Transforming pediatric care in central California

Caring for our youngest patients is a priority across CommonSpirit Health. And in California, our local foundations are investing in bringing the most advanced pediatric facilities close to home.

Pediatric care requires specialized solutions: smaller tools and equipment, sensory-friendly spaces, inpatient rooms that accommodate family members, and child life specialists to help guide children and their parents through unfamiliar medical experiences. Without these accommodations available, families often must travel long distances to access pediatric care — or they may go without altogether.

Below, read about the efforts of two California foundations to do more than meet the needs of local children — they’re helping kids thrive.

State-of-the-art pediatric surgical suites

Bakersfield Memorial Hospital Foundation | Bakersfield, California

Bakersfield Memorial Hospital and Bakersfield Memorial Hospital Foundation recently celebrated the grand opening of its brand-new, dedicated Pediatric Surgical Suites — a landmark achievement completing the comprehensive continuum of care at The Lauren Small Children’s Center (LSCC).

These new surgical suites are the first and only dedicated pediatric operating rooms in Kern County, and they are the final piece of the LSCC.

This is a truly transformative moment for pediatric health care in our community. For years, children in Kern County needing surgery often had to leave the area, adding immense stress and logistical challenges for families. With the opening of these dedicated pediatric surgical suites, we are fulfilling a long-held promise to provide the highest quality, most comprehensive care right here at home.

— Ken Keller
President and CEO of Bakersfield Memorial Hospital

"The Lauren Small Children's Center is a testament to the enduring impact achieved when dedicated hospital leadership, profound philanthropic spirit and the unwavering support of the Children's Miracle Network unite," added Susan Hopkins, Manager of Philanthropy at Bakersfield Memorial Hospital. "These new surgical suites truly complete our vision, ensuring that families find a beacon of hope and healing, right here in Bakersfield — dedicated to securing a brighter, healthier future for every child."

A gift to honor Lauren’s life

The Lauren Small Children’s Center’s name honors Lauren Paige Small, a bright, resilient young girl who inspired the community through her two-year battle with osteosarcoma.

Her parents, Kevin and Tuesdy, traveled tirelessly back and forth to Southern California for Lauren to receive treatment — and they realized the vital need for comprehensive pediatric care in Kern County. Their philanthropic vision, fueled by their desire to prevent other families from facing similar challenges, led to a significant initial donation alongside Lauren’s brother, Kyle, thus establishing the LSCC in 2012.

When you have to travel or live somewhere else during treatment, it becomes very difficult and very expensive. We decided that if there was something we could do to help bring this kind of treatment to our community, we would,” shared Kevin Small, Lauren Small’s father and the owner of KS Industries.

The 5,000-square-foot expansion was made possible through a $15 million grant from the Children’s Hospital Program of 2018. Additionally, generous donors and community partners contributed $2.6 million towards the project. The Small Family donated a total of $4 million toward the initial project and the expansion, turning their grief into a gift for the community.

“There is nothing more difficult in the world than losing a child. We live with it every day,” says Kevin. “When we see the success of this hospital, it’s so gratifying for us to see other people being helped and to know that our pain has not been wasted. Instead, it's being used to help others.”

Local pediatric care transformed

St. Joseph’s Foundation of San Joaquin | San Joaquin, California

In February 2026, St. Joseph's Foundation of San Joaquin hosted a reception celebrating the construction completion of the Antone E. & Marie F. Raymus Foundation Pediatric Unit at St. Joseph's Medical Center. This project significantly improves access and care for countless children and families throughout the greater San Joaquin Valley.

“Our expansion of the pediatric services unit is our way of doubling down on how we are focused on serving our smallest patients,” shares Julie Eckardt-Cantrall, Vice President and Chief Philanthropy Officer of St. Joseph’s Foundation of San Joaquin.

The renovation and expansion go beyond new walls and modern equipment — it's a meticulously planned effort to enhance every aspect of pediatric care. By integrating advanced technology and creating spaces designed to make children feel safe, every detail has been considered. The goal is clear: reduce stress for young patients and their families, improve medical outcomes and offer better support to staff. This commitment ensures children have access to a facility equipped for their needs with compassion and excellent clinical care, truly making a difference.

The expansion's entire budget was funded by philanthropy. While state and federal grants paved the way, the project, costing more than $17 million in total, would have been impossible without community support.

The Raymus Foundation saw a greater vision and contributed $1.75 million towards the Deep Roots, New Growth campaign. Their support underpins plans for a new patient tower, an expanded emergency department, and a robust GME and teaching hospital — all strategically positioned to attract the pediatric specialists the valley so desperately needs.

To learn more about how CommonSpirit Health Foundation supports children and families across our national network — and how you can be a part of our efforts — you can read about our healthier communities initiatives.

###