I'm so excited to be participating in the 2024 CHOC Walk in the Park presented by Disneyland® Resort on Sunday, July 21, to raise funds for CHOC.

I am a forever grateful patient of CHOC.  
You probably know that by now.  What you may not know is, how I got there.  
This is my story : (a short version of it anyway)

Just like every other expecting parents, my parents had hopes and dreams for me.  

Let her be a strong girl, a happy girl, a kind girl.  Let her grow up with courage, have friends, play sports, enjoy prom and graduation.  One day, may she learn to drive, go to college, do work that she loves,  May she live with aloha in her heart, love unconditionally, share unselfishly, and experience the true gift of giving.  But above all, please, let her be healthy.   

A few months later they learned that things would not be exactly as hoped.  Tests during Mom’s second trimester had showed them that I had abnormal fetal growth and cysts on my brain.  Rocked to the core and unsure of my future, these first time parents found comfort knowing CHOC was near and available for whatever was to come. 

I was born with a congenital heart defect.  At ten months old I was diagnosed with a rare chromosome abnormality.  The first time I spent a week at CHOC was my first bout with pneumonia - I was one.  My entire childhood these speed bumps kept coming  and CHOC was always there.  I learned first hand the importance of the special, quality care one gets from the doctors, nurses, therapists, and volunteers at CHOC.  

My health journey has been different, is different, will continue to be different.  
CHOC helped me become me - and I am a strong girl, a happy girl, a kind girl.  I have courage and surround my self with friends with courage.  While growing up I played soccer and baseball and I still dance every day!  I went to my super hero prom where I was crowned the Queen.  I experienced graduation and other celebrations galore.  I can drive a golf ball and the cars at Disneyland.  I take classes at Coastline Community College and I LOVE the work I do with/for CHOC.  
The opportunity for me to give back to CHOC is the best gift I could ever hope for.  
It is why we created Team KAILUALANI.   

I can't wait for Team KAILUALANI to reunite with our Walk community for an early morning stroll through Disneyland® park and Disney California Adventure® park. You won't want to miss this one-of-a-kind experience filled with special entertainment and surprises before the parks open to the public.    

Every dollar raised from this magical event will support health care programs, education, and research at CHOC and CHOC at Mission Hospitals. 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. 

You can help me exceed my fundraising goal for the benefit of the children's health and well-being by:

-Donating now by clicking the "Donate" button above or
-Joining me at this year's event at the Disneyland® Resort by registering here

Many thanks in advance for helping me Give Back with Aloha and write a new future for so many children and their families. 

With an abundance of Aloha,

Kailualani “Baby K” Tagaloa
Grateful CHOC Patient and 2014 CHOC Walk Ambassador