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Articles by Elizabeth Valente
‘Valley of Hope’: New Mural Brings California’s Landscapes—and a Community’s Touch—to Stanford Medicine Children’s Health
10-year-old Michael Loktev and artist Ryan Martinez A red-tailed hawk watches over its nest. Parent and child animals emerge across a warm California landscape. Valley wildlife, rocky shoreline, and glowing sunset colors stretch around a second-floor corridor, transforming what was once a blank clinical space into a 90-foot work of art. On Sept.
To Infinity, the Bedside, and Beyond: Pixar Brings ‘Toy Story 5’ to Young Patients
Young patients at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford received a special dose of movie magic when artists from Pixar Animation Studios visited with Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5, bringing screenings, drawing demonstrations, and behind-the-scenes storytelling to children, families and healthcare teams.
A Milestone of Hope: Patient Celebrates Graduation at Packard Children’s as He Waits for a Heart Transplant
For 20-year-old Spencer Rollins, graduation day looked different than he and his parents had imagined. Instead of walking across a traditional school stage, he celebrated inside Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, surrounded by his family, teachers, and the health care team that has supported him through more than 220 days in the hospital as he waits for a heart transplant. For Spencer, that makes the milestone even more meaningful.
Stanford Medicine Children’s Health and the ReCap Project: Pioneering Sustainability in Health Care
Brandon Lin collecting recycled medical supplies to turn into artwork Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, an integral part of Stanford Medicine Children’s Health, is spearheading an effort to combat plastic waste at the hospital through its collaboration with the ReCap Project. This partnership focuses on transforming medical plastic waste into valuable products, promoting environmental sustainability within health care settings.
Heroic Window Washers Brighten Day at Packard Children’s with Rooftop Adventure
Hospital walls become playground for superheroes, bringing joy to young patients and staff At Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, a heartwarming spectacle unfolded: window washers transformed into superheroes to delight the hospital’s young and young-at-heart. This year, Batman, Spiderman, Deadpool, Mr. Incredible, and Miles Morales (Spider-Man) scaled new heights—literally.
Disney and Pixar Bring Magic at the Bedside: ‘Hoppers’ Brings Cheer to Young Patients
Andrew Beall, Pixar animator, brought big smiles to young patients, like Michael Muller. This week, young patients at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford were treated to a magical experience as talented artists from Pixar Animation Studios brought the enchantment of the blockbuster animated comedy Disney and Pixar’s Hoppers right to their hospital beds.
Celebrating Love and Comfort: A Valentine’s Day Delight With Packard Paws Canines
On this Valentine’s Day, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford was filled with extra love and warmth, thanks to three special four-legged health care providers from the Stanford Medicine Children’s Health Packard Paws facility dog program. Donatella, affectionately known as “Donnie”; Margie; and newcomer Courtney brought cards, balloons, and belly rubs, delivering heartfelt moments of joy and comfort to patients, families, and Stanford Medicine health care team members.
A Heartfelt Story: Ziyan Liu’s Journey From Patient to Author
Ziyan Liu, a 19-year-old sophomore at Johns Hopkins University, has transformed her challenging medical journey as a young heart transplant patient at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford into an inspiring novel, with the support of Make-A-Wish® Greater Bay Area. She was diagnosed with an unbalanced atrioventricular (AV) canal—a congenital heart defect—and her book, Heartbreaker, Heartbroken, chronicles her difficult path to recovery and her outlook on life.
Crafting Comfort and Joy: NICU Nurses Make Stuffed Animals for Fragile Newborns
Radhika Kannan, RNC-NIC, a NICU bedside nurse and Jessica Nagra, RNC-NIC, a neonatal clinical nurse specialist In the soothing rhythm of crochet hooks, where every stitch tells a story, two Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) nurses at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford embarked on a heartwarming initiative, transforming their passion for crochet into a beacon of hope and love for tiny patients and their families.
New Year, New Life: Welcoming Stanford Medicine Children’s Health First Baby of 2026!
A Joyous Start to the New Year as Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Celebrates the Birth of Felipe Lopez-Hernandez First-time parent, Lesly Hernandez-Rodriguez and her son, Felipe Lopez-Hernandez.
Liver Transplant Recipient Shines at Rose Parade’s ‘Treasure Every Moment Together’ Float
Celebrating resilience and hope: Christian Gomez’s inspiring story at the parade highlights the life-changing importance of organ donation In a vibrant celebration of life, hope, and new beginnings, Christian Gomez, 18, a young liver transplant recipient from Watsonville, California, took center stage on New Year’s Day at the 137th Rose Parade in Pasadena, California.
Prematurity Awareness Month: A Mother’s Unwavering Strength and Journey With Triplets
As we celebrate Prematurity Awareness Month this November, we spotlight the inspiring story of Nichara Holcombe’s unexpected health journey, marked by the birth of her preemie triplets and the exceptional care they received at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health. Nichara’s world turned upside down in December 2024 when a routine check-up at her local hospital revealed that she was expecting not one, not two, but three little ones—conceived naturally.
Patients and Hospital Staff Enjoy Terror-ific Halloween Fun at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health
Inside the spook-tacular celebration at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford This Halloween, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford conjured a cauldron of joy and thrills for its young patients and the entire Stanford Medicine community.
Spooky Safety: Expert Tips from a Pediatric Surgeon for a Worry-Free Halloween
Halloween’s charm and thrill require heightened safety awareness, especially for families with young children. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that about 3,200 Halloween-related injuries are treated in U.S. emergency rooms annually. Recent data indicates that common injuries include falls, costume-related mishaps like tripping, and cuts and other injuries from pumpkin carving.
A Parent’s Guide to Comforting Kids When News Is Frightening: Age-Appropriate Tips For Parents
In an age when information is readily accessible, children are often exposed to distressing news, from natural disasters to political unrest and everything in between. As a parent, you might wonder how to help your child process these often-overwhelming and tragic events. Experts like Stanford Medicine Children’s Health pediatric and adolescent psychologist Elizabeth Reichert, PhD, co-director of the Stanford Parenting Center, suggest that having these conversations is crucial.
A Cosmic Day at the Movies: Patients Have a Special Screening of Disney and Pixar’s ‘Elio’
Pixar animator Andrew Beall shows his drawing of Pixar character ‘Elio’ to Cynthia Meza. At Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, excitement filled the halls as hospitalized young patients anticipated a heartwarming event. In a gesture of compassion and community, the hospital hosted a special screening of Disney and Pixar’s latest original feature film, Elio.
Reducing Stress and Anxiety Through Personalized Parenting: Stanford Parenting Center's New Online Courses
In an era when the mental well-being of children is paramount, the Stanford Parenting Center (SPC) at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health is tackling this critical issue head-on with their innovative online courses. Created in response to the significant gap in mental health care accessibility, these courses are designed to support families with children across the developmental spectrum, from toddlers to teens and young adults.
Embracing Mental Health: The Transformative Power of Art Therapy
Art therapists create a ‘road map’ that allows young patients to navigate their medical journey. At Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, the art therapy program plays a pivotal role in promoting mental health and well-being for young patients. By merging the therapeutic benefits of artistic expression with clinical knowledge, art therapists empower patients to journey through their medical challenges.
Pinwheels of Hope: Celebrating National Donate Life Month at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford
Raising Awareness and Inspiring Action for Organ Donation In April, Stanford Medicine Children’s Health commemorates National Donate Life Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the crucial need for organ and tissue donations. These lifesaving gifts offer a second chance to those battling severe illnesses. At Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, 30 young patients are currently waiting for their second chance.
Insights Into Pediatric Hypertension and Kidney Health: Celebrating National Kidney Awareness Month
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is not just an adult health issue; it is increasingly affecting children and can have serious long-term consequences. Unmanaged hypertension in children poses significant risks, including damage to the kidneys, heart, and other vital organs.
A Leap Forward in Neonatal Care: Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford Expands NICU
Family-Centered Care, World-Class Care. At Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, a joyful milestone has been celebrated with the unveiling of an expanded and renovated 16-bed Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Johnson Center for Pregnancy and Newborn Services. This newly designed space, the Axe and Blaise Wanstrath Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, marks the culmination of five years of careful planning and invaluable input from health care team members and families alike.
Heroic Window Washers Brighten Hospital Day
Superheroes Scale Hospital Walls to Bring Joy to Young Patients and Staff A heartwarming spectacle of heroism, fun, and community unfolded at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford as window washers transformed into superheroes.
A Thousand Cranes of Hope: NICU Nurses Unite for a Symbolic Project
September is NICU Awareness Month At Stanford Medicine Children’s Health, an inspiring project has taken flight, bringing together clinical care and artistic expression in a unique display of hope and unity. Led by a nurse, clinical teams from the Neonatal Region, which encompasses the hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), ICN and Sequoia NICU, has crafted 1,000 paper cranes—a symbol of hope and healing—for display at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford.
Stanford Children’s Eases Needle Jabs With the Buddy Guard Device
Back-to-School, Innovation, Interesting Things. As back-to-school season kicks into high gear, parents and students alike are facing a crucial, yet often overlooked, task: ensuring that all necessary vaccinations are up-to-date to safeguard both health and educational success. And even though most kids are afraid of needles and don’t want a shot, there’s a new device at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health that’s helping to ease some of that fear—the Buddy Guard.
Stanford Children’s Care Teams Invited to 49ers Training Camp as a Token of Gratitude
Health care workers from Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford were invited to opening day of the San Francisco 49ers Training Camp, as the gridiron stars extended a heartfelt high-five to some of the MVPs of our community, including those who tackle health challenges head-on The community event offered spectators, who included firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and beneficiaries of other non-profit organizations, a unique opportunity to meet the team, watch the players practice, and...
Summer Smiles: Expert Tips for a Positive Summer and Stronger Families - Stanford Medicine Children’s Health Blog
As we embrace the warmth and freedom of summertime, it’s an ideal opportunity to reflect on the importance of bonding and spending quality time with our children. Beyond the joy of vacations and leisure, these moments together play a pivotal role in nurturing mental and physical health for both your child’s and your own well-being.
Stanford Children’s Expands Simulation Innovation Center to Enhance Skills, Confidence, and Teamwork - Stanford Medicine Children’s Health Blog
Ever wonder what it takes to deliver a baby? Or how medical professionals learn how to respond to heart attacks? In health care, being prepared for any situation is critical. The expansion of the new Stanford Medicine Children’s Health Simulation Innovation Center is able to provide more hands-on health care training for health care professionals and improve care for young patients and pregnant women.
Local Gardener Lifts Spirits by Grooming on the Hospital’s Animal Topiaries - Stanford Medicine Children’s Health Blog
Who do you call when your giraffe needs a haircut? At Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, it’s the horticultural technician. At the roundabout greenspace outside of the hospital’s west entrance, people are greeted with a roaring menagerie of meticulously trimmed bushes shaped into charming animal figures sculpted as a lion, giraffe, and an elephant with a bird perched on its back, known as the Circle of Friends. These animal-shaped shrubs are known as topiaries.
Stanford Medicine Children’s Health Draws Attention to Sustainability Through Recycled Art - Stanford Medicine Children’s Health Blog
Integrating sustainable artwork in a hospital setting can have numerous benefits, from enhancing environment’s aesthetics to promoting well-being among patients, staff, and visitors. There are over 4,000 whimsical art pieces at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, which is the center of the Stanford Medicine Children’s Health network. Among the vast collection of paintings, drawings, photographs, and sculptures, 2% of the artwork are made from recycled materials.
Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Leaps for Joy as We Celebrate Leap Year Babies - Stanford Medicine Children’s Health Blog
Interesting Things, Newborn. Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford care team at the Johnson Center for Pregnancy and Newborn Services were leaping with joy as they welcomed 16 babies born on February 29. Babies born on this day are known as “leaplings”, “leapers” or “leapsters” because of the extra day in the month that comes every four years. The odds of being born on Leap Day are estimated to be one in 1,461. On non-leap years, babies usually celebrate on either Feb. 28 or March 1.
Stanford Children’s ‘Baby Whisperer’ Celebrates 24 Years of Comforting and Supporting Infants and Their Parents - Stanford Medicine Children’s Health Blog
When walking into a hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit, you’ll hear the beeps and whirring of machines. But there’s also a comforting presence found in a rocking chair. For over 24 years, Sue Moses has been volunteering her free time to rock and cuddle tiny babies and support the care teams at the Stanford Medicine Children’s Health (Level II) Intermediate Special Care Nursery (SCN) Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Dignity Health Sequoia Hospital.
Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford Welcomes First Baby of 2024 - Stanford Medicine Children’s Health Blog
Newborn, World-Class Care. New Year baby arrives early to meet the family Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, the core of the Stanford Medicine Children’s Health network, rang in 2024 in the best way — by welcoming its first New Year’s baby on Monday morning at 3:49 a.m. Karla Miranda Reyes and Fredie Garcia welcomed a son to the world on New Year’s Day. This is their second boy for the Palo Alto family. The baby boy was a ‘nice surprise’ since he was not officially due until mid-January.
Santa’s Elf Brings Comfort and Cheer to Young Patients from the Heart - Stanford Medicine Children’s Health Blog
Heart Center, World-Class Care. Elfie, a seasonal visitor who might just be Santa’s favorite visiting elf, is back visiting Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, to bring laughter, hope, and a wee bit of mischief and fun to kids staying in the hospital this holiday season.
Superheroes – Masquerading as Window Washers – Visit Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital - Stanford Medicine Children’s Health Blog
It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s… a window washer at Stanford Children’s Health! Spiderman and his amazing superhero friends assembled and scaled the walls of Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford to lift kids’ spirits, while washing windows of the patients’ room.
New video game takes a shot at soothing vaccine anxiety in pediatric patients
With the chill of the season come the inevitable cold, flu, COVID-19, and other respiratory concerns such as the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), all infectious diseases that can be serious, especially for young children. As health care experts say, vaccines are our superheroes when it comes to protecting people against these highly contagious respiratory illnesses. But for some kids, shots can be as scary as a Halloween spookfest.
Something Wicked(ly fun) is Happening at Stanford Children’s Health - Stanford Medicine Children’s Health Blog
Inside the spook-tacular celebration at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Doctors, nurses, therapists, hospital staff and volunteers at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford all went the extra mile to give patients the ‘BOOst’ they need to feel better this Halloween. Young patients and hospital staff who were dressed as Barbie, Super Mario, princesses, superheroes and even Pokémon characters took to Stanford Children’s Annual Trick-or-Treat Trail.
Game On: New Video Game Takes a Shot at Soothing Vaccine Anxiety in Pediatric Patients - Stanford Medicine Children’s Health Blog
With the chill of the season come the inevitable cold, flu, COVID-19, and other respiratory concerns such as the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), all infectious diseases that can be serious, especially for young children. As health care experts say, vaccines are our superheroes when it comes to protecting people against these highly contagious respiratory illnesses. But for some kids, shots can be as scary as a Halloween spookfest.
How to Talk to Your Children About the Conflict in Israel and Gaza - Stanford Medicine Children’s Health Blog
By now, many children have heard about the violent Israel-Gaza conflict that has left thousands of people dead and hundreds hostage, whether from broadcast news, social media, or overhearing adult conversations, or even from classmates in school. After seeing images and sounds of violence, kidnapping, and real-time destruction, many kids and teenagers may feel scared, concerned, and anxious. They may wonder why other children are among those affected and whether they are safe.
A School Without Limits: Young Patients Travel Far to Learn Without Leaving Their Bedside - Stanford Medicine Children’s Health Blog
Illness and hospitalization can lead to a loss of school days and education for children, and it can create social and learning challenges due to prolonged or intermittent absences from school. Fortunately, at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, young patients have been able to stay on track in the Hospital School, where the doors have been open since 1924.
Robotic Puppies Bring Joy and Therapy to Patients at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health - Stanford Medicine Children’s Health Blog
Move over Rover, Otis-AI is taking lead. These cheery animatronic puppies strutted, fetched, and played with young patients at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford. Students from Stanford University School of Engineering robotics team designed the robotic puppies, known as ‘The Pupper Robots,’ as part of their Hands-On college course in developing AI-enabled robot dogs. The students 3D-printed parts to create 30 puppies.
Fireworks and Kids: Trauma Surgeon Shares Tips on How to Have Fun and Safe Summer Celebrations - Stanford Medicine Children’s Health Blog
Fireworks and sparklers are synonymous with the Fourth of July, just like hot dogs and hometown parades. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 8,500 people in the United States are treated in emergency departments each year for fireworks-related injuries: Approximately 40% of those injured are children under the age of 14, and males are injured three times more often than females.
Pediatric Trauma Surgeon Says Most Firearm Incidents Don’t Happen at School, but in the Home - Stanford Medicine Children’s Health Blog
As we have all heard this year, gun violence is the leading cause of death among children in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, firearms accounted for nearly 19% of deaths in children ages 1 to 18 in 2021—that’s about five children lost for every 100,000 children in the U.S. The American Academy of Pediatrics warns that gun violence also carries long-term physical and mental health consequences.
The Novel Idea of Reading to Infants: How an Annual Reading Program Helps NICU Babies and Caregivers - Stanford Medicine Children’s Health Blog
At Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, neonatologists with the Johnson Center for Pregnancy and Newborn Services work closely with parents, the hospital’s obstetric team, and specialized pediatric services to provide high-quality care for newborns with critical, surgical, or special medical needs. But the team recognizes that nurturing newborns goes beyond meeting their medical needs: They need to be supported to thrive when they go home with their families.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus: What You Should Know About RSV - Stanford Medicine Children’s Health Blog
Like many children’s hospitals across the country, Stanford Medicine Children’s Health is experiencing an increased number of pediatric patients hospitalized with respiratory viruses such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Tips On How To Get Kids To Wear Face Masks
By Elizabeth Valente STANFORD — By now, we all know that the novel coronavirus spreads when an infected person speaks, sneezes, or coughs within six feet of others and that wearing a mask or cloth face covering can slow the spread of COVID-19 by limiting the release of virus into the air. As schools get ready to reopen in the fall, many parents are looking for guidance, especially on how to encourage their child to wear a face covering during the pandemic.
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