Whether you’ve been in the Valley for a long time, or you are new to the region, one thing is for sure: the landscape is rich in treasures. Our dry, flat region blossomed into one of the world’s greatest gardens that now supplies one-quarter of America’s food. This expansive land nestled between the scenic Sierra Nevada range and coastal mountains brimming with bountiful crops and orchards provides an array of fresh produce, nuts, cotton and grain. It’s also home to many thriving dairies, ranches and vineyards.
The Central Valley boasts a wide variety of other treasures: Enjoyable outdoor recreation; ancient giant sequoias; extensive wildlife; majestic waterfalls; long, winding country roads. From impressive wineries in the North Valley to oil production and country music in the South, the Valley shines with its unique brand of magnificence, talent and determination.
Children’s Hospital Central California is a treasure of its own. Some call it the “hidden jewel.” Founded 60 years ago, the only pediatric medical facility between Los Angeles and the Bay Area provides high-quality care in more than 40 specialties for children pre-birth to adulthood. At a time when children’s hospitals weren’t built in rural areas, the vision of five young mothers to create such a haven evolved into one of the top 10 children’s hospitals of its kind in the country and covers a 45,000-square-mile referral area.
Our greatest treasure of all, however, is
our children.
It’s for them that we continue to ensure we have the best pediatric caregivers, advanced equipment and state-of-the-art facilities. It’s for them that the community continues to rally support and give generously to the Hospital.
But in the midst of our Valley’s abundance also lies great need. One-third of the children within the 10 counties we serve live in poverty, impacting their health, achievement and behavior.
As the leader of children’s healthcare in Central California, Children’s Hospital has a responsibility to uphold our mission to ensure every child has access to expert pediatric care. We have a responsibility to help ill children get back to being kids, and in many cases, restore their lives and futures.
The stories in this book exemplify the “treasure” we seek to care
for and protect.
Our sick and injured kids – strong and resilient, yet vulnerable – deserve our utmost attention and focus. Like any precious treasure, natural or manmade, we should never take them for granted. We need to keep investing in the present and future to continue providing them the best care for generations to come. After all, our children and their wellbeing is our most special – and enduring – treasure.
Click names to read stories.