Why did I choose CHOC?

I shared some of why I wanted to do a 5K for CHOC (Children's Hospital of Orange County) in my last post, but it occurred to me that my choice may seem strange to some people. I don't have my own children. I didn't grow up needing care in a hospital. So why a children's hospital?

Over the past few years I have found my heart drawn to children who have cancer. I have followed multiple cancer kids' blogs. Unfortunately, two of them have since passed away after bravely fighting. However, it then hit home when a woman I worked with on a fundraiser for Heifer International found out that her niece had leukemia. :( Thankfully, Tillie is now finished with treatment--and we all hope has beat cancer for good!! This was followed by my cousin's niece being diagnosed also with leukemia. She is still in treatment, but has hit many mile markers. Go Josie! :) Their journeys have been filled with many ups and downs. Their parents have grieved and rejoiced. The families need support. Their stays in the hospital have often been long. I want to walk with Nina, Daisy, Tillie, Josie, and all of the other kids whose stories have touched my life. Their stories are in my heart as I begin this journey <3 I pray for their families often.

In addition to these kids who have changed my perspective on life while rocking my world and touching my heart many times, I have faced many health problems over the course of my life. Granted, most of them have not landed me in the hospital. All the same, I know what it is like to have to go through life not feeling well. Migraines, tendonitis, appendicitis, bronchitis, and other challenges have taught me many things. In a small way, I resonate with these children. No, I have never faced cancer or long stays in the hospital, but I hear their stories as one who knows what it means to not feel well.

My recent stay in the hospital only confirmed all of this. I've read about the long waits in a hospital room...and then I experienced it. I heard about the delaying of surgery...and then I knew it first hand. People had mentioned the restless nights in a hospital...and then I knew the truth, you cannot get a good night's sleep in a hospital! These are some brave kids with families I greatly respect.

In honor of these kids--and the kids like them--I want to raise money for a hospital that provides life-saving care! I want them to have the money to continue saving lives in an environment that tries to make the best of a very difficult situation.

Thank you for reading. <3

Donate link: http://choc.convio.net/site/TR/Events/General?px=1054199&pg=personal&fr_id=1040