GABY
Gaby is our warrior princess.
She was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis at the age of eight and spent much of her childhood in and out of the hospital. Even then, Gaby had a remarkable ability to turn difficult hospital stays into small adventures, bringing joy and light to those around her.
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Today, Gaby is all grown up—and a mom. Despite continuing to experience periods of weakness from her Myasthenia Gravis and receiving monthly IVIG treatments, she is an incredible mother to her sweet toddler and is excelling in her career.
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Gaby’s strength has simply taken on a new form. She continues to move forward with grace, resilience, and a heart full of love—proving that even lifelong medical challenges do not define limits, but courage.
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Gaby’s journey reminds us that strength evolves—and so does hope.
ISAAC MATTHEW
08/16/2004 – 09/24/2023
Isaac is light.
He is my son’s little brother, and he stole my heart from the moment I met him. Beginning at just three years old, Isaac battled leukemia twice, facing each fight with extraordinary courage and strength.
Right before his 18th birthday, Isaac was diagnosed with cancer for the third time and courageously fought glioblastoma.
Isaac will always be our guiding light. His love, joy, humor, and bright spirit continue to light our way and push us forward every day.
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Isaac was a true foodie, and when I asked him how Cali Kids should honor his fight, his answer was simple and powerful:
“Food. It has to be food. I can’t be the only one who wants good, healthy food that actually tastes good when I’m in the hospital.”
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That moment is how Isaac’s Kitchen was born. Isaac was deeply excited about this program and believed wholeheartedly in its mission—to bring nourishing, comforting, and delicious food to families during some of their hardest days.
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Isaac’s light continues to guide everything we do.
LEILA
Leila is my little firecracker.
At just six months old, Leila stopped breathing. While our hospital stay was brief, it marked the beginning of a long medical journey. For years, she struggled with severe reflux, daily stomach and throat pain, and difficult medications—yet she always found a way to wipe away her tears and enjoy life to the fullest.
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Around the age of three, Leila began experiencing severe leg pain that was repeatedly dismissed as growing pains. As the pain worsened and began to interfere with her daily life, years of appointments and referrals followed before answers were finally found. At eight years old, Leila was diagnosed with a rare neuromuscular disease, Liang Distal Myopathy. There is currently no cure or treatment.
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Even so, Leila refuses to let this diagnosis stop her. She dances through the pain—spending seven to eight hours a week dancing with determination and joy. Despite missing school for doctor appointments and physical therapy, Leila continues to excel both academically and in dance.
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Leila’s courage reminds us that strength comes in many forms—and sometimes it dances.