Gracie Walks for CHOC

On Sunday, Oct. 18, I was one of more than 14,000 people walking to raise money for Children's Hospital Orange County at the 21st annual CHOC Walk in the Park at Disneyland.

I was proudly walking with my dance team to help raise money for the hospital that helped me in so many ways. My family raised $520.00 and my dance team altogether raised $9,090.00. This is the seventh year that has participated in the CHOC Walk and my fifth year walking with my dance team.

I had to get up really early because we meet at 5:30 in the morning at Disneyland. The walk takes place before the park opens.  It is cool because the park is all decorated for Halloween and there are Disney characters all around the park cheering you on and everyone is happy because they know we are all walking for a good cause. They announce your team as you walk by so everyone can hear. 

I heard them say my friend's name that I met in the hospital because we had brain surgery the same week by . We were able to find her and it was really good to see her and how well she is doing.

Sometimes, it make me a little sad to see people with signs and T-shirts that say they are walking in the memory of a child that had passed away. . That is why I walk. For them and all of the children who have fought for their lives and received care at

If you would like to learn more about  or contribute to the CHOC Walk just go to its home page at CHOCwalk.org