Our Stories

MADERA, Calif. – A recent visit to Valley Children’s Healthcare provided two physicians from Armenia with an opportunity to observe specialized pediatric programs and gather insights that will strengthen care for children in their home country. Dr. Magda Sarukhanyan and Dr.…

PHIL Award Honors Dedication, Commitment of Respiratory Therapists

June 29, 2026

MADERA, Calif. – Valley Children’s has recognized Respiratory Care Practitioner Chase Vance as the latest recipient of the PHIL Award, an honor given to respiratory therapists each quarter who show compassion, dedication and commitment to patient care. After completing his shift…

Valley Children’s Healthcare Welcomes Residency Class of 2029

June 26, 2026

MADERA, Calif. – Valley Children’s welcomed 14 new residents to its pediatric residency program on Friday. During the “White Coat Ceremony,” incoming residents received their white coats, symbolizing their commitment to compassionate care, professional responsibility and the children and families they will serve. Of the 14 incoming residents, 12 are from California,…

Nurses Honored for Compassionate Care with Prestigious DAISY Award

June 18, 2026

MADERA, Calif. – Two Valley Children’s nurses are being recognized for the moments that often matter most in healthcare – defined not just by clinical skill, but by compassion, connection and presence. Acute care nurse Andrew Bohan and PICU nurse Franklin…

Valley Children’s to Expand Madera Campus with Ambulatory Pavilion

June 15, 2026

MADERA, Calif. – Valley Children’s Healthcare today announced plans to build a new 73,000-square-foot Ambulatory Pavilion on its Madera campus, designed to make care simpler and more accessible for kids and families. “When a child needs medical care, families are already carrying so much worry, uncertainty and…

Two girls sit on a bed at a doctor's office holding LEGO DUPLO blocks and smile.

Pediatricians Prescribe Play to Boost Toddler Development

June 11, 2026

FRESNO, Calif. – For families visiting Fresno Children’s Pediatrics, a child’s visit now comes with an unexpected highlight: a box of toy blocks to build a foundation for early development. The clinic has launched “Prescription for Play,” a program aimed at…

Valley Children’s Nurses Honored with Regional Awards of Excellence

June 4, 2026

FRESNO, Calif. – Three Valley Children’s healthcare leaders were recognized among the region’s best at a Fresno awards ceremony, earning “Nurse of the Year” distinctions from the Association of California Nurse Leaders. PICU, Access Center and Transport Director Steve Odom, Nurse…

Valley Children’s Resident Earns CATCH Grant to Tackle Childhood Anemia

May 28, 2026

MADERA, Calif. – Dr. Ria Peralta, a pediatric resident at Valley Children’s, has been awarded a $2,000 Resident Community Access to Child Health (CATCH) Grant from the American Academy of Pediatrics for a project aimed at preventing childhood anemia. Dr. Peralta…

Brent Poppen works with a patient in the rehabilitation unit at Valley Children's Hospital.

Paralyzed as a Teen, Brent Poppen Now Helps Kids Find Their Strength

May 25, 2026

MADERA, Calif. – Brent Poppen knows firsthand what it feels like to be a teenager facing a life-altering injury in a hospital bed. Decades later, that experience shapes his work as a peer counselor in the rehabilitation unit at Valley…

Valley Children’s Coordinator Honored for Safety Work With Fresno Students

May 15, 2026

FRESNO, Calif. – Kristina Pasma, an injury prevention coordinator with Valley Children’s Healthcare, was honored for her impact in the community at the 29th Annual Fresno Compact Luncheon. Pasma, who has worked at Valley Children’s for 24 years, was honored…