Meet Riley

When she first arrived at UC Berkeley, Riley was excited to get involved with the CalTHON dance marathon to raise funds for UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals. Never in a million years did she think that the staff at UCSF would soon be saving her life.

Riley credits the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at UCSF for saving her life. "For over 120 minutes, more than 25 incredible doctors and nurses were at my bedside fighting for me. I truly would not have survived had I not been in the presence of such unbelievably gifted and compassionate caregivers. Because of them, I have gotten to laugh more laughs, make more memories with my friends, return to school (where I hope to one day become a critical care physician like the ones who treated me) and wake up each morning to start the new day."