CHOC Foundation

05/28/2026

05/21/2026

For over 30 years, Pacific Life and Pacific Life Foundation have partnered with Rady Children’s Health Orange County (formerly CHOC) to enrich and advance pediatric healthcare. Recognized as this year’s CHOC Gala Children’s Champion and serving as the event’s presenting sponsor, Pacific Life exemplifies the ideals of philanthropy and volunteerism.

Through sustained generosity, employee engagement, and a clear vision for strengthening the community, Pacific Life and the Pacific Life Foundation bring hope to children and families, building healthier futures for all.

Learn more about Pacific Life, its commitment to community and service, and the impact of our longstanding partnership at www.CHOCGala.org.

05/20/2026

At this year’s CHOC Walk in the Park, presented by Disneyland® Resort, on Aug. 2, we honor Carter Ankeny's memory by naming him our 2026 CHOC Walk Ambassador.

One month before his fifth birthday, Carter was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Undergoing 21 months of chemotherapy treatment at Rady Children’s Health Orange County, formerly CHOC, Carter courageously fought for three and a half years before suddenly passing away in October 2017.

“Carter never feared going to the hospital, and the staff made our stays the best we could have hoped for during one of the scariest times of our lives,” his mother, Jamie, says of her late son’s cancer journey.

Inspired by Carter’s brave battle, his loved ones formed Team to spread kindness, to live life without fear, and to find a cure for cancer. Walk in support of Carter by registering today at CHOCWalk.org.

05/15/2026

More than 1,100 community and philanthropic leaders gathered for our 17th annual CHOC Gala, presented by Pacific Life and Pacific Life Foundation, raising $7 million in support of pediatric care 🎉

We’re so grateful for all the ways our community is here to advance hope, health, and healing for kids. Together, we make it possible for kids to return to the joy, wonder, and special moments of childhood.

05/09/2026

The moment has arrived 💫 The 2026 CHOC Gala, presented by Pacific Life and Pacific Life Foundation, is officially here.

Tonight, surrounded by elegance and celebration, we gather for a far greater purpose: the children and families who depend on us in their most vulnerable moments.

Be sure to follow along on our Instagram Stories to experience the evening with us!

05/08/2026

At just 10 years old, Jazlyn’s sore throat turned into a life-changing diagnosis: papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Following two successful surgeries to remove her thyroid, Dr. Himala Kashmiri, Jazlyn’s endocrinologist at Rady Children’s Health Orange County, suspected something else was causing the lesions and wanted Jazlyn to undergo genetic testing.

That intuition led to a diagnosis that may have saved not only Jazlyn’s life but also other family members’ lives. Jazlyn’s testing revealed she has DICER1 syndrome, a genetic disorder associated with a higher risk of developing tumors throughout the body.

Dr. Kashmiri suggested other relatives get tested. It turned out Jazlyn’s mother, Cindy, and one of her other daughters also carried the DICER1 mutation—something they may not have ever known if it weren’t for Jazlyn’s diagnosis. They are regularly monitored.

Now a high school senior, Jazlyn is thriving in color guard and leading as her school's peer mentor club president. She gets annual ultrasounds and bloodwork every six months and is preparing for a seamless transition into adult healthcare.

When reflecting on her care journey, she has no doubt about pursuing her future dreams: “I never really felt scared, because I felt like I was in good hands.”

This Saturday at the CHOC Gala, presented by Pacific Life and the Pacific Life Foundation, we are honored to share Jazlyn’s story and the life-changing impact of philanthropy. Together, we are helping children like Jazlyn turn their brightest dreams into reality.

05/08/2026

What a meaningful and creative way to give back and make a life-changing impact for kids! This collaboration helps support children’s hospitals across California, including CHOC, so more children and families can access the compassionate, world-class care they deserve. Thank you, Disneyland Resort, CCHA and CHFFA, for helping advance hope, health and healing.

05/06/2026

Nurses Week starts today!

Send a thank-you message or make a gift in honor of a nurse—all gifts are matched thanks to A.J. Kirkwood and Associates, doubling your impact and gratitude: https://bit.ly/3PrJlIm

Join us in celebrating the incredible nurses at Rady Children’s Health Orange County who show up every day with compassion, skill, and heart. From late-night comfort to lifesaving care, their dedication changes lives. Thank you for being part of the appreciation and making exceptional care possible.

05/06/2026