2024: Year in Review | UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals Foundation

No question about it – 2024 was an incredible year. We led the way in research, innovation and patient care. We broke ground on projects that will last generations and advanced our mission. Take a look at our top stories from the past year.

Introducing our New President

We began the year by welcoming Nicholas Holmes, MD, MBA, as president of UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals! A longtime leader at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, Dr. Holmes brings decades of experience and close ties to UCSF as a former fellow.

AI & Pediatrics

With the rapid development of artificial intelligence in healthcare, we asked four pediatric researchers how they are harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) to transform how we care for kids – from decoding cough sounds to interpreting fetal ultrasounds.

Notes & Words 2024

The 15th annual Notes & Words was such a blast! Our lineup, featuring Dan Wilson, Nicholas Kristoff, C Pam Zhang, the Curtis Family C-Notes, and the Oakland School for the Arts, helped raise over $1.15 million for UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals.

Immigrant Children at Risk

In 2016, a group of UCSF pediatricians grew deeply concerned about their immigrant patients. Today, they are volunteering their time once a month to help at-risk kids seeking asylum and playing an integral role in their safety and healing.

Modernizing Oakland Hospital

In July, the UC regents announced their approval of a new $1.5 billion state-of-the-art hospital building for our Oakland campus. This landmark investment will revolutionize children’s health care for families across the East Bay and beyond.

Celebrating Elena's Spirit

At the annual Dreamfest Concert for UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals, 12-year-old Elena Sweet was honored with the 2024 Colin Powell Medal of Courage for the strength and compassion she demonstrated throughout her battle with cancer.