Trending...
- Phinge CEO Ranked #1 Globally by Crunchbase for the Last Week, Will Be in Las Vegas Jan. 4-9, the Week of CES to Discuss Netverse & IPO Coming in 2026
- Ventura Chamber of Commerce Names Cumulus Media VP Sommer Frisk "Shining Star of the Year"
- VCCCD Board Elects Leadership for New Year
Sophia was born with a rare heart defect, and her parents had to drive 17 hours from Santa Fe, New Mexico, to UCLA Health for life-saving open-heart surgery performed by Dr. Gary M. Satou and Dr. Peyman Benharash when she was just five months old. Thanks to their efforts, she made a full recovery and now thrives as a big sister.
To celebrate her journey, Sophia took center court at Crypto.com Arena, dancing alongside the Laker Girls during a Lakers vs. Pacers game on February 8, 2025.
To celebrate her journey, Sophia took center court at Crypto.com Arena, dancing alongside the Laker Girls during a Lakers vs. Pacers game on February 8, 2025.
SANTA FE, N.M. - Californer -- [SANTA FE, NM] -- UCLA Health and the Los Angeles Lakers honored an extraordinary young fan, Sophia Roybal Anderson, as Laker For A Day during the Doubleheader #268, featuring the Los Angeles Lakers vs. Indiana Pacers and Sacramento Kings vs. Oregon Ducks on February 8th, 2025.
More on The Californer
Sophia took center court alongside the Laker Girls in her own Lakers dance outfit, sharing her incredible journey of perseverance and strength.
When Sophia was born, she struggled to breathe and was rapidly losing weight. Her doctors in New Mexico diagnosed her with a rare heart defect, leaving her parents with limited local options. Determined to find the best care, Sophia's mothers got in contact with Dr. Gary M. Satou, MD, at UCLA Health, who was ready to see them immediately. They quickly learned flying at high altitudes would be fatal to their newborn, so they drove 17 hours from Santa Fe, New Mexico, to UCLA Health.
Dr. Gary M. Satou, MD, informed Sophia's parents that she needed open heart surgery at five months old and performed a successful 10-and-a-half-hour procedure with Dr. Peyman Benharash, MD, FACS–giving Sophia a second chance at life. After spending 12 days in the hospital, she was discharged and strong enough to go home.
More on The Californer
Sophia and her parents return to UCLA Health for annual checkups and feel like they've become part of their family. Today, she is thriving and is now a proud big sister.
To celebrate her strength and spirit, Sophia was welcomed to the Crypto.com Arena by the Laker Girls, where she danced alongside them in her Lakers gear, creating a special memory that she and her family will always remember.
Sophia now explores new places with her family as travel bloggers on Sophie Says Road Trip, where you get to come along their adventures through her eyes.
For more information on sponsoring a trip for Sophia, you can contact Yvette here.
Santa Fe locals can also visit Octane GMC, owned by Yvette, the first women-owned franchise in Santa Fe, for all your vehicle needs.
More on The Californer
- California: Governor Newsom proclaims state of emergency to support response in multiple counties due to late December storms
- eJoule Inc Participates in Silicon Dragon CES 2026
- City of Long Beach Issues Rain Advisory Due to Recent Showers
- PODS Local Helps Residents Meet Their 2026 New Year's Resolution
- HBZBZL Unveils "Intelligent Ecosystem" Strategy: Integrating AI Analytics with Web3 Incubation
Sophia took center court alongside the Laker Girls in her own Lakers dance outfit, sharing her incredible journey of perseverance and strength.
When Sophia was born, she struggled to breathe and was rapidly losing weight. Her doctors in New Mexico diagnosed her with a rare heart defect, leaving her parents with limited local options. Determined to find the best care, Sophia's mothers got in contact with Dr. Gary M. Satou, MD, at UCLA Health, who was ready to see them immediately. They quickly learned flying at high altitudes would be fatal to their newborn, so they drove 17 hours from Santa Fe, New Mexico, to UCLA Health.
Dr. Gary M. Satou, MD, informed Sophia's parents that she needed open heart surgery at five months old and performed a successful 10-and-a-half-hour procedure with Dr. Peyman Benharash, MD, FACS–giving Sophia a second chance at life. After spending 12 days in the hospital, she was discharged and strong enough to go home.
More on The Californer
- Kaltra Launches Next-Gen MCHEdesign With Full Integration Into MCHEselect — Instant Simulation & Seamless Microchannel Coil Workflow
- Nexar Bit Exchange Enhances Platform Infrastructure
- Jon Robert Quinn Builds Awepra, AwepraAI, and AwepraQ to Redefine the Future Beyond Social Media
- A Well-Fed World, Youth Climate Save and PAN International Launch PHRESH: A Global Directory of Plant-Based Hunger Relief Organizations
- 4-Hour Work Day: Jon Robert Quinn Challenges Hustle Culture and Redefines Entrepreneurial Success
Sophia and her parents return to UCLA Health for annual checkups and feel like they've become part of their family. Today, she is thriving and is now a proud big sister.
To celebrate her strength and spirit, Sophia was welcomed to the Crypto.com Arena by the Laker Girls, where she danced alongside them in her Lakers gear, creating a special memory that she and her family will always remember.
Sophia now explores new places with her family as travel bloggers on Sophie Says Road Trip, where you get to come along their adventures through her eyes.
For more information on sponsoring a trip for Sophia, you can contact Yvette here.
Santa Fe locals can also visit Octane GMC, owned by Yvette, the first women-owned franchise in Santa Fe, for all your vehicle needs.
Source: Reach Marketing
0 Comments
Latest on The Californer
- Governor Newsom mobilizes state resources as California braces for winter storm
- California: Governor Newsom announces judicial appointments 12.22.2025
- Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson Hosts State of the City Address January 13, 2026
- Price Improvement on Luxurious Lāna'i Townhome with Stunning Ocean Views
- Nextvisit Co-Founder Ryan Yannelli Identifies Six Critical Factors for Behavioral Health Providers Evaluating AI Scribes in 2026
- BrassTranscripts Introduces Flat-Rate Pricing with Up to 67% Savings on Long-Form Audio
- Long Beach: City Achieves Housing Milestone: Over 5,000 New Homes Approved
- CredHub and Real Property Management Join Forces to Empower Franchise Owners with Rental Payment Credit Reporting Solutions
- Dodd, Mead & Company Revived Under Current Trademark Ownership
- California: Governor Newsom announces $50,000 reward payout in Solano murder, rewards for other cold cases in Alameda and San Diego counties
- Leimert Park Announces Weeklong Kwanzaa Festival & Kwanzaa Parade Celebrating Black History, Culture, and Community
- Start Learning Window Tinting Today – Online, On Your Schedule
- A New Era of Accessibility for Impact & Influence Magazine Covers
- California steps up to protect communities amid continued antisemitic actions worldwide
- Homes & Hope, NPHS, and CEDC Selected for Two State Surplus Land Sites in Fontana and San Bernardino
- Southland Symphony Orchestra Presents SSO Opera! Mozart's The Magic Flute
- THINKWARE Announces Christmas & New Year Deals on Top Dash Cams
- City of Long Beach Offers Tips for a Safe and Joyful Holiday Season
- Geyser Data Named Runner-Up in the Cloud Trailblazers Category
- Renowned Alternative Medicine Specialist Dr. Sebi and His African Bio Mineral Balance Therapy Are the Focus of New Book