LOS ANGELES - February 20, 2004 -Los Angeles business leaders, Orthopaedic Hospital executives and community supporters gathered today (2/20/04) for a recognition ceremony and luncheon honoring Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard for her work on behalf of the growing number of underserved children in Los Angeles. In an effort to support Orthopaedic Hospital's founding mission, the Congresswoman recently secured appropriations grants in excess of $2 million to benefit children with orthopaedic disorders, regardless of their families' ability to pay.

During a recent luncheon and ceremony at Orthopaedic Hospital in Los Angeles, Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (second from left) (CA-34) was honored for her work on behalf of underserved children like 18-year-old Melissa Sanchez (front center). When Melissa was two, her parents were told that she would most likely never walk, stand or feed herself, but after 23 surgeries at Orthopaedic Hospital, Melissa can stand and walk with crutches, as well as play violin and wheelchair tennis. Melissa is just one among thousands of children who will benefit from the efforts of Congresswoman Roybal-Allard, who recently secured appropriations grants for Orthopaedic Hospital in excess of $2 million. Of that amount, $1.3 million was allocated for the exterior design and construction of the new Orthopaedic Hospital Outpatient Medical Center located on the hospital's downtown campus, and an additional $1 million was designated for the Center's digital radiology equipment. These funds will ensure that children like Melissa continue to receive much-needed orthopaedic care and treatment, regardless of their families' ability to pay. During the luncheon, the Congresswoman was presented with a special plaque by James V. Luck, Jr., MD, president, CEO & medical director, Orthopaedic Hospital (left). The plaque will be installed in the hospital's newly constructed, 40,000-square-foot Outpatient Medical Center, a facility that doubles Orthopaedic Hospital's service capacity to 80,000 outpatient visits annually. (Also pictured here: Richard Roeder (second from right), chair of the Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees, and William McGagh (right), chair of the Orthopaedic Hospital Board of Directors.)

Under Congresswoman Roybal-Allard's guidance and direction, $1.3 million was allocated for the exterior design and construction of the new Orthopaedic Hospital Outpatient Medical Center located on the hospital's downtown campus, and an additional $1 million was designated for the Center's digital radiology equipment.

"The Congresswoman's belief in the Hospital's founding mission and dedication to the community have made possible the completion of our new Outpatient Medical Center, allowing Orthopaedic Hospital to continue its longstanding mission of never turning away a child in need," said James V. Luck, Jr., MD, president, CEO and medical director, Orthopaedic Hospital. "Today, Orthopaedic Hospital serves more children with potentially crippling disorders than any other medical center in the United States. Through her vision and diligent efforts, Congresswoman Roybal-Allard is creating a healthy and bright future for countless Los Angeles children," he added.

Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34) was honored for her work on behalf of underserved children like 26-year-old Noemi Galaviz (pictured on right). Full of hope and optimism, Noemi currently attends El Camino College and dreams of a career as a professional photographer. When Noemi was two, she was first treated at Orthopaedic Hospital for Osteogenisis Imperfecta (brittle bone disease), where she underwent many surgeries and physical therapy sessions. Noemi often participates in Orthopaedic Hospital's Kids Camp in Big Bear, as well as volunteers at the Hospital during the holidays. Noemi is a bright, talented and active individual, who has beaten the odds with the help of Orthopaedic Hospital physicians and supporters.

"I would like to extend my sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Luck and the entire team at Orthopaedic Hospital for their commitment and dedication to the patients of this community," said Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34). "It's a pleasure working with them to help fulfill the Hospital's mission of providing renowned orthopaedic health care, especially to children and patients who lack the ability to pay for these crucial services. I'm honored to have been able to play a small role in securing federal construction funds to make this new outpatient clinic possible. When the project is completed, the new clinic will provide one more way for this remarkable medical team to expand its reach and, in so doing, change even more lives for the better," she added.

Congresswoman Roybal-Allard has been in Congress since 1992 and represents the 34th Congressional District of California, where she has focused her efforts to expand opportunities for local families. She champions initiatives to modernize and upgrade public schools, improve school safety, and reduce the high Hispanic drop-out rates, as well as preserve Social Security and Medicare, increase the federal minimum wage, and stimulate economic growth to create new jobs. Additionally, the Congresswoman was the first Latina in U.S. history to be appointed to the House Appropriations Committee in Congress.

The celebratory luncheon honoring Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard took place from 11 am - 1 pm at Orthopaedic Hospital's newly constructed Outpatient Medical Center. The Congresswoman was presented with a special plaque in honor of her efforts on behalf of the millions of children served at Orthopaedic Hospital. The plaque will be installed in the new Outpatient Medical Center. The luncheon also celebrated the new 40,000-square-foot facility, which doubles Orthopaedic Hospital's service capacity to 80,000 outpatient visits annually.

For over 90 years, Orthopaedic Hospital has been helping children afflicted with crippling conditions receive the finest care in the world regardless of their families' ability to pay. Orthopaedic Hospital is a recognized world leader in patient care, teaching and research in the area of orthopaedic medicine. The Hospital's work has resulted in an improved quality of life for children and adults with crippling disorders. Having treated more than two million children, Orthopaedic Hospital is committed to ensuring that no child in need of its services is ever turned away. For further information on Orthopaedic Hospital, please visit the website at www.orthohospital.org.