Known as CHOC’s most anticipated event, the CHOC Walk in the Park presented by Disneyland Resort is set for August 27 this year. Many of our employees — among the more than 15,000 people expected to attend — will be proudly walking for CHOC in support of our patients and their families.
We spoke to Christina Portugal, unit assistant, surgical unit, and team captain of CHOC Walk’s team 3E Suture Heroes, who shared what inspires her to participate in this beloved tradition.
What inspired you to become part of CHOC Walk? How long have you been participating?
I was inspired to participate in the CHOC Walk in the Park when I was a volunteer, before I joined the staff. I was inspired to be a volunteer after losing my dad to cancer eight years ago. I was moved by all the health care professionals who treated my dad with such kindness and compassion. Through my dad’s illness I gained a profound passion for the healthcare industry and wanted to find a way to give back so I chose to volunteer at CHOC. As my volunteer journey began, little did I know this would be the place where I would give to others and in turn heal from my loss. Volunteering I meet so many brave children fighting through the most difficult times and still standing strong heroically, our true super heroes of this world, teaching me that I could also be strong. I decided after a few years of volunteering that I would make a career move into the healthcare industry and joined the 3E surgical unit. I am grateful to be amongst a team of hardworking, warm kindhearted people who care about helping others. When I started walking in the CHOC Walk in the Park as a volunteer it was another way to say thank you and now I continue to say thank you to CHOC for giving me more than I can possibly put into words. Team Suture Heroes of 3E has grown and last year we were 38 members strong and raised over $4,000!
There are many ways that associates can support CHOC. Why do you participate in CHOC Walk every year?
I participate every year because it affords me an opportunity to raise funds that make an immediate impact on families at CHOC Children’s. I walk for HOPE and get to do so alongside my coworkers and community. It is a privilege.
What is your favorite memory from a previous CHOC Walk?
Being amongst the thousands of people in our community all affected by and or supporting our families of CHOC is surreal. Walking alongside patients, families and teams supporting one another is what makes this event so memorable. Seeing the hundreds of banners, cheering crowds and smiling faces all walking with grateful happy hearts is an experience like no other.
As a veteran of past CHOC Walks and leader of an experienced CHOC Walk team, what “insider tips” would you offer to someone participating in their first CHOC Walk this year?
When you register, you will be given your own CHOC Walk personal page. I would encourage everyone to post this right away on all their social media sites. With a click of a button your friends and family can donate toward your fundraising efforts. Another helpful tool is the CHOC Walk FUNdraiser app which makes it easy and fun to track your progress in real time. For the morning of the CHOC Walk in the Park I would suggest you come extra early and give yourself enough time to walk to the entrance of the park since there are no trams running that morning. The parking can get quite congested and crowded and can delay your arrival to the CHOC Walk and you don’t want to miss out on the opening festivities.
What would you say to a community member or fellow CHOC associate to encourage them to participate in their first CHOC Walk?
There is something very special about coming together to benefit others. You gain a sense of hope in humanity. The quote that inspired me to not only participate in the CHOC Walk but to also begin my journey as an employee at CHOC was, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma Gandhi
What inspires you most about the care being delivered at CHOC?
I am continually amazed by the medical teams at CHOC and the outstanding care they provide our families. When I walk across the bridge from the parking structure into the hospital, I have a grateful heart that I can be a part of a loving, giving and supportive community. I am thankful for what CHOC has taught me― how to be a better human and to appreciate what you have in this world.
