Despite the countless challenges brought on by 2020, the physicians, nurses, staff, patients and donors that make CHOC a world-class pediatric healthcare system have retained a sense of gratitude. Several members of the CHOC community share what they are most thankful for this year.
Kim Cripe, CHOC president and CEO
“There are no words to fully express how thankful I am to the physicians, nurses, and staff who have worked so tirelessly and sacrificed so much these past nine months of the pandemic. I have always been proud of our team and how well we support one another on a daily basis. Yet, our ability to rally in a crisis, particularly as long as this one has been (and will continue to be), has truly left me in awe. I am enormously grateful to everyone at CHOC across all departments, geographies and locations for the way we are not only tackling this challenge together, but also supporting the children and families we serve.”
Chris Furman, chairman, CHOC board of directors
“I continue to be grateful for serving as chairman of CHOC’s board of directors. Especially during these challenging times, I am incredibly honored to help CHOC’s physicians, staff, volunteers and donors protect the health and well-being of children in Orange County and beyond.”
Dr. Jasjit Singh, pediatric infectious disease specialist
“Despite all the challenges and changes this year has presented, I feel grateful to be part of the CHOC community. At the beginning of this experience, when there were still so many unknowns, I saw nurses, doctors and all the staff put aside their own fears and rise to the challenge in order to take care of their patients. And I have been watching them continue to do that every day since. It has been inspiring. I am grateful to my colleagues, and their commitment to implementing the latest guidelines and regulations to serve our patients and their families, and for their much-needed detective work on complicated cases. I’m grateful for CHOC parents and my patients – for sharing their strength, resilience, humor and hope with us every day. And last but not least, I owe gratitude for my wonderful family & the fact that we are in a place that allows us to serve our community.”
Dr. Terence Sanger, vice president for research and chief scientific officer
“In a year that has been filled with unprecedented challenges, I am thankful for the opportunity to have joined CHOC’s mighty brigade in February 2020 to help the organization continue to go beyond. I am grateful to be working alongside such amazing colleagues who are committed to the mission of elevating the cutting-edge work being conducted at CHOC’s Research Institute.”
Kelly Navarro, RN, BSN, CPN, CHOC outdoor evaluation center
“After working at CHOC for 10 years, I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to serve CHOC patients and families in a new way this year at our outdoor evaluation center. CHOC quickly established these outdoor, drive-through facilities at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic to offer our patients a safe and convenient way to be evaluated by a pediatric medical provider, receive treatment when necessary, and undergo COVID-19 testing. The center gives us the ability to ensure continuity of care for patients having surgery, as well as those needing sleep studies and many other necessary procedures. I am grateful for the privilege of serving as a constant for our patients and their families: that they can always count on CHOC for safe, high-quality and convenient care.”
Allison, age 12, CHOC patient
Dr. Michael Weiss, vice president of population health
“At a time in our lives when we have never felt more distant from our friends, neighbors and loved ones, I’m grateful that CHOC was able to deepen our “connection” with our patients and families and provide high-quality medical care through telehealth technology. This service has proven to be a true lifesaver for many children and families. From primary care to sub-specialty care and mental health to speech therapy, CHOC has provided over 55,000 telehealth visits since mid-March. Our patient satisfaction scores have remained over 90% and the subjective feedback we receive is overwhelmingly positive. In addition, this technology has allowed us to support a broader community of patients and families as well as our Orange County schools by providing COVID-19 support and education when and where it is most needed. Connecting is always important, but it has never meant more to our community, and to us, than it does now!”
Grace Magedman, executive director of pharmacy
“I am very proud of and extremely grateful for everyone involved in launching our prescription delivery service during the state’s spring lockdown. The flexibility, compassion and innovation demonstrated by staff across multiple departments and by our supporters, Hyundai Motor America and Russell Westbrook Hyundai of Anaheim, resulted in a valued resource that helped safeguard the community we serve, especially the most medically fragile members.”
Dr. Christopher Min, pediatric psychologist
“Despite the challenges that 2020 has brought, I find myself even more thankful than years past. I am so very thankful for my wife and two little girls, as well as the little furball we recently welcomed into our family. I am also grateful for each of my team members who have come together to offer mental health services in a primary care setting; for fighting the front lines against mental illness in children; and for the way they have grown in their hearts of service, all amidst a global pandemic. I am reminded of the strong bonds that I have with trusted partners at CHOC across mental health, primary care, clinical staff, and CHOC at Mission Hospital. And I am most grateful for the privilege of serving the most vulnerable among us, our children.”
Korbin, age 6, CHOC patient
Ashlynn Graham, clinical associate
“After a year of uncertainties and a new normal, it can be hard to find the good in what 2020 has thrown our way. This year and every year, I am blessed with my family and our health. I am grateful that I have had the ability to work at both CHOC Hospital, and CHOC at Mission Hospital. I am also thankful for all the first responders that have continued to give to those in need during these unthinkable times. “
Clavis Foundation’s Tusdi Vopat and Stuart McClure. Tusdi is also a member of CHOC Foundation’s Board of Directors
“We are extremely blessed and grateful for many things, including the privilege to work with CHOC. Their tireless commitment and dedication to the health and well-being of our children is what inspires us all to strive and support such a great institution. Never before has CHOC, or anyone, been met with such extreme challenges as the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, CHOC and its staff continues to put patients first, keeping families and healthcare workers safe, and understanding the increased challenges of mental health during this time. We are honored to be part of this amazing team and look forward to a stronger and brighter future ahead for all of us.”
Colleen Smith, manager of clinical programs, CHOC at Mission Hospital
“As I walked through the CHOC at Mission Hospital doors the morning of Sept. 11th, 2020 I took out my phone to text my hiring manager, still a longtime friend, to say, ’20 years ago today I walked through these doors for the very first time thanks to you.’ I had no idea all those years ago what my nursing career would look like so many years later. I am filled with gratitude every day, not only for the opportunities I have been given but, also for the joy I feel working at CHOC at Mission. Not everyone can continue to say they love what they do 20 years later. I consider that a true blessing! Thank you, CHOC at Mission and the entire CHOC healthcare system, for always believing in me and growing me into the nurse I am today. I feel honored to be a pediatric nurse in my community”
