Pediatric heart patient gives back to kids like her

Codi Pelton is often making trips from her Desert Hot Springs home to Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital for various doctor appointments because she was born with a rare heart condition known as hypo plastic left heart syndrome. Her most recent visit to the hospital, however, included a special delivery to the playroom on the cardiac unit.

The 11-year-old brought $3,500 worth of games and toys for other patients like her to enjoy while they were being treated.

How’d a kid her age score all that loot?

“I just asked people for money and they gave it to me,” the young philanthropist said.

It was also part of a school called “Change the World.” Pelton’s parents helped by setting up a GoFundMe page, but she did a lot on her own including selling hot dogs at school.

Pelton went shopping three times to buy all the toys and fulfilled a wish list that was provided to her by the hospital’s child life department

She attracted quite the audience when she delivered the goodies to the cardiac unit on May 18.

“Look what difference one person makes,” said Sharon Robie, RN, nurse manager on the cardiac unit.

Pediatric critical care physician, Shamel Abd-Allah, MD, just happened to be walking by when he saw the commotion and praised Pelton for her good work. “Your dedication is commendable.”