The March meeting of the La Cañada Flintridge Orthopedic Guild (LCFOG) was held at the Orthopaedic Institute for Children (OIC) in downtown Los Angeles. The Guild enjoyed a lunch provided by OIC and was guided on a site tour by Karla Delgado, assistant director of Development and Community Outreach and Michael Willis, manager, Volunteer Services and Community Outreach.

Khaleel Reshmawi, Jacobs Project manager, led the hard-hat tour of the construction of the new Medical Pavilion.

“The construction is going very well and on schedule,” reported Delgado. “In about four-and-a-half months, we will open doors to our new Urgent Care Center (UCC), the largest such pediatric facility in the United States.”

Delgado added that a new virtual reality surgical training unit is underway at OIC downtown campus in cooperation with Dr. Justin Barad. Surgeons and operating room staff will be able to train the next generation in a way similar to flight simulation. Informatinon was also shared concerning the construction for the Physical Therapy Department and Lecture Hall.

This year’s volunteer recognition celebration will take place on April 10 at OIC’s downtown Los Angeles campus. The keynote speaker will be actor, author, and OIC parent Evan Handler. The event will conclude with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new pharmacy and a hard-hat tour. LCFOG members will attend as one of four volunteer guilds that support the Charitable Children’s Guild.

OIC’s 2020: A Vision for Our Future fundraising campaign is in full swing and has raised $11.4 million, over half of its $20 million goal. The campaign is providing funds for the Medical Pavilion construction, as well as for enhanced services for children with musculoskeletal injuries and conditions.

LCFOG’s annual fundraiser, Book and Author Luncheon, will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 22 at the La Cañada Flintridge Country Club.

LCFOG members meet monthly September through June in members’ homes and are dedicated to supporting OIC where excellent orthopaedic medical care is provided to any child with orthopaedic problems regardless of ability to pay. Those interested in learning more about LCFOG and its involvement with OIC can call Jeanie Long at (818) 248-7822.

Written and submitted by Barbara SELF