Meet Zachary

Every day, Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hospital (LAOH) sees dozens of children and families--from the giggling five-year-old proud of his new cast after being treated for a broken arm to the first-time mother who has been told that her baby’s orthopaedic condition is treatable--every day, it is evident the impact that our doctors, nurses and medical staff have on children, and on the families who love them.

Children like Zachary, who has been a patient at LAOH for three years. Born with a rare condition called diastrophic dysplasia, a disorder of the bone and cartilage that affects the musculoskeletal system, Zachary has spent more time in the hospital and in doctors’ offices than many of us will in a lifetime. Only nine years old, he has had multiple major surgeries to improve his leg alignment.

Surgery done a year ago at LAOH successfully straightened his legs by using a special growth-guidance system. With straighter legs, Zachary is walking and playing more with the use of his crutches, and only needs his wheelchair for longer distances.

Zachary still has a long road ahead of him but his doctors are optimistic. He will need surgery to stabilize the curvature of his spine and hip surgery to improve his mobility.

Despite his challenges, Zachary is a cheerful and typical boy with many interests. He is passionate about his video games but what he really loves is to swim, because when he is swimming he feels completely free.

Free of his wheelchair. Free of his crutches. Free of limitations.

At LAOH, we see thousands of children every year with debilitating orthopaedic conditions. Some, like Zachary, where surgery and continued treatment brings the promise of greater independence. But sadly, there are many other children where only partial mobility will ever be possible. Our doctors and researchers are working together to find solutions to some of the greatest challenges in pediatric orthopaedic medicine today. From the prevention of crippling disease and disorder to successful surgical procedures and treatments that will fully restore a child’s physical abilities – there are new developments taking place every day, and Zachary has benefitted from this research. But a tremendous amount of work continues to be needed.

Most of the children we treat are uninsured or underinsured, yet each of them receives outstanding care provided by a compassionate and caring medical team. They are treated by world-class physicians in a state-of-the-art facility with the most technologically advanced diagnostic and therapeutic resources.

At Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hospital, we believe that all children deserve the opportunity to run and play, and we ask for your support. 

Help us give a child the chance at a life without limitations.

Zachary’s journey is just beginning and we have benefitted from his infectious smile and incredibly positive attitude. His mother, Donna, devotes each and every day to making Zachary’s life a little happier than the day before and encourages him to reach for the stars and to pursue his dreams. Because of the care that he receives at LAOH and the loving support of his family, Zachary tries everything and is rarely deterred. A wonderful boy, he attends school and wants to grow up to be a video game designer.

On behalf of Zachary and the two million children who have come through our doors seeking help, thank you for believing that miracles are possible and that they can happen at Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hospital.