Ulysses Hsu, a rising junior in high school, is a dedicated student and a young philanthropist.

Ulysses' journey with Loma Linda University Children's Hospital began at eight years old. Inspired by a friend battling cancer at the hospital, he donated his birthday money to LLUCH on his eighth birthday. This generous act sparked the creation of the Birthday Club, an initiative encouraging children to donate their birthday gifts to support the hospital. Since its inception, the club has raised tens of thousands of dollars, impacting the lives of young patients.

"From the moment I stepped into Loma Linda, I felt like part of a family," Ulysses said. "The sense of community and support inspired me to start the Birthday Club. Seeing the joy my donations bring to other kids is incredibly rewarding," he added.

In addition to his philanthropic efforts, Ulysses is also a budding author and illustrator. During the pandemic, he wrote and published two children's books: Story of Science: All About Energy and Story of Science: The Environment. His books aim to make learning science fun and accessible for young readers. Ulysses credits his two-year-old sister as a significant source of inspiration. In June, he donated USD$1,575 from the proceeds of his book sales to Loma Linda Children's Hospital.

Currently residing in Houston, Texas, Ulysses is visiting California for a summer program at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Looking ahead, Ulysses aspires to pursue a medical career with a particular interest in pediatrics or cardiology.

"I want to use my talents to give back to the community and do the most good possible," Ulysses said, adding "Loma Linda has always been close to my heart, and I hope to continue supporting them in any way I can."

The original article was published on the Loma Linda University Health website.