2025 My SoCal Hospital Heroes Awards Gala
His dedication to connection, kindness and healing through human touch and presence is what makes Jaime a true hospital hero.”
JAIME SERNA
RADY CHILDREN’S HEALTH Patient Care Services Patient Engagement Coach/Educator
personal and painful honor that he accepted with grace and humility.
There are health care professionals who do their jobs with skill and compassion—and then there are rare individuals like Jaime Serna, who transcend their roles to become true heroes in the lives of their patients.
Since Jojo’s passing, Jaime has become an integral part of the Live Like Jojo Foundation, which was created in Jojo’s memory to celebrate his joy, curiosity and courage. The foundation is dedicated to making meaningful moments for children living with complex and chronic illnesses, helping families create joyful memories amid the challenges of longterm care.
Jaime’s journey as a hospital hero began in the phlebotomy department at CHOC Children’s Hospital, where he first met Jojo, a young patient with a complex metabolic condition. Jojo had endured countless blood draws, but it was Jaime’s unique approach—infused with warmth, patience and just the right amount of magic—that made an extraordinary difference.
Jaime not only attends many of the foundation’s events but also brings his signature magic and lighthearted spirit to every interaction—embodying the mission of Live Like Jojo to bring happiness, dignity and delight to kids who need it most.
Jaime used magic tricks to distract and delight Jojo, transforming fearful moments into ones filled with wonder and laughter. In doing so, he formed a deep and lasting bond with Jojo, who came to see Jaime not just as a caregiver, but as his best friend.
Today, Jaime continues to expand his impact as part of the CHOC Children’s Hospital team, now serving as a patient engagement coach and educator. In this role, he brings his compassionate presence, deep empathy and creative connection skills to even more children and families, mentoring others, including new hospital residents, and inspiring a culture of patient-centered care across the organization.
As Jojo’s condition worsened and he was admitted to the ICU during his end-of-life window, Jaime showed up—not because it was his job, but because it was his calling. He brought one final performance of joy, a few more moments of magic and a heart full of love for his young friend. Jojo, in his final wishes, expressed his desire to take Jaime with him to heaven.
His dedication to connection, kindness and healing through human touch and presence is what makes Jaime a true hospital hero. He reminds us all that compassion can be just as powerful as medicine, and that healing often begins with the heart.
That kind of impact is immeasurable. Jojo’s parents asked Jaime to speak at his funeral, a deeply 24