WCCC committee and LLUCH staff group together for a photo while holding check donation

The Walter’s Children’s Charity Classic (WCCC) has once again extended its longstanding support for Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital (LLUCH), donating $300,000 to benefit the hospital’s pediatric cancer program. WCCC committee members and fundraiser golf tournament founders Steve and Cathy Kienle presented the check to hospital leadership on February 12.

“It’s not just about the Inland Empire, you are on a global mission,” said Steve Kienle. “When people come here, you never turn anyone away. That, to me, truly reflects God’s mission. We want to thank all of you, the doctors, nurses, and staff, for the incredible work you do.”

Over the past three decades, the annual tournament has raised a total of $7 million, funding critical programs at LLUCH, including the cardiac intensive care and neonatal intensive care units, the pediatric intensive care unit, the child abuse protection center, the emergency department, the craniofacial specialty team center, hematology and oncology services, and acute care.

The presentation featured a special guest, Oakley Quinonez, a young cancer survivor. Oakley’s mom, Crystal Quinonez, shared their journey, recalling how their lives changed in September 2022 when what seemed to be a common cold was later diagnosed as acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), a cancer affecting white blood cells in the blood and bone marrow.

“We will forever be grateful for Loma Linda Children’s Hospital,” she said. “From the very first day, the nurses were incredibly welcoming. I’ve even heard from people at other hospitals saying, ‘I wish my kids were treated at Loma Linda,’ because of the warmth and compassion here. They recognize that children are the future and do everything possible to help them thrive.”

The Kienles surprised Oakley and her family with a trip to Disneyland for her fifth birthday, made possible by the generosity of tournament participants. They also gifted her a pink Disneyland sweater and a Minnie Mouse toy.

“I’m going to tell Minnie I have a beautiful Minnie with shiny red shoes just like her,” Oakley said with a smile.

Sajad Khazal, MD, a pediatric hematologist-oncologist at LLUCH who specializes in transplant, cell therapy, and hematologic malignancies, highlighted the hospital’s innovative treatments and advancements in cellular therapy thanks to donations like this one. Khazal administers treatments such as CAR T-cell therapy, a groundbreaking approach first provided at LLUCH in March 2024 to a patient with chemotherapy-resistant leukemia. Eleven months later, that patient remains in remission.

For those looking to support pediatric patients in the Inland Empire, more information is available through the Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital Foundation or 909-558-4000 ext 55368.