Transforming the Gravity of Grief into Hope

I am honored to be participating in my third CHOC Walk in the Park at the Disneyland® Resort on Sunday, August 2nd. While many see only the magic of the Disney parks, I see a profound opportunity to carry the depth of my history into a mission that truly matters.

I may not have been the patient, but I have spent my life stationed in the quiet corners of the hospital. I have sat in the plastic seats of waiting rooms, the cramped stools outside the ICU, and the uncomfortable chairs tucked next to hospital beds. I know the paralyzing silence of urgent care and the crushing anxiety of hanging onto a doctor’s every word during a loved one's most frightening moments.
 

A Legacy of Advocacy

Grief can feel like a submerged anchor, and watching those you love suffer is a burden that never truly leaves you. I am a Child Life Advocate because I was raised by women who defined what it means to give:

My sister, Leah: A fierce advocate who spent her life navigating the hospital world through many difficult battles. Her memory is a blessing.

My Mother: A dedicated teacher who spent her career pouring into the futures of others. Her memory is a blessing.

Sandy: My "Big Buddy" who met me in 2009 at Comfort Zone Camp when I was a grieving child. She started as a stranger at a grief camp, but she chose to stay by my side for over 15 years, long after her "obligation" ended. Her memory is a blessing.
 

Losing my mother, my big sister, and most recently Sandy on May 22, 2024, has left me with a profound heartbreak. But I refuse to let that pain remain stagnant. Channeling this immense sorrow into charity is the absolute minimum I can do to honor them.

I also cherish my own special memories at Disneyland with each of these incredible women—from sister bonding days to mother-daughter dates. Sandy and I even have some of the best videos of us eating beignets (which I’m happy to share upon request!). By donating my time and effort to CHOC, I am turning my personal heartbreak into a lifeline for families currently enduring their own devastating times.

Every family deserves the chance to create positive, meaningful memories—even in the middle of a storm. These memories are the treasures I have left of the three women who shaped me. I want to ensure that every parent and sibling in Orange County—the community I am so proud to call home—has the support they need to find their own glimmers of happiness.

How You Can Help Me Honor Them

I am walking with Team Super Kara and Friends, with Kara Nguyen our former CHOC Walk Ambassador to ensure no family has to sit in those hospital chairs alone. Please join me:

Donate: Click the "Donate" button above to support CHOC’s vital programs.
 

Walk with Me: Joining me this year's event at the Disneyland® Resort by registering here

Thank you for helping me carry the spirit of my big sis Leah, my Mom, and Sandy with me every step of the way.

With Gratitude,

Dani