When Veronica Mercado was just 18 months old, her mother, Virginia, took her to the Hyundai Cancer Institute at Rady Children’s to treat her leukemia.
“She was given a 75% chance of survival,” says Virginia. “It’s an overwhelming feeling that no parent ever wants to experience. But once we got here, everyone was really helpful and understanding. All the staff and doctors become your family.”
Three decades later, Veronica is not only a former patient but also a nurse at Rady Children’s—a proud defender of childhood dedicated to helping kids get back to being kids.
That commitment grew from her experience at the institute: a two-week stay at Rady Children’s followed by two and a half years of follow-up visits and chemotherapy. During that time, Veronica received such compassionate care from physicians, volunteers, and especially from her nurse practitioner, Mary English, that she was inspired to become a nurse herself.
She credits the institute and Rady Children’s for saving her life and empowering her career as a pediatric nurse. Her passion for giving back has extended beyond philanthropy to include fundraising and participation in the annual CHOC Walk in the Park, presented by Disneyland® Resort.
“I want to see these kids grow. I want to see them succeed in life,” shares Veronica. “And I want to see them living through childhood the best they can, having fun and making sure they keep smiling. This is my time to give back.”
