The physicians, nurses, staff and patients that make up the CHOC healthcare community have much to be thankful for this year. In addition to celebrating our 55th anniversary, expanding our Primary Care Network and preparing to open the Thompson Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center, we’re grateful to be able to offer best-in-class care to kids in Orange County and beyond. A few members of the CHOC community share what they are most thankful for this year.
Kimberly Chavalas Cripe, president and CEO, CHOC
“I have the privilege of experiencing the magic of the holidays through the eyes of our patients. Their courage, strength, and optimism inspire our team year-round, and drive us to push the limits of what is possible to ensure the very best outcomes for our community’s children. From bringing preventive care closer to home, to expanding access to mental health services, CHOC’s mighty brigade is dedicated to keeping kids happy and healthy. And for that, I am especially grateful.”
Chris Furman, chairman, CHOC Board of Directors
“I am grateful for serving as chairman of CHOC’s board of directors. It’s incredibly heartwarming for me and the entire board to help CHOC’s physicians, staff, volunteers and donors preserve the magic of childhood for thousands of children in Orange County and beyond.”
Emma Sandhu, vice president, administrator and chief nursing officer, CHOC at Mission Hospital
“I make an effort to live each day with gratitude. I am especially thankful for my family and for having the opportunity to be together this Thanksgiving. I am grateful for the things that I learn each day that help me to be the leader that this amazing organization deserves. Anyone that knows me knows how much I love CCMH and how blessed I feel to be a part of CHOC. A mighty brigade of passionate associates working side by side each day to serve our most precious gifts, our children.”
Isabella Valdovinos, age 10, CHOC patient
“I’m thankful for my mom, and the nurses and doctors at CHOC who took out my appendix and took such good care of me. I’m looking forward to a healthy and happy Thanksgiving with my family – especially the mashed potatoes and gravy.”
Liz Hawkins, volunteer, Mental Health Inpatient Center
“As the first volunteer in CHOC’s Mental Health Inpatient Center, I’m humbled to be of service in the simplest of ways, be it a warm smile, a cup of juice, a compassionate ear or a shared laugh with our patients, families and staff. I’m grateful for all of the little things that I experience with our patients; from painting nails, to working on a puzzle, to learning a new game and even just acting silly by rolling around in the grass in our outdoor play area. I’m honored to be embraced so warmly by our patients and incredible staff as a part of the MHIC “Dream Team.” My husband Ryan and I are thankful for our entire MHIC’s dedication to treating our patients with dignity and respect every day and resetting the standard of care for pediatric mental health in this country. We are making history every day at CHOC. Lastly, I am grateful for all of the lessons our MHIC patients teach me: to face challenges head-on, to develop resiliency and self-awareness, to remember that you are never alone and most importantly, that the little things are always the big things. “
Sue and Ralph Stern, CHOC supporters
“As the grandparents of 10 grandchildren ages 5 – 17 years and all residing in Orange County, we are so grateful to have CHOC in our backyard. To us CHOC is not just a children’s hospital, it’s a healthcare system staffed by superb physicians, along with caring and attentive nurses, technicians and administrative staff. Each time one of our grandchildren has been admitted to CHOC Hospital as a patient, he or she has been discharged in much better condition. Our gratitude to Kim Cripe, CHOC’s president and CEO, for providing outstanding leadership and to Kara Kipp , CHOC Foundation assistant vice president, and Brianne Ortiz, manager of the Cherese Mari Laulhere Child Life Department, and the rest of the child life team for the impact of their work.”
Liam Katz, age 5, CHOC patient
“I am thankful for CHOC, child life, the playroom, the treasure chests, all the doctors and nurses, and the wonderful families and friends we have met.”
Dr. Tom Megerian, pediatric neurologist and medical director, Thompson Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center at CHOC
“I am so grateful for the opportunity that the CHOC executive leadership team and the Thompson Family Foundation have given us to open a state-of-the-art autism center. This will allow us to provide a medical home for families and children suffering from Autism Spectrum Disorders. My team and I are thankful that we will be able to promote early diagnosis, treatment of co-occurring disorders, education and research for families suffering from ASD.
I am especially appreciative for the gift and privilege of working with colleagues across the CHOC healthcare system in helping make the Thompson Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center a reality. Everyone from rehabilitation services, CHOC Specialists, neurology, psychology, information services, project management, the CHOC Foundation, marketing, and my newfound family within the Thompson Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center who have been so supportive and single-minded in their dedication to our patients. Finally, I am grateful to the families who, every day, put their faith and trust in us to care for their children. Thank you for enriching our lives by helping us aspire to be better clinicians, caregivers and citizens.”
Kimberly Burks, charge nurse, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), CHOC at Mission Hospital
“As we near the end of 2019, I feel so thankful for my CHOC at Mission Hospital family. Each member of the team — from our volunteers to our managers — is an integral part of our goal to provide excellent patient care. When things get busy, our team pulls together and works hard to get the job done. I am thankful to work in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) that values patient- centered care and infant developmental care so much.”
Dr. Timothy Hicks, Dr. Stephanie Lee, Dr. Majid Husain, Dr. Amanda Schafenacker, chief residents
“For the past three years we have had the honor and privilege of learning from the incredible patients, physicians and medical staff at CHOC as part of the UC Irvine-CHOC Pediatric Residency Program. This year, we are thankful to be serving as the Pediatric Chief Residents. We are especially thankful for our 90+ residents who serve as the frontline providers taking care of the children of Orange County and beyond, our attending physicians and administrative staff for their commitment to education and teaching, and CHOC leadership for their unyielding support and dedication to our training program. Lastly, as pediatricians, we are grateful have the opportunity to partake in CHOC’s mission to nurture, advance and protect the health and well-being of our children.”
Jessica Ochoa, emergency department admitting representative
“I am thankful for the opportunity to work here at CHOC. I am thankful for all of my coworkers and all of the nurses because without them we would not be able to make a difference in these families’ lives. I am thankful for all the wonderful families that I have been able to meet while working here and last but not least, I am thankful for all the children that come in and continue to brighten our day with all of their little personalities. Happy Thanksgiving to all CHOC employees and CHOC families.”
