I decisively made the decision to enter the nursing program at the local university I was attending in the Fall of 1996. I had just transferred to a university that was closer to home, and at the time, I was an English major on task to become a teacher. There were so many changes that semester, including a new roommate, and understandably, my parents thought I needed to stick with something. I wish I could describe how I felt that afternoon when my new roommate was sharing about her experiences in the nursing program. I just knew that I was supposed to be a nurse. I defiantly dropped out of my current program and began taking the science prerequisites I needed to apply for the accelerated nursing program. That decision, made in a dorm room on a whim, has led to experiences too numerous and too poignant to count. The joy of life juxtaposed against a life taken too soon. Nursing students eager to absorb any bits of knowledge and wisdom I could impart upon them. The overwhelming feeling of responsibility when I was in charge of my local hospital’s entire childbirth education department. But it wasn’t until 4 years into my career that I entered into a position that would eventually be my passion.
Consideration provided by CHOCWalk.
I had less than one year of experience in the NICU before boarding a plane on a one-way ticket to London. I spent nearly a year working in a neonatal unit in Edinburgh, Scotland, an experience that changed my entire life. Out of that experience, I found myself back in Southern California, on the floor of one of the most prestigious children’s hospitals in Southern California. I have a deep sense of respect for the facility, which is committed to providing the highest quality of medical care to children. The state-of-the-art facility offers primary and specialty care clinics, over 100 programs and services, a pediatric residency program, and four centers of excellence.
On Sunday, August 11th, 2019, I will be joining over 14,000 people committed to supporting the efforts of CHOC Children’s at the 29th annual CHOC Walk in the Park. Presented by Disneyland, CHOC Walk is a 5K walk through Disneyland, Disney California Adventure and Downtown Disney to help raise funds for research and services at CHOC Children’s. The money raised during CHOC Walk is used for health care programs, education, and research specifically benefitting the children in the community served by CHOC Children’s. This will be my third year walking and I am excited to share with you details about how you can get involved and help support the incredible efforts of a facility that is near to my heart.
- When: Sunday, August 11, 2019 (entrance cutoff time is 7:15)
- Where: Disneyland Resort (Opening Ceremony at Main Street U.S.A. at 6:00 am)
- Cost: $85 (early bird prior to 7/29/19) per CHOC Walk participant/team member (ages 3 and older). The price increases to $95 after 7/29/2019.
- Registration: CHOCWalk.org
- Parking: Free parking is available at the Disneyland Resort for all CHOC Walk participants (parking lot opens at 4:00 am)
2019 Annual Passholder CHOC Walk
Are you a Disneyland Annual Passholder? Join the Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders CHOC Walk Team. Remember that you must raise a minimum $85 donation to participate (and $95 after 7/29/19). If you are unable to walk, you can register as a “Sleeping Bear” and receive the team fundraising incentives.
Where to Stay For CHOC Walk in the Park (Including CHOC Walk Discounted Hotels)
Specially-Priced Disneyland Resort and Park Hopper Tickets for CHOC Walk Participants
When you present your CHOC Walk in the Park wristband at the Disneyland Resort ticket booth, you will have an opportunity to purchase a Disneyland Resort 1-Day Park Hopper ticket ($93) or a 1-Day, 1-Park ticket valid at Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park for $67. The ticket can be used August 11, 2019 through September 10, 2019 with the following blockout dates: 8/31/19 – 9/03/19. Limit of 1 ticket per wristband and tickets are only available for purchase at this discounted rate on 8/11/10. Tickets must be used by the expiration date.
- Visit your local Chick-Fil-A on May 22 and support CHOC Walk by purchasing a cookie! All proceeds will benefit CHOC Children’s.
- Host a team kick-off party, ask for donations in lieu of gifts for special occasions (birthday, anniversary, etc.), create a golf tournament, host a bake sale or sell tickets to a special dinner. For additional tips, visit the Do-It-Yourself section on the CHOC Walk website.
CHOC Walk in the Park Incentives
CHOC Walk participants have the opportunity to earn prizes for their fundraising efforts. The top individual fundraisers will be awarded with prizes such as Disneyland Resort tickets and more.
CHOC Walk Giveaway
I have 2 CHOC Walk wristbands to giveaway! This is a SUPER short giveaway so be sure to get your entries in ASAP. The wristband will allow each winner to attend CHOC Walk as walkers without fundraising. The registration fee will be waived, however, you will still have to sign up for the walk. Wristbands can be picked up during check-in on Friday August 9th or Saturday August 10th at the CHOC Walk office in Orange. Location and hours can be found here.
To enter, complete the Rafflecopter form and leave me a comment with one reason why you want to walk this year. Comments will close on July 26, 2019 and I must have your name in by that day.
a Rafflecopter giveawayUS Residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.
- Discover Luxury at Sonesta Irvine: Your Ideal Staycation - August 8, 2024
- CHOC Walk Returns to the Disneyland Resort – Special Events and Ways to Support - June 28, 2023
- Beastly Ball Returns to the Los Angeles Zoo - May 8, 2023
I want to walk for all the children and families that can’t. I have had the most wonderful opportunities to volunteer for CHOC walk in the past, but have never actually participated in the walk. Would love to be a part of that experience
I wanna win!!!
Id love to walk for the kids!
I’d love to walk in honor of my niece
I want to join the CHOC walk with my 10 years old daughter to support al the children at the CHOC hospital.
It’s such a wonderful cause. I’d love to walk to support it!
We did it last year since CHOC has and does play a big part in our family’s lives. They were there for my sister as a child and now for each of my children, 2 that require on going care and one that just needed a simple procedure but they were wonderful.
Not going to make it this year but I look forward to next year.