Our patients are the reason I come to work every day. They're brave. They're strong. They're fighters.

But they're also children—and there's nothing I want more than to give them every chance to smile, laugh and just be kids again.

John, this is what you make possible for the thousands of children who come through Children's Hospital Los Angeles's doors every year. With just a few days left to have your gift to the Children's Fund MATCHED, now is the time to have your generosity go 2X as far to care for sick kids. Make your tax-deductible gift of $10 or more now.

When I was a child, my parents told me, "You were given a second chance for a reason. Don't take it for granted." Today, that reason is my work as a nurse in the same cardiac unit at Children's Hospital Los Angeles where I was once a patient. I was just 2 days old when I had surgery at the Heart Institute to repair a congenital heart defect—it saved my life.

I am humbled and honored to be part of a team that creates hope and builds healthier futures for families and young patients, just like I was more than 25 years ago. I've even had the opportunity to meet the surgeon who fixed my heart.

Providing cutting-edge care to families seeking answers for their children will always be at the center of what Children's Hospital Los Angeles does. But we can't do it alone. Please give now.

Today, your tax-deductible gift will make TWICE the life-changing difference for the sick and injured kids who come through our doors each year.

We have just four more days to hit our goal of $300,000. Donate to the Children's Fund today and your gift will go 2X as far to help kids get the care they need in the year ahead.

Thank you for helping Children's Hospital Los Angeles provide the care that no one else can.

Sarah Hernandez, RN, BSN Children's Hospital Los Angeles