Annual Giving Campaign
Your donation helps to ensure that UBCHO and GMCH can continue to provide emergency care, on-going treatment, transitional, respite, and end-of-life care for children in need.
If you would like to subscribe to this annual mailer, please use the contact us page to submit your mailing information.
Brooklyn’s Story
Meet Brooklyn
Building a Healthy and Happy Mind through USCF
Brooklyn’s journey began with a courageous battle against a severe congenital heart defect. Thanks to the exceptional care provided by UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, she underwent multiple life-saving surgeries before the age of 1. However, her journey didn’t end there.
When Brooklyn started school, her parents noticed struggles with focus. Through groundbreaking research led by UCSF, a link was discovered between congenital heart disease and neurodevelopmental conditions like ADHD and autism. Building upon these findings, UCSF established the groundbreaking Healthy Hearts and Minds (H2M) Program to support patients just like Brooklyn. H2M identifies and addresses neurodevelopmental concerns in children with congenital heart disease as early as possible.
Through H2M, Brooklyn received a comprehensive assessment and was diagnosed with ADHD. The Program provided essential resources, including tailored treatments, educational support, and coping mechanisms through behavioral therapy.
“H2M has made her life easier, our life easier, and it’s helped us enjoy each other more.”
- Katie, Brooklyn’s mother
Thanks to the generosity of donors, the H2M Program has now completed over 200 assessments of children with congenital heart disease. However, the program faces challenges due to limited resources and a growing waitlist. Still, H2M’s impact has been profound. Supporting these programs, doctors, and staff is crucial to providing children like Brooklyn a real chance at life.
martin’s Story
Meet Martin
The importance of a candle in Kyiv
When asked how many children Yulia Gerbut has, she always answers "three," even though her son Martin passed away in 2019.
“The care Martin and my family received at George Mark Children’s House is a gift that helps me remain close to my son and brings our family peace.”
- Yulia, Martin’s mother
Martin's battle with cancer took the family across countries in search of treatments. However, it was the warmth and kindness of GMCH that made a lasting impact. Under the attentive care of GMCH, Martin's pain was managed, allowing him to rest and recover. The playroom and vibrant patient rooms brought joy to his brothers, Max and Nikita.
As Martin's journey neared its end, Yulia held him tenderly, providing comfort and assurance. After his passing, GMCH ensured Martin was treated with utmost care and respect. Yulia was gifted a special memory candle from GMCH, a precious belonging she took with her amidst the turmoil of Kyiv's attack. Lighting it every night, the candle symbolizes Martin's memory.
Years later, Yulia and her husband returned to GMCH. “The visit which brought me back to the place I shared with my son, filled me with peace and comfort. I have so many memories of Martin, and my family at George Mark. The capable and deeply caring staff and all of George Mark are in my heart.”
The transformative impact of GMCH is evident in Martin's story. Your donations can help more families find solace and strength during their most challenging times.
CIRCLE OF CARE SUPPORTERS
Will you join us in providing H O P E for T O M O R R O W? Click below to join our Circle of Care supporters.
The Children's Health Guild is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization of volunteers dedicated to raising funds for UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland (UBCHO) and George Mark Children's House (GMCH) in San Leandro. Please note 100% of the proceeds from the Annual Giving Campaign go directly to our beneficiaries.