fun and festive while they are receiving treatment at the hospital,” Troesh said. Looking around at the crowd, she exclaimed, “look at everybody! They’re grinning from ear to ear!” Classic cars of various makes, models and colors lined the entrance to LLUCH as the one and only cool cat made his grand entrance in a brand new, cherry red Lexus convertible, courtesy of Lexus of Riverside. Guests of all ages, balloons and even a birthday cake welcomed Luke as he made his way inside the hospital. Live doo-wop music was provided by the Wonderelles, who even serenaded the birthday cat with a special happy birthday song. LLUCH patients and other children who attended the event were treated to a stuffed Luke the Lion toy, a book, various crafts, and stickers at beautifully decorated tables in the hospital lobby, including 4-year-old patient Valerie Tizcareno from San Jacinto. She greeted Luke as he made his way into the hospital after sitting in a black classic car while her mom and dad excitedly looked on. Troesh added, “Most events at the hospital are usually in the hospital, but this is like a destination for the kids because they also get to go outside and enjoy the music and see the cars. It’s just joyful to see how happy everyone is.”