Imagine walking through Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure before the crowds arrive, Sleeping Beauty Castle glowing in the distance. That’s the magic of the CHOC Walk! Every year, thousands of us gather for this special 5k, all to support the incredible children and families cared for by Rady Children’s Hospital Orange County.
It’s an early start, but the energy is palpable. You see families, friends, and strangers reuniting, sharing smiles, and knowing that every single step we take helps children get the medical care they desperately need.
Why We Walk: A Personal Connection to Rady Children’s Hospital
As a Cast Member at Disneyland Resort for over ten years, I’ve seen firsthand how much the resort gives back. It’s more than just theme parks; it’s a real commitment to the community.
The CHOC Walk immediately resonated with me. And it hit home: some of my own family, even my son, received care at Rady Children’s Hospital Orange County. As a mom, this wasn’t just another event; it was incredibly personal. I knew I had to support other families relying on CHOC during their toughest times.
Beyond my work creating magic for guests, I’ve also built an amazing online community. We share our lives, connect through common experiences, and it’s where I’ve met some of my closest friends. We’re all united by a passion for storytelling, kindness, and giving back.
When my fellow creators and I team up, our combined reach is huge – millions of people! But what truly matters is our shared belief: we want to use our platforms to make a real difference in our communities.
So, back in 2024, I sent a simple message to my network. The idea? Why don’t we form a team and walk in the CHOC Walk at Disneyland Resort this year?
Before I could even finish explaining, everyone was on board. Instantly.
Our First Walk: The Incredible Power of Community
That first year, our team had just seven of us. A small group, yes, but we all believed that big change often starts small. We chose the name ChEARS for CHOC, blending our love for the Disney community with our desire to support the kids.
We used our platforms to turn our individual stories into a powerful, collective force. We wanted to shine a bright light on the CHOC Walk and the families it helps. Through daily posts, stories, and videos, we invited our communities to join us. Soon, we felt their incredible support, rallying around us like one big family. Donations flooded in from people who believed in what we were doing.
On the morning of our first CHOC Walk, we stood together on Main Street, U.S.A. The excitement was electric! Everywhere you looked, you felt this amazing sense of solidarity. Families, friends, Cast Members, supporters – everyone gathered for what became one of the most meaningful events I’ve ever experienced.
As we walked, it hit us: everyone around us had a story. Parents walked for their kids, grandparents for their grandkids. Teams proudly wore matching shirts, holding hands, while others quietly clutched photos of loved ones close to their hearts.
Crossing the finish line, emotions simply overwhelmed us. We didn’t need words; one look at each other, and we knew this was just the beginning. This wouldn’t be a one-time thing.
I smiled at the team, ‘See you next year?’
Our Journey Continues: A Growing Legacy of Giving
By CHOC Walk 2025, our small, but mighty team had somehow doubled. It was incredible.
What began as a simple idea blossomed into something huge. More creators joined, then our families got involved. Together, we built a community united by a shared purpose: spreading awareness about the CHOC Walk. And we watched that mission truly come to life.
This year, we’re doing our third CHOC Walk. Every time I see those thousands of children, friends, families, and loved ones at the starting line, I’m reminded why this tradition means the world to me. In those moments, Disneyland transforms. It’s more than just The Happiest Place on Earth. It becomes a place where we celebrate hope, and every step shows the incredible power of showing up for each other.
Now, in 2026, our team has tripled in size. Our collective platforms reach over three million people!
Year after year, the CHOC Walk reminds us: when a community unites with a shared purpose, even the smallest steps create lasting change. It’s a powerful lesson.
As long as families need hope, we’ll be there. Together.
