Get out the syrup – it’s time for National Pancake Day at IHOP restaurants.  On February 24th, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., participating IHOPs will give away free short stacks of their yummy buttermilk pancakes in exchange for donations to Children’s Miracle Network, of which CHOC Children’s is a member.  Last year’s Pancake Day celebration yielded 1.5 million free pancakes and more than $875,000 for children’s charities, like CHOC Children’s.  To see a list of participating Orange County locations, visit www.ihoppancakeday.com.  Come on OC – let’s see how much support we can “stack up” for the kids at CHOC.

I had such a great time at the inaugural CHOC Cherishes Children Gala – a fundraiser for CHOC Children’s.  It was wonderful to see so many supporters (close to 300!)  I was a little star-struck by guest of honor Manny Guevara, known to his fans as Manny on the Streets on 102.7 KIIS-FM.  Manny is such a cool guy and a regular visitor to the hospital.  He accepted the first-ever Children’s Champion Award on behalf of KIIS-FM.  As you probably know, KIIS-FM has been a long-time supporter of the hospital and played a key role in helping bring Radio Lollipop to CHOC.  We are so thankful for their friendship.  We are also so thankful for the support we received by everyone at the gala.  An auction that evening helped to increase net proceeds to $335,000 for the night!  For those of you who missed the event, stay tuned for details on next year’s gala – or you can find ways to support the hospital on our website www.choc.org.

Did you know that autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability that affects 1 in 150 births. The condition is caused by a neurological disorder that affects brain function – impacting the normal development of the brain that controls social interaction and communication skills. CHOC and UCI Medical Center are leaders in the diagnosis and management of autism through a collaborative, state-funded program known as “For OC Kids.” The program allows experts from both CHOC and UCI Medical Center to take an innovative and multidisciplinary approach to children with autism, offering patients access to the latest alternatives.  

CHOC and UCI, joined by the Grandparent Autism Network, are combining forces to bring an autism event “Today’s Autism Research”  Tomorrow’s Promising Outcomes” to Orange County on Saturday, January 31st, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Mariner’s Church in Irvine.  The event will feature the latest research information and some of the top autism experts. 

For more information or to register, visit www.choc.org.

The kind people at the Ralphs Fund and the Food 4 Less Fund, the philanthropic arms of Ralphs and Food 4 Less, recently donated $25,000 in support of The CHOC Children’s Cancer Institute Adolescent and Young Adult Program.  This program gives our teen and adoloscent cancer patients access to the latest clinical protocols and psychosocial services tailored to meet their unique needs.  This is not the first gift from the Ralphs and Food 4 Less Funds.  Since 1996, they’ve donated more than $213,000.  What an awesome demonstration of corporate philanthropy!

I have always counted firefighters among my list of heroes – along with CHOC doctors and nurses, of course.  Today, firefighters from the City of Orange were big heroes to our patients for escorting Santa to our campus – despite the rain.  Patients gathered in the playrooms to see the big guy in the red suit riding on a firetruck,  with sirens blaring, behind the hospital.  Santa, along with the firefighters, came into the hospital to spread a little holiday cheer.  Our young patients could not take their eyes off of our special guest.  (See the photo if you don’t believe me.)

Out of respect for Mr. Claus, I stayed low key – I didn’t want to take the attention away from him.

I had a blast at the 2008 CHOC at Mission Toy ride. Motocycle riders from all over Orange County gathered at Daily’s Grill in Rancho Santa Margarita on Sunday, December 7.  They were escorted by  Orange County fire fighters through Rancho Santa Margarita and Trabuco Canyon, before arriving at CHOC at Mission to spread lots of holiday cheer, including gifts and cash donations, to my young friends. 

Here I am pictured with some of  our Associates.  Aren’t I photogenic? Hope to see you all again next year!

Every day, California Children’s Hospitals save lives. (I know. I see it every day.) Children with leukemia, cancer, cystic fibrosis, heart disease. 80% of kids with leukemia are making it. 90% are coming through delicate heart surgery. Proposition 3 doesn’t raise taxes. It gives the sickest kids in California the chance for a better life.

Proposition 3 will help California’s children’s hospitals meet the current and growing needs of our state’s most critically ill children.  If the bond is passed, CHOC is eligible to receive up to $98 million for expansion, renovation and the purchase of medical equipment.  The Children’s Hospital Bond Act is an investment in the lives of children served who will be cared for over the next three decades in the state’s premiere pediatric facilities, including CHOC.  Please visit www.imaginewithus.org to learn more.

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Lollipop Live! will likely make the record books for CHOC as one of the most memorable days for our patients and their families. The exciting day started out with Ryan Seacrest broadcasting his top-rated morning show from inside CHOC’s Radio Lollipop studio. Celebrities stopped by throughout the day, including Heidi and Spencer from “The Hills,” Jesse McCartney, Ne-Yo, Misty May Treanor, Shawn and Kim Wayans, and more!

Families and guests were wooed with performances by Jesse and other artists who have hits on the R & B and pop charts. Disney sensation (and former Cosby kid) Raven Symone, was spotted on the floors and inside the patients’ rooms. She was a hit with patients and parents, alike.

The event also featured crafts and activities, with help from merchants from the Downtown Disney District and from Children’s Miracle Network sponsors. Patients, volunteers and staff took to the stage for “CHOC’S Got Talent,” giving the celebrity performers tough competition. (Check out our Residents in this video!)

KIIS-FM raised about $60,000 for CHOC – as of the last DJ sign off at 10 p.m.

I had such a blast…I can’t wait until next year! To view photos and more video from the event, visit http://www.kiisfm.com keyword CHOC!

I am so excited today because the great people at KIIS FM are broadcasting from CHOC all day today to celebrate Radio Lollipop’s Anniversary! There are so many cool things going on. Just tune your radio to 102.7 FM and you will hear Ryan Seacrest & Ellen, Sisanie, Boy Toy Jesse and JoJo (you can even listen online)! There are so many fun activities and ways to donate. Visit kiisfm.com keyword CHOC for more details, photos, video and so much more. Also, you can watch this video! If it gets 102,000 views, the Anaheim Ducks will donate $10,000 to CHOC!