The annual CHOC Walk in the Park returned to the Disneyland® Resort Sunday morning, bringing thousands together to raise money for Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) — and to celebrate hope, healing, and happiness.
“This walk was really filled with that,” said Disneyland Resort Ambassador Jada Young. “We had some special guests. We had some fun friends that our guests and walkers got to take photos with. We had some fun music. You could see the balloons. We were cheering them on. It was the best time.”
The beloved event started before dawn, winding about three miles through both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks before ending in the Downtown Disney District.
“Like you said, the last walkers just finished up,” Young told KTLA’s Erin Myers live on KTLA 5 Morning News. “I got to be there at the start line with my fellow Disney ambassador, Raul. We also got to cheer our walkers at the finish line. So the energy was just so high, full of smiles. We were really happy to be here.”
Young said she’s participated in the CHOC Walk before, but this year’s event was especially meaningful in her ambassador role. “I’ve actually had my own personal journey with the CHOC Walk. I had a friend whose brother was part of CHOC Hospital when I was in elementary school. And then when I became a cast member, I got to help walk or support it. And now as Disney ambassador, I’m representing our cast, representing Disneyland, and getting to welcome all the guests. So CHOC has been a big part of my life.”
The relationship between CHOC and Disneyland goes back decades. “Walt Disney himself got to stand on the original board,” Young explained. “So we’re so grateful that all these years later, we got to continue that relationship through CHOC Walk, through visiting the hospital with some of our fun friends… and we’re really grateful that this year we got to continue celebrating that magic we’ve created together.”
CHOC Walk in the Park has raised more than $46 million since its founding over 30 years ago. Proceeds support pediatric programs, research, and services across CHOC’s health system — including behavioral health care, school-based mental health spaces, and direct aid for families of hospitalized children.
If you missed the walk, it’s not too late to make a difference. Donations are still being accepted online.
“It’s all about the community,” Myers said from the finish line. “You can help with research and education. That is what this is all about today.”
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