I’m proud to be participating in the 2025 CHOC Walk in the Park at the Disneyland® Resort on Sunday, August 3—this walk means the world to me.

I’ve been walking for CHOC since 2008, and each year my heart grows more connected to this cause. CHOC has been a place of comfort, healing, and faith for me and my loved ones. It’s more than just a hospital—it’s a place filled with hope, strength, and the kindest hearts.

I walk in memory of my dear friend Yolanda de la Riva (Yoli), who worked at CHOC and was a shining light to everyone who met her. Her laughter was contagious—you could hear it across the room and instantly feel joy. Even while battling cancer, Yoli continued working at CHOC, serving the children she loved so deeply. She passed away in December 2006, and since then, I’ve walked to keep her voice, her memory, and her love for CHOC’s kids alive.

In 2007, my nephew Jon Paul was born with a hernia and needed specialized surgery at just 5 months old. CHOC took incredible care of him and our family. Today, he’s a high school graduate and getting ready to start college—and one of my biggest reasons for walking.

In 2019, my godson, my sweet papas Levi, was diagnosed with cancer at just over 5 months old. CHOC became our world. It was there, surrounded by love and faith, that I had the honor of baptizing him. Despite his brave fight, Levi passed away on March 30, only 8 weeks after his diagnosis. At just 6 months old, he showed us what true courage looked like. He will forever be my lion-hearted inspiration, and I will always be his “Crazy Nina,” walking to keep his memory alive and help babies like him.

Every step I take at the CHOC Walk is for Yoli, Jon Paul, Levi, and the millions of children and families who rely on CHOC for hope, healing, and exceptional care.
 

💙 You can support me by:

• Donating through the link above

I dedicate this walk to all children and their families—past, present, and future. Whether they are fighting battles, celebrating victories, or forever remembered, they are the heart of this mission.

Long Live Childhood. 💙


Every dollar raised supports health care programs, research, and education at CHOC and CHOC at Mission Hospitals—making a real difference for families facing their hardest days.

Thank you for reading my story. Thank you for supporting CHOC. And thank you for walking beside me—whether in person or in spirit.

With gratitude, love, and hope,
Angie