When you’re a kid, the world can feel limitless. Playgrounds become castles, cardboard boxes turn into elaborate forts and playing catch is suddenly a championship baseball game. But a cancer diagnosis can change all of that—and recreating that big world bursting with possibilities becomes challenging from inside a hospital room.
The Cherese Mari Laulhere Child Life Department at CHOC, part of Rady Children’s Health, exists to help normalize the hospital environment for patients and their families, putting them at ease and restoring the magic of childhood to them as much as possible. This philanthropically supported work is critical toward caring for an oncology patient’s mental and emotional well-being as they’re undergoing treatment and going through longer hospital stays. Through therapeutic play, music therapy, art therapy and more, kids still get to experience being kids—even during the most difficult times of their young lives.
“Child life services make a huge difference for our oncology patients and families,” says Christy Campo, child life manager at CHOC Orange. “We’re knowledgeable about child development and study how hospitalization impacts growth and development, so we’re able to lighten the mood with play as well as provide age-appropriate coping tools, information, and support.”
Inspired to help
Holistic care like this all begins with our community’s support. Through a longstanding partnership with Orange County’s beloved Sgt. Pepperoni’s Pizza Store, our oncology patients at the Hyundai Cancer Institute at CHOC have been able to get back to building those colorful, fantastic worlds—one LEGO at a time.
Their CHOC story began when co-owner Jeff Roberts’ young neighbor, Julian (his daughter Lauren’s classmate), was diagnosed with cancer over 15 years ago. Lauren approached Jeff and his wife, asking to set up a lemonade stand to support Julian along his journey. Through the lemonade stand, Lauren raised money and awareness—and most importantly, drew his family closer to Julian’s.
In honor of their son and because building LEGOs had been a cherished and stimulating activity of Julian’s during his many hospital stays, his parents, Andrea and Rich, created Julian’s LEGO Corner to help provide LEGOs to CHOC patients, especially those with serious conditions.
“They inspired us to get involved, and their selflessness and faith have had a profound personal impact on me and my family,” Jeff says. “We’re grateful their idea and passion remain a lasting legacy and inspiration for our giving.”
Over a decade of impact
For over 13 years, Sgt. Pepperoni’s Pizza Store has brought joy to kids at CHOC and encouraged their community to take part. Every September, restaurant locations hold different specials with proceeds going back to CHOC, with this year raising over $100,000. They also serve their famous pies to oncology patients and their families every September.
“We hope our efforts to provide comfort to all the patients visiting CHOC will bring hope and joy,” Jeff says. “We are determined to continue this annual fundraiser for many, many years to come. Our extended family and friends always come out to support the effort, and we are so humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve.”
The power of philanthropy can help kids return to childhood, and Sgt. Pepperoni’s impact has, no doubt, brought comfort and delight to so many patients and their families when they needed it most.
“I don’t know if Sgt. Pepperoni’s fully knows the extent of their impact,” Christy says. “Allowing us to provide LEGOs and comprehensive child-and family-centered care to our patients without worrying about the cost is an amazing gift to not only our patients and families but to our staff, who want to be able to bring a smile and allow kids to be kids. We are also blown away by their generosity in donating food to different patient and family events. It is a relief for caregivers to not need to worry about preparing or paying for a meal while in the hospital. We are so thankful for all their support!”
Become a CHOC Corporate Partner
Philanthropic support is at the core of CHOC’s ability to be there for patients with illnesses or diagnoses that might overshadow the joy of childhood. In partnership with our generous community, CHOC is with patients every step of the way, regardless of a family’s ability to pay. Partner with CHOC to make a positive impact on the lives of sick or injured children and their families.
