CHOC Foundation

10/06/2026

10/05/2026

This is the week of our 2026 CHOC Let’s Talk: Mental Health Luncheon, presented by Mrs. Cari Peets and Family, on Thursday, Oct. 8, at the Westin South Coast Plaza.

This annual event is more than a gathering: it's a movement, representing a turning point for overwhelmed families in need of treatment and encouragement. Together, we'll shine a light on the hardships our kids face and share proven solutions that lead to a healthier future for all.

Learn more about our growing wellness movement to advance solutions to the stress, anxiety, and pressure to perform that our children face every day: https://bit.ly/3UriIFP

10/01/2026

Join us on March 2, 2027, for Helping Hands: Community in Action. 💙

Bring your team together for a hands-on volunteer experience that supports children and families at Rady Children's Health Orange County, formerly CHOC. From assembling comfort and activity kits to creating meaningful moments of care, every effort helps make a difference for patients and their families.

Invest in your community, engage your employees, and help bring comfort and hope to those who need it most.

Interested in getting your company involved? Let's connect.

09/30/2026

Lindsey Simao, certified pediatric hematology and oncology nurse, shares:

“When I was 3, I was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia—a blood cancer of the bone marrow and the most common pediatric cancer. At Rady Children’s (CHOC at the time), the nurses were like family to us. They made what was such a difficult time for my family so much easier and brought so much joy and fun to our hospital stays—I used to ride the wagons down the basement halls that led to St. Joseph Hospital!

It has always been my dream to give back and work at Rady Children’s. Now, I not only have the privilege of working here, but I also get to work alongside some of the nurses who cared for me during my treatment.

Being a cancer survivor deepens the qualities that I possess as a nurse. I strive to give my patients the respect, empathy, and compassion I would have wanted for myself and my family. Knowing firsthand what it’s like for patients during and after treatment helps me advocate and speak up for them and their families during challenging times.”

09/28/2026

Kara Biagini, adolescent and Young Adult oncology program oncology program coordinator, shares: “My role in the Adolescent and Young Adult oncology program—or AYA—was created 12 years ago by clinicians who cared not only about patients getting better but also about seeing them thrive.

When the Hyundai Cancer Institute opened a unit on the fifth floor of the Bill Holmes Tower, patients and families had access to beautiful amenities. However, patients felt isolated, and a sense of community was lost.

Working with teens and young adults, I listened as they shared how lonely they felt and how no one their age could relate to them. One day, I began inviting patients to walk together. Over time, more patients joined us to share their experiences, build connections, and form lasting friendships.

Twelve years later, our Hyundai Cancer Institute continues to value not only exceptional care but also family, friendship, and community. Joy can be found on the oncology floor through walking together, biking, playing hockey in the halls, sharing family dinners, and attending special events. We have made this unit a second home for our patients and families, where they receive compassion throughout their journey to healing. That is why the Hyundai Cancer Institute is a place where no one faces cancer alone."

09/26/2026

Upon retiring this year after 25 years with Rady Children’s, Dr. Torno shares this grateful message for her time at the institute.

“I joined CHOC as a pediatric oncologist in 2001 and the Hyundai Cancer Institute at its inception in 2011. My team is responsible for delivering complex cancer care to children and adolescent and young adult patients during and after treatment and for providing compassionate support to oncology families.

The cancer journey is difficult, but Hyundai’s support for patients, families, and the healthcare team enables us to provide exceptional, cutting-edge care—from diagnosis through survivorship. I imagine a future where our institute will be the center for integrated clinical excellence, innovation, and compassionate care that serves communities regionally, nationally, and globally.

I would like to personally thank Hyundai for the trust they have placed in me to lead the Hyundai Cancer Institute these past years and for sharing my vision for a better future for our children.”

09/24/2026

09/24/2026

Michelle Greene, licensed clinical social worker, shares: “I have had the pleasure of working at the Hyundai Cancer Institute for over six years. My team walks alongside patients and families through their most difficult moments. We provide comprehensive psychosocial care, emotional support, resource navigation, and advocacy throughout their care journey.

My career at Rady Children’s allows me to help ensure children and families feel seen, supported, and empowered during moments of uncertainty, fear, and resilience. Without donor support, the institute could not offer the range of supportive care services that help families navigate the challenges of a cancer diagnosis.

Witnessing the strength, courage, and resilience of our patients and families is an honor and privilege that only the Hyundai Cancer Institute can provide.”

09/23/2026

09/22/2026

The 2026 CHOC Walk in the Park, presented by Disneyland® Resort, with Team was EVERYTHING.

Before Carter Ankeny was diagnosed with leukemia, he was full of joyful energy. Amazingly, he carried his brave, active spirit throughout treatment, too.

Shortly after he started preschool, Carter’s family noticed he had mysterious bruises and came to Rady Children’s seeking answers. Even as they arrived at the Julia and George Argyros Emergency Department, Carter danced in his Halloween costume.

Then came the diagnosis in Oct. 2015: acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Carter underwent surgery less than 24 hours later, followed by chemotherapy and treatment at the Hyundai Cancer Institute at Rady Children’s. Still, “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.

After a year of successful treatment, Carter returned to school and baseball with the same energy and love of life as before. Then, the cancer returned in July 2017.

The treatments and side effects proved more difficult than before, but Carter kept smiling as he fought—even leading Team at the 2017 CHOC Walk. By that September, however, Carter went into septic shock and was rushed into surgery. After surviving the procedure—one more victory—Carter passed away in October 2017.

Yet Carter’s spirit lives on: Team has raised nearly $200,000 to date through the CHOC Walk. This year, in memory of Carter and his brave battle with leukemia, Rady Children’s named the Ankeny family our 2026 CHOC Walk Ambassador.