CHOC believes that transforming healthcare means constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. From cutting-edge treatments to compassionate patient-centered care, philanthropy fuels our progress to ensure that every patient who walks through our doors finds hope and healing.
This vision resonates deeply with The Sharon D. Lund Foundation (SDLF), where founder Sharon Disney Lund shareds her father, Walt Disney’s, devotion to making the world a brighter place—especially for children and families facing challenging circumstances.
In 2013, the SDLF pledged $5 million to establish the Sharon Disney Lund Medical Intelligence, Information, Investigation and Innovation Institute (Mi4) at CHOC. This one-of-a-kind institute develops groundbreaking research in emerging areas of pediatric medicine, including artificial intelligence, genomic medicine and robotic surgery. The pioneering work at the Mi4 continues to light the way to a future of healthier communities, underpinned by bold discoveries.
SDLF’s generosity is also paving the way for advancements in comprehensive mental health services. This includes support for our Mental Health Crisis Clinic, which provides quick access to short-term mental health crisis services for youth ages 3 to 18. In 2024, the clinic checked in 360 patients, a 25% increase over the previous year. This is priceless to children and families—and also helps mitigate overcrowding in our Julia and George Argyros Emergency Department by aligning patients in crisis with customized and immediate assessments, referrals and follow-up care resources.
Most recently, our partnership with the SDLF leveled up our WellSpaces to serve even more youth. WellSpaces are welcoming, inclusive school-based oases where all students can access support, resources and information on a variety of physical health, mental health and education topics to improve their overall well-being. The WellSpaces network now includes 52 locations across Orange County middle and high schools, including four directly supported by the SDLF’s generosity—along with two that are now in progress.
In addition to their lifesaving donations, the SDLF members have consistently participated in and supported our key signature events benefiting the pediatric healthcare system, including our beloved annual community fundraiser, CHOC Walk in the Park, presented by Disneyland® Resort.
With nearly $10 million in lifetime giving to CHOC in over a decade, the Sharon D. Lund Foundation’s philanthropic achievements leave a lasting legacy in Orange County and around the world, improving the lives of children for generations to come—and we are so grateful. Together, we are offering our patients hope and possibilities that were previously unimaginable. In the Q&A below, SDLF reflects on our longstanding partnership.
Why does CHOC’s mission resonate?
Children’s hospitals fall right in the heart of our foundation’s mission of supporting vulnerable children and families. We are proud to be a part of the world-class care that CHOC provides to children right here in our community, specifically the culture of innovation and the hospital-wide focus on mental health. CHOC’s inpatient mental health center is recognized not only by patients and families for its compassionate and effective care but also by other providers in search of best practices.
What inspired you to get involved?
In a time of need, parents seek out their local children’s hospital for help. Our founder, Sharon Lund, turned to the children’s hospital in her community when her family was in crisis, and she was grateful for the life-saving care. Many of us on the SDLF team live in Orange County, and we all appreciate CHOC’s incredible dedication to making life better for kids today, while continuing to raise the bar on what’s possible in the future.
What impact do you hope to leave with your philanthropy to CHOC?
SDLF believes it truly takes a village to care for children in our community. We are glad to be a part of the village.
