Hometown: Torrance, CA
Game: UCLA vs. Washington State
Doctors diagnosed Evan with a non-functioning bladder, kidney failure and incomplete development of his lungs before he was even born, delivering the difficult news to his parents that he may not be able to survive.
“Every day since has been a blessing,” says his mother, Alison.
Evan has received two kidney transplants – one from his mother and another from her cousin – at UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital. Now he is so upbeat and active that “sometimes you forget that he’s fragile because he’s pretty rough and tumble and at it,” says his father, Daniel.
Adds Alison: “Evan has been the brightest light in my life. He’s very smart, witty, really positive. He doesn’t seem to have anything to hold him back. He’s just really persevering and friendly. He wants to talk to everybody. He’s just a rad kid.”
Evan enjoys spending time in the hospital’s play areas, where he always wants to stay and talk to others. His favorite sport is basketball.
“Being captain for a day is going to be great. Go UCLA!” Evan says.
UCLA is inspired and honored by the opportunity to treat and care for Evan and his family. Congratulations to Evan for being honored as a UCLA Kid Captain!
