Corey Chambers Real Estate Newsletter August 2023 | The SoCal Home

Brother… it’s Hot & Not Just Outside!

RED HOT Opportunities!

You don’t have to be the weather service to predict the weather this time. We all know… it’s the hottest time of the year. But that’s not all that’s hot. This is the season to buy and sell homes.

This is GOOD for most reading this, but there will be some exceptions. There always are. An example could be selling a house and making it out great, meaning a buyer pays a bit more than they would have not too long ago. And in some areas, the opposite happens. The Seller does not make out that great, but the buyer does. Most homeowners who do not have to know this will hold back on buying or selling. That will, of course, impact supply and demand. Results right now?

How does this impact you? Well, it is a HOT time to invest in real estate. Single-family, multi-family, even lofts. If you didn’t get the memo, here is a particular clause from our Buyer and Seller Agreements of our VIP Client Program, enabling past clients to create additional wealth through real estate.

VIP CLIENT PROGRAM: Seller _ does OR _ does not wish to participate in Broker’s VIP Client Real Estate Investor Program (REIP), whereby Seller will receive notices of free real estate investor training and notices of real estate investment opportunities by mail, email or phone at times when investment opportunities arise. The Seller may opt out of The REIP at any time. The Seller is never obligated to invest in real estate. So, if you or anyone you know likes making money in real estate using other people’s money, please contact The Corey Chambers Group immediately. While these HOT investment opportunities are available. Making gains in assets and wealth is nice! We especially like it because it allows us the opportunity to GIVE more. How about you?

As you probably know, we donate a portion of our income to some AMAZING, worthy causes, like Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. It’s one of the country’s leading non-profit children’s hospitals. This year we are on a mission to raise $25,000 for CHLA. Their work in helping kids fight through and survive nasty debilitating diseases like cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and leukemia, as well as their work in other life-threatening childhood diseases.

At CHLA, they have performed first-of-its-kind surgeries to save local kids! As the leading not-for-profit hospital in L.A., you probably know they need sponsorships and donations to continue their leading-edge care and keep family expenses to a minimum. We are committed to donating a portion of our income from home sales to this worthy cause. So, YOUR REFERRALS really do HELP THE KIDS…

Who do you know is considering buying or selling a home or investing in real estate? Could you refer me to my team? Not only will they benefit from our award-winning service, but the kids at CHLA will also benefit. So call or pass my number on to anyone you know considering buying or selling.

My number is 213-880-9910. You and your referrals mean more than ever to my team and me. As we progress through this red-hot summer, please know we are incredibly thankful for you and a particular part of our business.

Your friends, neighbors, work associates, and family members who may be considering a move can now do so and celebrate true independence from the fear of getting stuck with two homes or none at all. And remember… Your referrals help the Children… As I share with you each month, we are on a mission to raise $25,000 for the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Helping Hands Fund. We do this by donating a portion of our income. Children’s does excellent work in helping kids overcome cancer and other life-threatening diseases. In fact, Kids under their care are 300% more likely to enter into remission IF they can get into the recovery center. But CHLA depends on Sponsorships and Donations to keep rolling. So, YOUR REFERRALS REALLY DO HELP THE KIDS…

Who do you know considering buying or selling a home you could refer to my real estate sales team? Not only will they benefit from our award-winning service, but we donate a portion of our income on every home sale to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Helping Hands Fund. In addition, I want to make it easy to refer your friends, neighbors, associates, or family members considering making a move, so here are your options:

1. You can go to www.ReferralsHelpKids.com and enter their contact info online or forward the link to who you know considering a move.

2. Of course, you can always call me directly at 888-240-2500.

You and your referrals mean more than ever to my team and me. So as we move forward in this new season, please know that my team and I are incredibly thankful for your being a particular part of our business.

With all my appreciation,

Corey Chambers, Broker

P.S. The story of this girl and her family may cause you to look at your loved ones differently. It did me. Check it out.

It’s easy to refer those you know considering buying or selling a home. Here are the Options Again:

You can go to www.ReferralsHelpKids.com and enter their contact info online or forward the link to someone you know considering a move.

Call me direct or pass my number on:

213-880 9910.

Why I Support Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles

I grew up right here in Los Angeles. Born right nearby at St. Francis Hospital. I remember hearing about a young person close to our family suffering from a serious illness and getting treated for that at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Then, I began to pay more immediate attention to their work at that hospital. Since then, I have learned that it is a collection of hard-working health care professionals, most making their homes right here in the Los Angeles area, all coming together for a common cause. That cause is to help young people overcome unfortunate health issues that life sometimes throws our way. Being a Los Angeles area, California native, I take pride in supporting in any way that I can the good work these people do at Children’s. My team rallies around our annual goal of raising money and donating portions of our income to help Children’s Hospital in its quest to heal young people when they need healing. My team and I are committed to providing outstanding results for buyers and sellers referred to us by our past clients. I have discovered that Children’s Hospital Los Angeles shares similar commitments to its patients. And since their services survive sponsorships and donations, we are happy to contribute and proud to support them.

A New Bladder and a Transplanted Kidney Means All Systems Go for Olivia

Olivia needed her entire urinary tract restored. Her parents trusted doctors at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles to pull off the most complex procedures and give her life. — by Jeff Weinstock

Rachel Lestz, MD, didn’t relish what she was having to do. But as a nephrologist treating the most extreme renal problems in children, she understood that being the target of blame-the-messenger was an unavoidable hazard of practicing medicine.

“When I’m telling a family that their child is going to need dialysis, is going to need a kidney transplant—all the dreams and hopes that they had now have to shift,” says Dr. Lestz, Medical Director of Pediatric Kidney Implantation at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. “I always say to families, ‘You may have a very bad association with me because I shared this with you, and that’s OK.’ It’s a normal thing.”

On this occasion, in November 2013, she had to inform Claudia that her newborn daughter, Olivia, who had been airlifted to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles at 13 days old, was in kidney failure and would eventually need a kidney transplant to save her life. “She was born without enough kidney function, effectively,” Dr. Lestz says.

As often happens, Claudia connected Dr. Lestz to the diagnosis and resented her for delivering it, even though Dr. Lestz tried forcefully to explain that a solution was available.

“I remember her saying ‘kidney failure’ and I just shut down,” Claudia says. “She was trying to get me to stop crying and to hear her, saying, ‘She will be OK. We’re going to get her through this. She will be OK.’ But all I heard was she wasn’t OK and someone interrupting me, and I was like, ‘Oh, she is not nice.’ She was definitely not my favorite doctor at the time.”

And now? “We love her to this day.”

Building a new bladder

Olivia’s kidney weakness was one piece of an undeveloped urinary tract that included the absence of a bladder, creating an obstruction that doomed the whole system, as the kidney had nowhere to deposit the urine it produced.

The discovery came soon after Olivia was born, alongside her fraternal twin sister, Mia, a bit early at 36 weeks. Olivia went home while Mia needed a few extra days in intensive care to resolve some breathing difficulties.

Things reversed when they were back in their Santa Barbara home. Mia got stronger and began to develop, while Olivia didn’t eat well and had little energy. Claudia took her back to the hospital, where blood work and multiple other tests produced a shock: Olivia had only one kidney and it was full of disease.

“I was in disbelief, just distraught,” Claudia says. “I thought she was my healthy child.”

To relieve the pressure in the kidney, the immediate intervention taken at CHLA was a nephrostomy tube. The procedure sidesteps the bladder altogether. A catheter is placed directly into the kidney to collect urine and carry it away through an opening created in the patient’s back, draining into an external bag that gets emptied manually. It’s short-term fix, since the presence of a catheter, or any foreign instrument, in the body brings a risk of infection.

“We try to get that out as soon as possible,” says Evalynn Vasquez, MD, CHLA’s Associate Chief of Urology.

The next level up is a cutaneous ureterostomy, in which doctors redirect the ureter, a tube that in healthy urinary tracts sends urine from the kidney to the bladder. In cases such as Olivia’s, with a malfunctioning or absent bladder, doctors bring the ureter to the skin, where it leaves through a tiny hole made in the belly and leaks into a diaper the patient wears.

In spring 2014, Olivia underwent surgery, which maintained her for five years. Late in 2019, her kidney function bottomed out, necessitating a transplant.

But a new kidney needed to partner with a bladder. Since Olivia didn’t have one, one would have to be built before the transplant could happen. Creating a “neobladder” is a major surgical improvisation that Dr. Vasquez, Director of CHLA’s Complex Reconstruction and Malformations Program, says is done regularly on adult bladder cancer patients, but rarely on kids.

“In pediatrics, it’s not very common for patients to not have a bladder,” Dr. Vasquez says, noting she had performed the procedure several times on adults. “Olivia was the first in a pediatric patient that I had done.”

Using tissue taken from Olivia’s bowel, Dr. Vasquez crafted a makeshift bladder—essentially a pouch to catch the urine from the soon-to-be transplanted kidney. She then had to construct a passageway—called a Mitrofanoff after the doctor who devised it—to funnel urine from the new bladder to the skin, where it could be siphoned off by a catheter through an opening in the abdomen, called a stoma. Dr. Vasquez discreetly created the stoma in Olivia’s belly button so it wouldn’t be visible. Olivia, now 9 years old, inserts the catheter herself to empty the neobladder every few hours.

“The goal was to have her live essentially a normal life,” Dr. Vazquez says. “To have her not have any difficulty catheterizing, and to able to be dry and wear regular underwear and not get any urinary tract infections—you’re holding your breath and waiting to see how she does.”

The procedure’s success depended on whether Olivia would be able to self-catheterize without difficulty, without fear and while keeping dry. Olivia, only 6 at the time, picked up on the task so quickly, Dr. Vasquez asked her to share her skills.

“I told her, ‘Olivia, you have to teach all my patients how to do this because you’re so good at it.’ I have another patient who was born without a bladder, and I’ve connected them so they can talk, so she can be a support system for her.”

A donor, then a dog

After the procedure Olivia went on dialysis, a machine which carries out the waste-removal functions that failing kidneys can no longer execute. Her priority level on the waiting list for a transplant rose. Within six weeks, on Jan. 30, 2020, Claudia got word that a donor was found.

“I was at the kids’ school,” Claudia says. “I took the call while I was volunteering in the classroom, and one of the moms looked at me and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, I think we have a match.’”

On the following day, Olivia’s new kidney, accompanied by a new ureter, was installed and connected to the neobladder. Her urine can now pass between the two organs, travel down the Mitrofanoff that leads to the hole in her bellybutton, where Olivia catheterizes every few hours to drain the bladder. All the surgical engineering is internal and allows Olivia to live without wearing a diaper.

“All you see on her is just this big scar on her stomach where her surgery was,” Claudia says, “Nobody has to know she has a pouch.”

The only outward sign of the entire apparatus is the grin she wears.

“This little girl and her spirit are so remarkable,” Dr. Vasquez says. “I’ll never forget, I saw her in the preop area and she was so excited. She sees me and says, ‘Dr. Vasquez, I’m getting a kidney!’

“She’s done so well, and it’s amazing how she’s survived everything she’s been through.”

Dr. Lestz sees Olivia monthly to monitor her new kidney. “Her kidney function’s actually normal,” Dr. Lestz says, “even for her age three years post-transplant.”

It’s a long way from the start of Olivia’s life, when Claudia and her husband, Jesus, were uncertain of her survival. “We had an emergency baptism for her,” Claudia says. “We called our priest and he came to the ICU.”

The one area of struggle has been eating. After taking her food since infancy through a gastrostomy tube inserted in her belly, Olivia is working to overcome her fears of eating by mouth, though nothing medically prevents it.

“Otherwise, she’s great,” Claudia says. “She’s thriving, happy, loves her friends. She has this amazing light. She brings joy to all of us.”

That includes her siblings, who received their own reward when Olivia got her transplant.

“We told the kids that after Olivia got a transplant they could have a dog, so they related her getting a kidney transplant to getting a dog. They were very excited: ‘Oh my gosh, we’re getting a dog!’ We looked at them like, ‘What?’ And they were like, ‘You said, when Olivia gets a transplant we could have a dog.’ We forgot about that arrangement completely.”

In the background, the loud barking confirms that mom and dad made good on the deal. All in all, it was a bargain. — Story and photos courtesy Children’s Hospital Los Angeles

Learn more about the Division of Abdominal Organ Transplantation at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

Refer your friends, neighbors, associates, or family members who are considering making a move:

www.ReferralsHelpKids.com or call Corey at 213-880-9910

Copyright © This free information is provided courtesy of L.A. Loft Blog and LAcondoInfo.com with the information provided by Corey Chambers, Broker, DRE#01889449. We are not associated with the homeowner’s association or developer. For more information, contact (213) 880-9910 or visit LAcondoInfo.com, Licensed in California. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Properties are subject to prior sale or rental. This is not a solicitation if the buyer or seller is already under contract with another broker.

May 1, 2023May 1, 2023

Corey Chambers Real Estate Newsletter May 2023 | The SoCal Home

A Mother’s Gift: The Foundation for a Lifelong Passion in Writing

Every mother has her unique way of guiding and teaching her children. My mother was no exception. She was instrumental in teaching me to read and write even before I started my formal education. Her nurturing and guidance have made me who I am today: a passionate writer and the proud author of the L.A. Loft Blog. As we celebrate Mother’s Day, I want to share my story as a tribute to my mother and all the amazing moms out there who shape their children’s lives in profound ways.

The Wise Woman and Her Free-Range Approach

My mother was not the type to constantly instruct me on what to do or not to do. Instead, she was more of a free-range mom who believed in giving me space to learn and grow at my own pace. She offered valuable advice when needed, and time has revealed that she was, indeed, a wise woman. Her approach allowed me to develop a strong sense of independence and curiosity, which later translated into my passion for reading and writing.

The Gift of Reading and Writing

Before I even set foot in a classroom, my mother had already taught me to read and write at a third-grade level. She recognized the importance of a strong foundation in literacy and spent countless hours nurturing my abilities. This early start in my education not only made me feel confident and ready for school but also sparked a love for reading and writing that has stayed with me throughout my life.

The L.A. Loft Blog: A Testament to a Mother’s Love

Today, I am the proud author of the L.A. Loft Blog, and I owe my success in part to my mother’s guidance and support. Her belief in me and her dedication to my education laid the groundwork for my passion for writing. This Mother’s Day, I want to acknowledge her impact on my life and express my gratitude for her unwavering love and support.

A Gift for All Mothers

This Mother’s Day, let’s celebrate the wisdom, love, and dedication of all mothers, both present and those who are no longer with us. Each mother has her unique way of shaping her children’s lives, and their influence lasts a lifetime. So here’s a heartfelt gift to all moms out there: Buy a home in May, get $5,000 cash from your broker, the Corey Chambers team, at closing. Happy Mother’s Day!

Though my mother is no longer here, her legacy lives on in my writing and my love for reading. Her wisdom and love have made a lasting impact on my life, and I am forever grateful. As we celebrate Mother’s Day, let’s remember to honor and appreciate the incredible women who have made us who we are today. Happy Mother’s Day to all the wise, loving, and dedicated mothers out there. Your impact is immeasurable, and your love knows no bounds.

Corey Chambers Team raising $25,000 for CHLA

Supporting Moms at Children’s Hospital: How Your Real Estate Referrals Can Help Families in Need

There are many ways to make a positive impact on the lives of families with sick children. At Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, the dedicated staff goes above and beyond to support mothers whose children are fighting for their lives. As we approach Mother’s Day, it’s important to remember that many moms are by their child’s bedside, focusing on their well-being rather than on their own special day. One way you can help these moms and their children is through your real estate referrals. Read on to learn how your referrals can make a difference in the lives of these families.

The Mission: Raising $25,000 for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles

Our team is on a mission to raise $25,000 for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. The funds raised will support the Children’s Recovery Center, where kids battling cancer and other debilitating diseases receive life-saving care. The Recovery Center relies on sponsorships and donations to operate, and your real estate referrals can help ensure that more children have access to this vital resource.

Children receiving care at the Children’s Recovery Center are 300% more likely to enter remission when they can access its services. With your help, we can make a difference in the lives of these young patients and their families.

How Your Referrals Help the Kids

When you refer someone to our real estate sales team, not only do they benefit from our award-winning service, but we also donate a substantial portion of our income from every home sale to Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. This means that your referrals directly contribute to the well-being of children in need.

How to Make a Referral

Referring someone is easy. Just visit www.ReferralsHelpKids.com or call us directly at 213-880-9910. You can rest assured that your referrals will receive excellent service, as well as our exclusive guarantees:

Home Sellers: We will sell your home at your price, or we’ll buy it ourselves.*
Home Buyers: If you are not completely satisfied with your home within 24 months of purchase, we will buy it back or sell it for free, your choice.*

Why Your Referrals Matter

Your referrals not only help us provide top-notch real estate services, but they also support a worthy cause. Children’s Hospital Los Angeles relies on the generosity of people like you to continue its life-saving work.

As we honor mothers this month, let’s not forget the moms who are fighting for their children’s lives. Your referrals can make a difference for these families and help Children’s Hospital continue its vital mission.

*Conditions apply. Please inquire for details.

A Lifelong Connection: Why I Support Children’s Hospital Los Angeles

Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) is a beacon of hope for countless families in need of specialized care for their children. As a native of the Greater Los Angeles Area, I have always felt a deep connection to this incredible institution and its mission. In this article, I will share my personal story of why I support Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and how my team and I work together to contribute to their cause.

A Personal Connection to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles

We are grateful for your support in our effort to raise $25,000 for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. By referring friends, family, and associates to our real estate sales team, you’re not only helping them find their dream home, but you’re also giving back to a meaningful cause. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of children and their families. Visit www.ReferralsHelpKids.com or call us at 213-880-9910 to make a referral today.

Growing up in the Greater Los Angeles Area, I was born in Los Angeles County at St. Francis Hospital. My connection to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles began when a young person close to our family suffered from a severe illness and received treatment at CHLA. This experience opened my eyes to the vital work carried out by the dedicated healthcare professionals at the hospital. As a result, I felt compelled to contribute to their mission in any way possible.

The Common Cause: Healing Young Lives

Children’s Hospital Los Angeles brings together hard-working healthcare professionals from the Los Angeles area, united by a common cause – to help young people overcome the health challenges life sometimes presents. As a native of the area, I take immense pride in supporting the incredible work carried out by the CHLA team. My team and I have made it our annual goal to raise money and donate a portion of our income to help CHLA in their quest to heal young people when they need it the most.

Our Commitment to Supporting CHLA

My team and I are dedicated to providing outstanding results for buyers and sellers referred to us by our past clients. We have found that Children’s Hospital Los Angeles shares a similar commitment to their patients. Since their services rely on sponsorships and donations, we are delighted to contribute and proud to support their life-changing work.

Children’s Hospital Los Angeles is an institution that has touched the lives of countless families in the Greater Los Angeles Area. My personal connection to CHLA has inspired me and my team to support their mission in any way we can. By raising funds and donating a portion of our income, we aim to contribute to the incredible work they do to heal young lives. Together, we can make a difference and help CHLA continue to provide hope and healing to those who need it the most.

After ECMO, Nothing Can Stop Martin

Martin is now 4 ½ and thriving.

At birth, Martin went precious minutes without oxygen. A specialized team at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles raced to save his life—and his brain.

“Did you get a picture of your baby yet?” Imelda looked up, startled by the nurse’s question. At her side, her newborn baby, Martin, lay in an incubator, with what seemed like a million tubes coming out of his little body. A heart-lung machine called extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) had been keeping him alive since he was born. “I don’t want a photo,” Imelda told her, shaking her head. “I don’t want to remember my son like this.” “Oh, that picture is not for you,” the nurse responded. “It’s for your son. Because when he gets older and he’s struggling through something, you’re going to show him a picture of him on this machine, and you’re going to say, ‘Honey, if you can get through this, you can get through anything. There’s nothing that can stop you.’”

A traumatic birth

Just a few days earlier, Imelda had been at home, timing her contractions at 3 a.m. and watching them get faster and stronger. That in itself was not alarming; she was 40 weeks pregnant. Still, she couldn’t shake the sense that something was terribly wrong. “I just had this feeling in my heart,” she says. “I told my husband, ‘We need to leave right now.’” At the hospital, her fears were confirmed. The baby was in distress; his heart rate was dropping dangerously. Doctors rushed to perform an emergency C-section. But when Martin was born, there was no telltale cry. He was completely limp. “What’s wrong?” Imelda cried. “What’s wrong with my baby?”

The team whisked him away. Fortunately, doctors were able to insert a tube into Martin’s trachea and connect him to a ventilator, allowing him to start breathing. But he had been without oxygen for a dangerous two to three minutes. “On a scale of 1 to 100, with 100 being the worst, your baby is a 99,” a doctor told Imelda and her husband, Armando. “He needs to go to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles immediately.”

Time is brain

Martin had hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), a brain injury that occurs when a baby lacks oxygen during delivery. His case was severe. Every second counted to save his brain cells.

An emergency transport team from CHLA quickly arrived and started Martin on critical medicines, as well as therapeutic hypothermia. Hypothermia lowers a baby’s body temperature and can reduce the risk of brain injury from HIE, especially when started right away. “It’s critical to cool the brain as quickly as possible after birth,” explains Tai-Wei Wu, MD, Director of the Neonatal Neuroprotective Program at CHLA. “That gives us the best chance to preserve a baby’s brain cells.” But Martin also had meconium aspiration syndrome, which occurs when a baby poops before birth. The meconium mixes with amniotic fluid, and the thick, tar-like substance is inhaled into the lungs. Meconium aspiration often occurs when there is fetal distress before the baby is born.

At CHLA, doctors in the Level IV Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation Newborn and Infant Critical Care Unit (NICCU)quickly determined that only an extreme measure—ECMO—could save Martin’s life. “The ventilator and medications were not enough to raise his oxygen levels,” says Rachel Chapman, MD, Associate Division Chief of Neonatology in the Fetal and Neonatal Institute and Medical Director of the Cohen Foundation NICCU. “ECMO was his only chance.”

ECMO is an advanced form of heart-lung support, and CHLA has the largest pediatric program in California. The specialized team includes neonatologists, pediatric surgeons, nurses and respiratory therapists who have extensive experience in providing round-the-clock care for babies on this complex heart-lung support. That expertise enabled the team to immediately mobilize and place Martin on ECMO just a few hours after his arrival. “Time is brain,” Dr. Wu notes. “This was a baby who was not getting enough oxygen. The longer that goes on, the greater an effect it has on the brain. We had to act fast.” The team was also able to continue Martin’s hypothermia treatment while he was on ECMO. Still, his prognosis was bleak. “Even with hypothermia, 60% of babies with severe hypoxic brain injuries like Martin’s do not survive or have severe neurodevelopmental impairment,” Dr. Wu says. “And ECMO carries high risks of brain bleeds and stroke.”

Beep! Beep! Beep!

The next day, Imelda was released from the hospital and joined Armando at Martin’s bedside. “I walked in, and there were just tubes everywhere,” she remembers. “And alarms. Alarms for hours on end. Beep! Beep! Beep! The nurses were moving, like, fast. They were working so hard! They were trying to keep him alive and suction the meconium out of his lungs. I was in awe.”

A multidisciplinary team of specialists—including neonatologists, pediatric surgeons, pulmonologists, neurologists, nephrologists and cardiologists—collaborated on his care. When Martin began having seizures, for example, the team’s 24-hour video EEG monitoring identified them, enabling neuro critical care specialists to quickly treat them with medication.

Meanwhile, Imelda and Armando found themselves transfixed on the many monitors surrounding their son, watching anxiously as numbers seemed to randomly zigzag up and down. “Dr. Chapman came into the room at one point,” Imelda remembers. “And she just hugged me and said, ‘Let us worry about the monitors. Just look at your son. Just be with him.’ “The doctors and nurses at CHLA are amazing,” Imelda adds. “Their words are like little gems, little treasures that keep you going.”

‘He wanted to live’

When Martin reached his sixth day on ECMO, Dr. Chapman came in with good news: His lungs were improving. The plan was to slowly start weaning him from the machine later that day. His parents celebrated. But not for long.

Two hours later, Martin’s condition turned: He had a small stroke. There would be no gradual weaning—the team had to immediately take him off ECMO. If his lungs could not handle it, there would be nothing more they could offer him. “Just pray,” Imelda told her husband. “Pray, pray, pray.” The team carefully removed Martin from ECMO. He needed full ventilator support and many medications. But he hung on. “He’s a little fighter,” his mom says. “He wanted to live.”

For the next several weeks, Martin slowly improved. First, he weaned off the ventilator. After a couple of weeks, there was another milestone: His parents were able to hold him for the first time.

Finally, after two months in the hospital, he went home. He was on oxygen 24/7. He had a feeding tube. His struggles were not over. But he was home.

A daily reminder

“Helloooo!” A little boy with a cardboard box over his head has come alongside Imelda, who is talking by Zoom. The box has two Batman-shaped holes for eyes. The boy lifts up the box to reveal a huge smile. It is Martin. “He was so excited to show you his robot costume,” his mom says, laughing. “It’s not a robot costume,” Martin corrects her. “It’s a box with eyes on it.” “Yes,” she says, smiling down at him. “It’s a box with eyes on it.”

Now 4 and a half, Martin is thriving. An energetic preschooler, he runs, climbs, swims, sings, talks up a storm and charms everyone he meets. “He’s got that magnetism,” Imelda says. “He is a happy, happy, happy boy. We are so grateful. If it weren’t for CHLA, our son would not be here.”

His recovery was slow but steady. A few months after coming home, he no longer needed the feeding tube. Gradually, he needed less oxygen support, too, and by age 18 months he didn’t need it at all. Doctors at CHLA followed him closely through the Newborn Follow-up Program, which provides comprehensive care for babies after a critical illness. And while Martin underwent occupational therapy for his right hand, which is weaker because of the stroke, he was walking before his first birthday. And even the hand weakness doesn’t hold him back. “No one else notices it,” Imelda says. “He is a total lefty.”

His doctors have been amazed by his recovery. “He had such a rough start,” says Dr. Wu. “It’s quite humbling to see him now—so bright and curious and active. It shows how plastic the brain can be.” It also is a testament to CHLA’s lifesaving care. In gratitude, Imelda created posters with pictures of Martin and shared them with Dr. Wu, Dr. Chapman and one of Martin’s former nurses.

“I look at it every day!” Dr. Chapman shares. “His recovery has been remarkable. It’s a daily reminder of why we do what we do.” And that picture of Martin on ECMO? Yes, Imelda heeded that nurse’s advice and ended up taking several photos. Right now, her son is too busy playing with his older sister and parading his latest collection of superhero action figures.

But one day, she will show the photos to him—and remind him that he’s always been a fighter. That he can get through anything. And that nothing can stop him. — By Katie Sweeney | Story and photos courtesy Children’s Hospital Los Angeles

Learn more about the Fetal and Neonatal Institute.

How You Can Help

Anyone you know who might be making a move — refer them to the Corey Chambers real estate team. Not only will they benefit from our award winning service, but this very worthy cause will benefit as well. Corey Chambers 213-880-9910 helpkids@coreychambers.com www.ReferralsHelpKids.com

Copyright © This free information provided courtesy L.A. Loft Blog with information provided by Corey Chambers, Broker CalDRE 01889449. We are not associated with the seller, homeowner’s association or developer. For more information, contact 213-880-9910 or visit LALoftBlog.com Licensed in California. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Some text and images have been created or modified by artificial intelligence. Properties subject to prior sale or rental. This is not a solicitation if buyer or seller is already under contract with another broker.