Patients Treated to Magical and Creative Afternoon at Annual Fall Into Reading Event

Patients at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital (LLUCH) got up and moving out of their hospital beds for the annual Fall Into Reading event hosted by the Big Hearts for Little Hearts Loma Linda Guild Monday, Sept. 21. Children who attended the event were given a teddy bear and an age-appropriate book to keep. Crafts and activities were also available to the kids who made the trip to the hospital lobby. Additionally, a few princesses stopped by to visit with and take photos with the kids. Four-year-old Tristan Chavez, from Highland, was just one of those lucky kids. Chavez, along with his great grandma, or “GG,” Dolores Chavez, worked together to make a creative masterpiece using markers, paper plates, scissors and colorful cotton balls. In addition to members of the Loma Linda Guild, students from Covina High School’s Interact Club made the trip out to lend a helping hand with the event. The club’s advisor, Donna Oshiro, became connected with LLUCH after her grandson, Greyson Oshiro, 3, of Corona was treated in April by Dr. Leonard Bailey for subaortic stenosis. Greyson and his mom, Andrea, also came out to help pass out books and assist with crafts for the kids. “We are just so grateful for the care and attention that we received while we were here,” she said. “Everyone was phenomenal and it’s nice to give back in whatever way we can.” The Big Hearts for Little Hearts Loma Linda Guild orchestrates Fall Into Reading and Spring Into Reading every year to give the patients an opportunity to leave the confines of their patient room or unit for some interactive fun. “Seeing the smiles and hearing the laughter from the kids who are able to come down for this event makes our day,” said Dixie Watkins, president of the Loma Linda Guild. “In addition to raising much needed funds for the care of these children, we want to make every child’s stay as happy and as pleasant as is possible. Seeing all the support that is here today is a true testament to what we aim to do.” The Loma Linda Guild was the first and original chapter of the guild that formed in 1999. Since its inception, the Loma Linda Guild has participated in multiple projects and has raised over $1.4 million in total funds.