Meet our 2025 Champion!

Salinas Valley Health Foundation is proud to announce its 2025 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMNH) Local Champion, Nicholas “Niko” Celaya, a charming 12-year-old from Salinas.  Niko will serve as an ambassador for Salinas Valley Health, helping to share the impact that local donations to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals has for kids like him.  Niko was selected for his enthusiasm and passion for giving back, and the courage he has demonstrated while dealing with medical challenges.

From very early in his young life, Niko faced multiple health conditions including asthma, dysphagia, and epilepsy, leading to frequent visits to Salinas Valley Health Medical Center’s Emergency Department and Pediatrics Unit. During his visits to the Medical Center, Niko and his family found more than medical care; they found support, compassion, and guidance from the care team, as they learned to navigate new and challenging conditions. Donations helped to provide pediatric comfort items, activities, and even a playroom on the Pediatrics Unit to help keep kids like Niko active and entertained during their hospital stay.

When he got older, Niko was able to attend the Mark Velcoff, MD Asthma Day Camp, a week-long summer camp staffed by medical professionals, and fully funded by local donations made to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Through his participation in Asthma Day Camp, Niko gained knowledge about his medical condition, tools and tips to help manage his symptoms, and also met a community of peers who know firsthand what it’s like to live with asthma. Today, Niko’s medical conditions are well controlled, and he lives a full and active lifestyle. He is passionate about baseball, and wants to be either a professional baseball player, or a doctor, when he grows up.

 “There is nothing worse than having a sick child. The worry for a parent is unimaginable at times, but having the support, kindness, and care from our local hospital makes all the difference,” says Jacqueline, Niko’s mother, “The Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Program is a blessing, and every dollar donated helps families and kids when they are at their most vulnerable. I’m proud of Niko for sharing his story. This is his way to give back, to help others, and to bring awareness to the big difference that small gestures can make.” Niko and his family look forward to sharing the impactful pediatric programs and services made possible by local donations. Whether you give at the register of one of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals’ corporate partners like Panda Express, Ace Hardware, or Costco, or you participate in events like the gaming fundraiser Extra Life, all donations stay in the local community, helping kids like Niko every day.