Sons of the American Legion Donate to LLCH

Last Wednesday, Aug. 27, Sons of the American Legion Squadron 155 delivered a hard-earned donation check to Loma Linda Children’s Hospital (LLCH). American Legion representatives and members John Mejia, Frank Navarro, Damon Alexander, Robert Kelly, Dennis Burch and Cecilia Silva presented the $11,300 check to Sharon Riesen, M.D., of LLCH. For about seven years, Sons of the American Legion has been working to raise money and donate to LLCH. Mejia, squadron commander of Sons of the American Legion, shared that they work to donate toys, money, and their time on a regular basis. Every summer, they put on an event right outside the hospital called “Summer Claus”. Mejia is the one who dresses up and plays Santa Claus, “I buy a new Hawaiian shirt every year,” he said while laughing. Part of the donation will go towards the Josh Dog program. "Josh Dog" stuffed animals serve as therapeutic tools for young patients during the treatment and healing process. According to Dr. Riesen, a Josh Dog is presented to the patient in a formal way, giving their new fluffy friend special meaning as they travel with them through treatments, procedures, and the healing process. Bradley Rottner, a young patient at LLCH, was presented with his Josh Dog and quickly put a mask over the dog so they would match. "The dog goes through everything that the patients go through," Dr. Riesen mentioned. Dr. Sharon Riesen shared how grateful she was of everyone in Sons of the American Legion for their donation. She mentioned that throughout the many years that they have donated, “this is the most we’ve ever received.” Mejia estimated that over the years they have donated about $80,000, including toys. “When there are no more sick children in the world, then my job will be done,” he shared.