Meet Kairi: A Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Champion
champion, is participating in Family Advocacy
Day 2023.
When Kairi was 8 years old, her pediatrician discovered an enlarged spleen and recommended getting an ultrasound. That same day, her pain worsened, and Kairi was rushed to the emergency room at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) where she was admitted.
By the time she was 9 years old, Kairi was diagnosed with autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease, a genetic disease which causes cyst growth and eventual kidney failure. She needed a kidney and liver transplant. She was on dialysis for three years before receiving the transplant. “It was devastating,” says Oscar, Kairi’s father. “She got her transplant July 17, 2019.”
Following the transplant, Kairi had monthly appointments to check in with her specialists. Thanks to the care from CHLA, Kairi received mental and physical care without any issues from insurance.
Now, Kairi is doing well and loves swimming whenever she can. Kairi participated in Family Advocacy Day in 2021.
Family Advocacy Day
Elevating patient stories and educating lawmakers remains critical to increase awareness about the essential care provided by children's hospitals.
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