On Jan. 3, the La Cañada Flintridge Orthopedic Guild (LCFOG) meeting was held at the home of Arlene Massimino. The Guild’s new president, Marianne Jennings (right), conducted the meeting.

Karla Delgado, assistant director, Development and Community Outreach, and Michael “Mikie” Willis, manager, Volunteer Services and Community Outreach from Orthopaedic Institute for Children (OIC), attended. Delgado reported that the Toys and Joys Party held in December was a “huge success” with between 900 and 1,000 children enjoying 3,000 toys. The CHP Christmas party, also held in December, was a successful venture, also. Children who had appointments to see their doctor that day met Santa and Mrs. Claus as they entered the building, then were greeted by CHP officers handing out toys. Delgado reported that the Charitable Children’s Guild (CCG) will hold its upcoming fundraiser Tea in the Garden once again at the Trump Golf Course in Rancho Palos Verdes on May 2. Funds raised at this event will benefit OIC’s Ambulatory Surgical Center.

Barbara Self, LCFOG member, told of her 14-year-old granddaughter who came to OIC for a second opinion because of scoliosis. Scoliosis is the most common spinal deformity that develops in otherwise healthy children. She had been prescribed a brace that she would have to wear 23 hours a day. The brace was very painful and caused pressure under her arm and on her thigh. She was seen by Anthony Scaduto, MD, president and chief executive officer of OIC, who performed a skeletal age assessment of her hand and wrist. She was informed that, because she had almost reached full growth, the scoliosis had already completed most of its progression and she would not benefit from wearing a brace at this stage and age. Mary Beth Perrine, OIC Foundation assistant vice president, Development and Community Outreach, was instrumental in arranging and shepherding Barbara’s granddaughter through the process. Her granddaughter and her parents were elated with the service provided by everyone at OIC.

Thanks to the generosity of individuals and companies and the efforts of guilds such as LCFOG and the four other Guilds comprising CCG, the 2020 capital campaign for OIC is in full swing and has raised $12 million, over half of its $20 million goal. The 2020 campaign will provide a new Urgent Care Center, Physical Therapy Department, Fracture Clinic, Lecture Hall, and Pharmacy at OIC, as well as enhanced services for children with musculoskeletal injuries and conditions.

Preliminary planning was discussed for LCFOG’s annual fundraiser, Book and Author Luncheon, to be held this October. Details will be coming as the date draws near.

LCFOG members meet monthly September through June in members’ homes. They are dedicated to supporting OIC where excellent orthopaedic medical care is provided to any child with orthopaedic problems regardless of ability to pay. Those who have an interest in learning more about LCFOG and its involvement with OIC can call Jeannie Long at (818) 248-7822 to be invited to the next meeting.

Submitted by Barbara SELF