Eileen Garrido

Eileen Nicole Garrido was born on March 10, 1999. Shortly after her birth, doctors informed her parents that Eileen had been diagnosed with a serious heart condition known as Tetralogy of Fallot. This complex heart condition is fatal if left untreated. At the age of five weeks, Eileen underwent her first heart surgery to extend her life at Children’s Hospital LA. She spent the next 12 months in and out of the hospital. At the age of 13 months, Eileen underwent her second heart surgery to repair her heart. Although she is monitored closely for a severe leak in her left pulmanary valve, today she is a healthy 12-year-old.

Throughout her young life Eileen was always singing around the house. In January of 2007 at the age of seven, she started taking voice lessons. In December of 2007, Eileen recorded her first CD titled “Part of Your World” which consisted of Disney classics. In the summer of 2008, Eileen saw her first musical,  “Phantom of The Opera”. She fell in love with classical theater.

In July of 2009, she recorded her second CD titled “Angel of Music,” which contains music from Les Miserables, Disney, Phantom of The Opera, and a song she wrote titled “Melody.” In October 2009, Eileen formed the Beating Hearts Foundation dedicated to helping children with cardiovascular illnesses. Her motto “every child deserves a healthy beating heart”. Through her CD sales, performances, and fundraisers, she raises money and donates it to Children’s Hospital LA. It’s her way of giving back to the hospital that saved her life. She supports and donates her time to The Children’s Miracle Network, Children’s Hospital LA, and other charities and organizations. Since 2009, Eileen has performed at events that have helped raised over $12.5 million dollars for CHLA, CMN, and other children’s charities.

She has been featured on local radio stations, speaks and performs at venues throughout Southern California in support of CHLA and CMN, and has had the privilege to perform at The Mirage and MGM in Las Vegas, Disney World in Orlando Florida, and Dodger Stadium. She has composed three award winning songs including her latest, “We Need To Show” which is dedicated to the children of CHLA.. She was inducted into the Downey Kids Hall of Fame and Family Circle Magazine’s Hall of Fame for her community work and contributions. Additionally, she was a National winner in the Kohl’s Kids Who Care Scholarship contest for her foundation work and community involvement.

In 2011 she received the Kiwanis Youth Service Award and was made an Honorary Princess by the Downey Rose Float Association along with being named Honoree of The Year for her community contributions. This past November, she was awarded the 2011 Miracle Child Award at the 2011 American Music Awards pre-party by Kevin Jonas and British performer Estelle. Her proudest moment came last year when she was asked to sing the National Anthem to start the “Turn On The Lights” 5k walk commemorating the opening of the new hospital wing at CHLA. In addition to walking with her team, her foundation team raised $10,830 for CHLA.

In addition to her musical talent and philanthropic work, Eileen is a very good student with a 4.0 GPA. She loves school and is on the Principals Honor Roll, a member of the GATE program, and received the President’s Award of Excellence for her academic accomplishments. Eileen loves animals and has a dog, 2 hamsters, a turtle, and seven gold fish. She enjoys playing the piano, swimming, bowling, and going on family trips. Her goal is to one day study music at New York’s Juilliard School of Music.