December 3, 1999
The San Diego community has watched
15-year-old Jessica Esquivel grow up. When she was just six years
old a rare bacteria invaded her bloodstream, probably through
a chicken pox lesion. In order to save Jessica's life, doctors
had to remove her arms below the elbows and her legs below her
knees.
At the launch of Children's Inspiration Campaign, a five-year $140 million initiative aimed at making San Diego America's healthiest city for children, Jessica brought the crowd to tears sharing her story of courage and strength. She credits Children's Ernest Hahn Critical Care Center, recently rated the best in the nation, with saving her life - "They never gave up on me," she said.
As a result, she remains active in many Children's community-wide activities, such as Kids' NewsDay and "Through A Child's Eyes," Children's television special.
Jessica enjoys swimming, drawing, writing and spending time with her family and friends. As for the future, Jessica hopes to become a kindergarten teacher or a physical therapist.
Jessica is one of Children's featured Holiday Card Artists. Her "Goose Family" card is one of eight original holiday cards designed by current and former Children's patients. The cards show the true spirit of the holiday season through the eyes of the children who designed them. Custom imprinting is available.
The holiday card program has raised nearly $700,000 since its inception.
For more information on the holiday cards or to request a holiday card brochure, please call 858-576-5959 or visit the Children's Hospital and Health Center web site at: www.chsd.org Star Systems, Inc., owners of the STAR ATM and Point of Sale Services have again generously underwritten the holiday card program.
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