After 19 Years of Care, Patient Gives Back Through Charity Car Show

Published September 2, 2026

MERCED, Calif. – A longtime patient at Valley Children’s turned his passion for cars into an opportunity to give back, raising funds for the department that cared for him for nearly two decades.

Cory, a hematology patient at the Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Valley Children’s for 19 years, raised nearly $3,500 for the department through his Thalassemia Charity Car Show in Merced earlier this year.

“The hematology team at Valley Children’s has watched me grow into the person I am now and has been a big supporter throughout my entire life, so much so that I consider them family,” Cory said.

When he was born, Cory was diagnosed with thalassemia, a blood disorder that requires frequent blood transfusions. He received transfusions at Valley Children’s every three to four weeks for 19 years.

Recently, Cory underwent a stem cell transplant that eliminated the need for ongoing blood transfusions. With that chapter of his care behind him, he wanted to give back to the team that cared for him and help future patients.

“As a patient, it means the world to me to be able to support the hematology department and have an impact on others facing the same challenges I once did,” he said.

More than 100 vehicles were showcased during the event, including classic cars, muscle cars and trucks. Awards were presented at the end of the show, with local car clubs attending to show their support.