Why Disneyland's CHOC Walk In The Park Matters To Orange County Families

LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA — When baby Penelope was admitted to the Children's Hospital Orange County Neonatal Intensive Care Unit two years ago, mother Iliana Farias knew her life would never be the same. Now, for the first time, her family, including Penelope, is walking to support the hospital in the annual CHOC Walk in the Park at the Disneyland Resort.

On August 3, the Farias family will join walkers from around the country at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim in support of Children's Hospital Orange County. In this annual fundraiser, anyone can participate, support, and even give back.

During Penelope's stay in the NICU, tended by the staff and doctors at CHOC, Farias says that she was inspired that "the level of care didn't change, and that no case is more deserving than others," she told Patch. "We all received amazing care, myself included."

Those days changed their lives forever, Farias told Patch. "Now, Penelope is a charming, charismatic, and joyful two-year-old, so full of life, and has brought so much happiness to those around her," she said.

Their family has much to be grateful for with their healthy, happy toddler, and that's why they are doing what they can to give back, walking and fundraising for the hospital on Aug. 3 at the Disneyland Resort.

And they'll be getting up before dawn to do it.

Parking opens for the event at 4 a.m., the CHOC Walk Participants can enter Disneyland main gates at 4:50 a.m., and the entry will close to Disneyland walkers at 6:45 a.m., and Disney California Adventure Park walkers at 7:25 a.m.

"CHOC Walk is a three-decade-strong fundraising powerhouse that brings in over $2 million each year to help patients and families at Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) — and $46 million in total since the beginning of the walk," a spokesperson for the event said online. "These donations have an immediate impact on our ability to transform pediatric healthcare, impacting children now and for generations to come."

For walkers, it's a small step, but for everyone participating, it's more of a giant inspirational leap. If you meet specific fundraising criteria ($375 or more), you can gain entry into the park for the day. If you raise more, you may earn another ticket to be used at a later date.

Teams of walkers can meet up, walk together through the park, and see special entertainment and surprises. Iliana, Penelope, and their supporters will be participating in the walk for the first time this year.

"I wanted to wait until she was old enough to join me," her mother said, knowing the baby will be so surprised to see her favorite Disney characters that day, including Moana and Buzz Light Year.

It is a far cry from when she was born, needing medical attention and round-the-clock care. Immediately following Penelope's birth she was placed in the NICU at CHOC's Mission Hospital, Farias told Patch.

"My family and I will always be appreciative of the support CHOC gave us during those challenging times, especially as a new mother," she said.

Their stay was brief, but it did not detract from the services the family received from nurses, physicians, and experts. "The finances of someone shouldn't come between them and receiving medical attention," she said.

And when those pictures resurface of the baby inside the NICU, it makes her more grateful.

"Every dollar raised from the magical Disneyland event supports their support health care programs, education, and research at CHOC and CHOC at Mission Hospitals," she said. "More than two million children a year depend on CHOC, and our community's generosity is what provides access to the best possible care and services. This event is how they fundraise to provide other families with the care they need."

You can help Penelope and Iliana surpass their fundraising goal for the benefit of children's health and well-being by donating now, or by joining her team at the Disneyland Resort by registering here, she said.

"From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you in advance for helping us give other children and families the amazing care they deserve."

Support Iliana Farias, Penelope, and family by donating to www.chocwalk.org, or sign up to walk yourself. And when you go, say hi to Moana and Buzz for us!