Thousands of people came to Disneyland in Anaheim, CA to walk for The Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC.) Over 12,000 people walked, and another 2,000 participated. A minimum donation of $85 was required to enter, but many raised much more. They banned together to raise 2.3 million dollars for CHOC.
Among the participants were current and past patients of the CHOC and their family members. They walked to raise funds, bring awareness or just say “thank you” for what the CHOC has done for them. People who have received help, and wanted to pay it forward to others.
Those wishing to join the event, walked about three miles through Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure before exiting into the Downtown Disney area. Cheerleaders, characters, and cast members cheered them on along the way.
The Orange County Register posted a few stories from those participating in the event. Stories like this one from Christy Wright.
“It’s become a tradition,” said Christy Wright, whose daughter Emily has survived 10 brain surgeries, four leg surgeries and continues to see a battery of specialists. On Sunday, her family was wearing new yellow T-shirts made especially for her and her team, which also celebrated Emily’s 18th birthday this week.”
Or five-year-old Samuel Putterman, who’s mother Jessica who talked about her son.
“We moved to Orange because I was here so much,” said Putterman, who along with her family and friends donned homemade red capes as part of Team Super Samuel.
“There were times when I didn’t have the co-pay and they helped me,” she said. “We want to help others,”
Some were there to remember those that couldn’t be there to walk with them.
“A family from Corona commemorated the life of Katie Miller, who died in 2001 at the age of 13 despite two bone marrow transplants. Her family carried a heart-shaped poster that read: “It’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years. Team Katiebug.”
What an amazing event and what a way to bring awareness and remembrance. I hope it has another 27 years and more.
If you would like to read about a couple more people interviewed at the event check out the source article on The OC Register’s Site.
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