I am so excited to be participating in the 2017 CHOC Walk in the Park at the Disneyland Resort on August 27th to raise funds for CHOC Children's Hospital! Although we walk for all of the children and families that CHOC (Children's Hospital of Orange County) touches which are going through the most challenging time in their lives, we primarily walk for Aaliyah, our very own CHOC child. Before she was even born, we knew we needed to prepare ourselves for the worst. After her first ultrasound, we were told that she appeared to be developing abnormally as her femur were shorter than expected and bowed. After seeing a genetic specialist at Cedars-Sinai in LA, we learned that Aaliyah had campomelic dysplasia, a rare form of dwarfism that has a 90% infant mortality rate. For seven months, we had to contemplate the grim reality that was set before us. When she was born, we were on edge, but she defied the slim odds she was given and made it through her first night. Jen and I were quickly referred to CHOC where a team of specialists helps her with her cleft palate and resulting feeding issues. We would later learn that Aaliyah, like her older sister, is on the autism spectrum, but to more severe degree. From year one, we've worked with CHOC ENTs, endocrinologists, geneticists, gastroenterologists, orthopedists, the craniofacial team, and more to help us give Aaliyah the care that she's needed in order to enjoy her life to the fullest. All staff member's we've encountered have been outstanding, understanding, and insightful. We're truly indebted for the support that they've provided Aaliyah. Please help me exceed my fundraising goal for the benefit of the children and families of Southern California. Every dollar counts for the kids and all donations are tax deductible, as CHOC is a non-profit organization! Thank you for your support! Jennifer