The Floridant - Heartwarming News: UCLA & Lakers Honor Young Fan from New Mexico as "Laker For A Day"

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Sophia Trying on her new Laker Girl Outfit

Sophia was born with a rare heart defect, and her parents had to drive 17 hours from Santa Fe, New Mexico, to UCLA Health for life-saving open-heart surgery performed by Dr. Gary M. Satou and Dr. Peyman Benharash when she was just five months old. Thanks to their efforts, she made a full recovery and now thrives as a big sister.

To celebrate her journey, Sophia took center court at Crypto.com Arena, dancing alongside the Laker Girls during a Lakers vs. Pacers game on February 8, 2025.

SANTA FE, N.M. - Floridant -- [SANTA FE, NM] -- UCLA Health and the Los Angeles Lakers honored an extraordinary young fan, Sophia Roybal Anderson, as Laker For A Day during the Doubleheader #268, featuring the Los Angeles Lakers vs. Indiana Pacers and Sacramento Kings vs. Oregon Ducks on February 8th, 2025.

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Sophia took center court alongside the Laker Girls in her own Lakers dance outfit, sharing her incredible journey of perseverance and strength.

When Sophia was born, she struggled to breathe and was rapidly losing weight. Her doctors in New Mexico diagnosed her with a rare heart defect, leaving her parents with limited local options. Determined to find the best care, Sophia's mothers got in contact with Dr. Gary M. Satou, MD, at UCLA Health, who was ready to see them immediately. They quickly learned flying at high altitudes would be fatal to their newborn, so they drove 17 hours from Santa Fe, New Mexico, to UCLA Health.

Dr. Gary M. Satou, MD, informed Sophia's parents that she needed open heart surgery at five months old and performed a successful 10-and-a-half-hour procedure with Dr. Peyman Benharash, MD, FACS–giving Sophia a second chance at life. After spending 12 days in the hospital, she was discharged and strong enough to go home.

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Sophia and her parents return to UCLA Health for annual checkups and feel like they've become part of their family. Today, she is thriving and is now a proud big sister.

To celebrate her strength and spirit, Sophia was welcomed to the Crypto.com Arena by the Laker Girls, where she danced alongside them in her Lakers gear, creating a special memory that she and her family will always remember.

Sophia now explores new places with her family as travel bloggers on Sophie Says Road Trip, where you get to come along their adventures through her eyes.

For more information on sponsoring a trip for Sophia, you can contact Yvette here.

Santa Fe locals can also visit Octane GMC, owned by Yvette, the first women-owned franchise in Santa Fe, for all your vehicle needs.