The Orthopedic Institute for Children™ (OIC) hosted its 2018 gala Stand for Kids on June 2 at the Museum of Flying. The event celebrated OIC’s international impact on pediatric orthopedics through patient care, medical education and research.
OIC specialties include pediatric musculoskeletal disorders – arthrogryposis, bone tumors, brachial plexus palsy, cerebral palsies, clubfoot, congenital limb deficiency and deformities, connective tissue disorders, foot and ankle, and sports injuries.
Not only can childrens’ medical issues be different from adults’, but the treatment itself and how it is approached. For example, one parent recalled the difference it made for their child’s wish to be granted when he requested that the color of his cast be that of OIC mascot Ozzie the dragon.
OIC also seeks to provides care irrespective of ability to pay to ensure that the treatement of uninsured or under-insured children does not get delayed leaving a legacy of problems for a lifetime.The event was attended by donors, trustees, celebrities like Tyra Banks and America Ferrera, patient ambassadors and their grateful families. Of course, their beloved friend Ozzie the Dragon was there to greet them.
The evening honored Harry McKellop, Ph.D with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his prolific work resulting in 12 patents for reducing polyethylene wear in orthopedic implants as well as for his contributions as a teacher and mentor to residents and student volunteers for three decades.
The Automobile Club of Southern California was honored with the Corporate Pinnacle Award for its 40 year support. The Club pointed out the long shared history of the two organizations as neighbors, and the allignment of OIC’s mission of healing young patients with the Club’s mission of educating young drivers on safety.
UCLA Health was honored with the Power of Partnership Award for its 20-year alliance resulting in joint accomplishments in research and patient care.
The evening was emceed by actress Debby Ryan and headlined by Tony, Emmy, and Golden Globe nominated performer Matthew Morrison.
The stage provided a moment of levity with some fake news that major OIC supporter Meyer Luskin had `reneged’ on his 25K pledge made earlier in the evening; there was was no need for concern, however, because he had in fact only raised his earlier pledge to a million.
OIC’s current fundraising is part of ‘2020: A Vison For Our Future’, its endeavor to raise $20 million to transform its Lowman Building into the largest pediatric orthopaedic urgent care center in the country. The center will include a new fracture clinic, physical therapy center, research laboratories, pharmacy, radiology center and lecture hall.
For more information, please visit http://ortho-institute.org/ways-to-give/annual-events/stand-for-kids-gala