Hospitals in Action

Danny Boitano was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2022 — and UC San Diego Health offered solutions that helped him into remission.

Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center’s therapy dogs Elsa and Tazer help bring comfort to patients while they recover in the hospital. 

To help her husband Julio with his ongoing diabetes-related symptoms, Maria turned to Paradise Valley Hospital’s Center for Health Promotion, where its Diabetes Education program facilitated the couple’s lifestyle change.

Following a tumultuous health journey that led her to groundbreaking immunotherapy treatment at UC San Diego Health, Katie is now back to surfing, waterskiing, and mountain biking. 

Dr. Mahi Trivellas once dreamed of competing in collegiate sports, but an ACL injury shifted her passion to orthopedics. Now, at Sharp Memorial Hospital she specializes in sports injuries, using her experience as a college athlete to better support her patients’ recovery.

When patients at Sharp Grossmont Hospital struggle with depression, anxiety, and thought disorders, pet therapy dogs provide emotional support to those who need it.

After being told she needed a pacemaker to treat heart arrythmia, avid cyclist Whitney worried about the future of her active lifestyle. Scripps Clinic Anderson Medical Pavilion was able to ease her concerns by surgically implanting a leadless pacemaker, and now, she’s back to bike riding and racing.

For veterans overcoming spinal cord injuries at San Diego VA Medical Center, recreational therapist Kim Kobayashi-Elliot inspires community and healing through adaptive sports. “I get to interact with other Veterans who have the same injuries. We’re one big family here, and having all these avenues to find out what you can or can’t do makes you a stronger and better person,” says U.S. Navy Veteran Juan “Johnny” Sandoval of Kim’s support.

UC San Diego Health is the first to offer a non-invasive gene therapy treatment for patients with localized bladder cancer. The novel therapy “represents a significant milestone for bladder cancer treatment” and offers another pathway to disease management that was previously unavailable, “until now,” says urologic oncologist at UC San Diego Health, Dr. Aditya Bagrodia.

When Kelly O’Connor was diagnosed with breast cancer, Scripps Cancer Center provided a multidisciplinary approach and innovative treatment to help her recover. Today, she’s passionate about helping others through their cancer journey.