Why Loma Linda University Childrens Hospital Celebrated a Lions Birthday

LOMA LINDA>> The lobby at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital was filled with birthday fun recently as honorable mascot Luke the Lion celebrated another birthday. A 1950’s-themed celebration held Monday afternoon at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital was fit for a king. Or in LLUCH’s case — a lion. Hosted by The Big Hearts for Little Hearts Loma Linda Guild, the hospital celebrated Luke the Lion’s birthday with cake, photos and tunes of the past. Luke, who is the hospital’s mascot, arrived on scene to the delight of patients, their parents and community members who turned out to send their well wishes.The birthday celebration is one of several events Big Hearts hosts each year to give LLUCH patients some time away from their respective hospital beds. Monday’s event took place in the children’s hospital lobby, which allowed patients to come and go as they please. In honor of his birthday, Luke gave gifts to the patients. Each child who attended got a stuffed lion and a book of their choosing to take home. In addition to a slice of birthday cake, each child in attendance received a stuffed lion and book to take home. Added highlights included arts and crafts and a performance by Lioness, a local children’s singing group. But for Big Hearts members, the biggest highlight was seeing the look on each child’s face as they gave Luke a high-five or two, said Carol Troesch, a historian and event coordinator for the nonprofit. As for Luke, Troesch said he wouldn’t want his birthday celebration to be all about him, but the patients who receive care at the hospital. His message for patients is, she said, “Be joyful. Look for the sunshine in life and find joy in the little things.”