Lighting the Way for Child Health

A recent evening illuminated — and lent support to — the work of UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital and UCLA Children’s Discovery and Innovation Institute. The fifth annual Kaleidoscope event was called Light, and the fundraiser, which grossed $2.35 million for child health, lived up to its name, with thousands of candles hanging from the ceiling like stars.

Leaders from UCLA Health spoke about the importance of philanthropy and thanked attendees, and — speaking of stars — plenty of celebrities participated. But the real topliners of the evening are always the children who benefit from pediatric discovery and care carried out by UCLA physicians and scientists.

Recognizing the Remarkable

Kaiis Davis Jarrahy won the Extraordinary Children’s Award. Jarrahy is a former UCLA Mattel patient who celebrated his 12th birthday in the ICU during a five-week hospital stay for sepsis, which nearly killed him. His UCLA doctors moved mountains to get the experimental drug that saved his life. Through it all, according to his family and caregivers, Kaiis exuded strength and optimism. Now grateful to be healthy and back to school, sports, and friends, he recently told his father, “I’ll always have a big smile on my face.”

Other honorees included Alexandra and Sean Parker, who received the Philanthropic Leadership Award, and Gwyneth Paltrow, who received the Kaleidoscope Award.

For the fourth year in a row, Harry Winston was the event’s presenting sponsor. Dedicated volunteers and representatives from UCLA and Mattel committed many hours, and artists of all kinds contributed their talents to make the evening an inspiring success. A high note: Surprise musical guest Chris Martin played an intimate set at the end of the night. Sky Full of Stars indeed.

Published June 2017