I support this fund for its simple but important mission of filling special needs that Medi-Cal cannot provide, such as parking fees, hotel costs, meals and even the occasional, teddy bear.

One of the highest ranked pediatric centers in the world, The University of California, San Fransisco Children’s Hospital is renowned for providing unparalleled care to children with rare and complex conditions. That doesn’t mean the center isn’t an all-around pediatric all-star. In 2009, U.S. News & World Report listed UCSF Children’s Hospital as one of the nations best children’s hospitals in 9 of 10 categories. The place really offers comprehensive care to kids and gives them the best chance I know of to grow up into healthy adults.

That’s why I helped launch the hospital’s FDA-approved core research facility in 2003, and why I continue to support the center today. Working with my friend, Dr. Jeffrey Bluestone, Interim Director of the Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Program, I have put a great focus on bringing stem cell research from the lab phase into the trial phase. And we’re getting results.

A number of major breakthroughs have been announced over the past year, including the discovery of a gene that protects against Leukemia, progress on creating pseudo-embryonic stem cells, and the commencement of a clinical trial to test the effectiveness of neural stem cells on a rare brain disorder called PMD .

Big things are happening at UCSF Children’s Hospital, and I’m extremely proud to be involved.