David Galdamez passed away in our PICU on July 3rd surrounded by his mom, loving siblings and extended family members.

David was a beloved son, brother, and friend to everyone that knew him. David had a special way of remaining positive through really difficult situations and was easily enthused by the gifts our team was able to provide. He loved all things Spiderman, Lego, puzzles and “old school video games.”

David loved food – especially string cheese with ranch. Although food was a tough topic for him, he was able to enjoy all the variety of foods CHOC had to offer.

David celebrated his last birthday with us at the hospital and despite having to be admitted, he shared that it was the best birthday he has ever had.

His battle against cancer was short, but his memory will be with us forever. We will always remember his sweet smile and enthusiasm.

David is forever with us!

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Giulia was born premature and was diagnosed with liver cancer before 2 years old. Giulia was cared for by her dedicated parents, her caring grandmother, and loving older sisters. The family welcomed a baby boy in December of 2023. Giulia was a strong and sweet girl with a love of Elmo and her beautiful sisters. She had many months of treatment but unfortunately did not survive her aggressive cancer. She is forever with us!

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Jordan was diagnosed at age 19 and underwent extensive chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. He lived with his mother, and she was his rock and support, spending every admission with him and supporting him every step of the way. He was supported by his longtime girlfriend, Mercedes, and a large and loving family. Jordan recently lost his own father and will be buried alongside his dad. He will be remembered for his sweet smile, his love of food and laughter and his unwavering love for family. Jordan is forever with us!

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German passed away on 2/10/2024 in our PICU surrounded by his loving parents, siblings and family members. German was a beloved son, brother and friend. German was adored by his classmates and would have his friends come to bedside to play video games when he was hospitalized. German took his style and wardrobe very seriously and was always dressed with button ups and stylish bucket hats. German really enjoyed Legos as well, and always had a Lego set by his side. German was always polite, softspoken and would open up to very few people. Those who had the honor of being let in felt very privileged to know him. German’s family was extremely devoted and never left his side through his difficult treatment course. We will always remember German and will miss him dearly. German is forever with us!

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“I held you from the start and I held you at the end.”
"I love you my Joshy."

Joshua is forever with us!

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Izzy Jakubowski died early Sunday morning 1/28 in the comfort of her home, peacefully with her Mom, brother, stepdad, and beloved pets nearby. Her strong preference had been to spend the end of her life at home rather than in the hospital, and her family was able to honor her wish with the assistance and support of Providence Hospice.
In the 20 months since her initial rhabdomyosarcoma diagnosis and through the arduous treatments, recurrences, progression, and the brutal complications she endured, Izzy, among many other admirable feats: finished her junior and senior years of high school, attended all her senior year milestone events, started college, invested in deep and special romantic relationships, traveled to the Midwest to visit elderly relatives (even making sure to buy and wrap special presents and write cards for them), checked off items on her bucket list (including getting a matching tattoo with her Mom), and even ordered gifts for her family on Amazon a few days ago, requesting that they wait to open them until after her death, and including personal notes with each one.

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Rodolfo (Rudy) Gallardo passed away on 1/18/2024 surrounded by his loving family. Rudy was a beloved son, brother, grandson and friend to many not only in the oncology unit at CHOC, but in our pediatric cancer community.

Rudy was a very talented Lego Stuntz builder, loved Roblox, and was a very great big brother.

Rudy was patient, kind, and silently sweet throughout his long and grueling journey of treatment. Rudy battled a long fight against his aggressive cancer and never complained to our team with all of his pokes, procedures and long admissions.

We will always remember and miss him. Rudy is forever with us!

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Erick was a 20 year old young man who was treated for recurrent rhabdomyosarcoma since the age of 3. Throughout treatment, including amputation of his arm, Erick stayed strong and brave. He was called Yoshi by his family and friends and loved to play video games. He treasured time with his loving family and was very close to his parents and two younger sisters. In the months before he died, Erick told everyone his goal was to film the story of his life so he could help others facing cancer. Erick is forever with us!

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Hazel was a beautiful and friendly 8 year old girl who was cared for by her loving mother and lived with her two younger siblings. Hazel was diagnosed and treated for acute lymphoblastic Leukemia and just shortly after died from sepsis. She loved to dance and watch movies with her mother. She was developmentally delayed and did not speak but enjoyed the comfort of her home, loving mother and all who cared for her. Hazel will be very missed. Hazel is forever with us!

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Jaime was a 15 year old young man who became ill very quickly and was urgently diagnosed with leukemia. He lived with his parents and had 5 step sisters and brothers who were all very close to him. He had plans to work with his father after high school and was close to his whole family. He was kind and considerate and loved by many. Jamie is forever with us!

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Aaron was a brave young boy who was diagnosed with osteosarcoma just 10 months before his death. He was cared for by his loving father Raj, and by his mother and four step siblings, grandparents, uncles and extended family. His charm and sense of humor won the hearts of many staff members. He loved video games and fast food. He had a style all his own and wanted more than anything to spend time with people. He was a true warrior. Aaron is forever with us!

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Arturo was a beautiful 4 year old young boy who was living with his loving parents and two older sisters. He has been treated for most of his young life including receiving three bone marrow transplants. Arturo loved trucks and cars and was very playful and happy. He was comforted by his mother and father who were always at his bedside to keep him comfortable. Arturo is forever with us!

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Olivia was a beautiful and kind 16 yo young lady. She started her cancer journey as a young child and had multiple recurrences and treatments in her short lifetime. She was cared for by her loving mother and they lived with her stepfather and stepsister in Guadelupe, CA. Olivia loved designing clothing (she had her own clothing line), doing nails and make up, being with her family and her new little dog. She loved life and lived big - she will be very missed. Olivia is forever with us!

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Quetzaly (lovingly called Sally by her family) was one of the most compassionate people we’ve ever known. She was the oldest child, and she absolutely treasured caring for her 3 younger siblings- she was an old soul and like a second Mom to them, even though she was only 9. Quetzaly also expressed her love and caring heart by making literally hundreds of drawings, encouraging notes, cards, and care package gift bags for fellow patients over the course of her treatment here at CHOC- she always wanted them to be given especially to our inpatients since she felt they were probably feeling sad, scared, and lonely in the hospital. Her family did not have many resources, but somehow Quetzaly always managed to bring in giftcards, toys, fidget spinners, and carefully-folded drawings and handwritten notes for fellow patients and for our team, especially around the holidays. Quetzaly was adored by her parents, siblings, and extended family, and she inspired and touched everyone around her with her gentle, kind, gracious demeanor throughout her long, very arduous journey of high grade glioma treatment. She was shy and soft-spoken, yet her sweet, caring nature shined so strongly. We miss her and will always remember her! She is forever with us!

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Fabian bravely battled neuroblastoma here at CHOC for the past 2 years, with his amazing Mom Lupe at his side day and night. Fabian fervently loved Spiderman, cuddling his Mom, wrestling and playing outside with his Dad Juan and big brothers Damian, Nathan, and Aidan, rocking the exact same styles and “kicks” they did, Frappuccinos, Hot Wheels, baseball, playing on his iPad, etc. He was a 4 year old teenager- fearless to try new things and assertive in sharing his strong and specific opinions! We are SO very grateful to have met Our Amazing Spiderman Fabian, and his equally amazing family who adore him beyond belief. Fabian is forever with us!

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David was known for being softspoken, polite and having a way of showing you how he was feeling without having to say it. His mom was always by his side and their bond was evident to everyone on the team.
David absolutely loved Lois, CHOC's resident dog, and would very often deny any other pet therapy dog to be in his room other than her. Lois spent time with David during his last moments, supporting not only David, but his family as well. David has left an imprint in on all of our hearts, and he will truly be missed. David is forever with us!

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Luna left this earth on June 1, 2023, surrounded with love from her family. Luna loved life and was a person of such bright light. She loved Halloween and all things spooky, Christmas, Shrek, and above all, her family. Luna made a positive and lasting impression on everyone she met. Luna will always be loved "to the moon and back." Luna is forever with us!

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Ellie passed away on May 22, 2023 after a hard-fought battle with a brain tumor. She was the sweetest baby, full of life and love for everyone around her. Ellie loved to play, especially with her parents and her grandma. She was a joy to be around and the space she leaves in this world is immeasurable. She will never be forgotten. Ellie is forever with us!

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Isabella "Bella" was full of life and love for everything and everyone around her. Bella loved to watch her favorite Youtubers, to share on her own social media, to dance, to sing, and to bring joy to others. Bella fought like a warrior against all odds but in the end gained her wings and is now cancer free. Bella is forever with us!

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Jason was a 17 year old young man who was treated at UCLA for a metastatic osteosarcoma of his leg and treatment included a high level amputation. Jason lived with his loving family and was especially proud and close to his 5 year old brother. Jason will be remembered by his family and the medical team for his kindness and gentle nature. Jason is forever with us!

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