Children’s Hospital of Orange County patients enjoy a day of fun in Dana Point

Sometimes the best treatment can be a day spent outdoors, as was recently discovered by a group of young patients from the Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC). On Thursday, June 30, 12 of CHOC’s outpatients took part in a day of fun in the sun organized by Miracles for Kids, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing financial and emotional support to the families of young children with potentially life threatening illnesses. The participants, ranging in age from seven to 16, arrived at the Dana Point Harbor in the morning, with a long day of activities planned ahead of them.

Many local businesses lent a hand in making the event a success. The day started with group stand-up paddling sponsored by Hobie Surf Shop, followed by a beach cleanup and lesson in marine conservation led by environmental group Ocean Minded. Chipotle provided lunch before the children took an educational and interactive tour of the Ocean Institute. The day was the first in a series of summer outings put together by Miracles for Kids in order to break up the monotony of hospital visits and treatment, which can be very hard on the young patients.

“Today’s event has been quite a success,” said Tom Swanecamp, one of the program’s directors. “It is great to see the kids out enjoying the summer day and just being kids.”

On the tour of the Ocean Institute, the children—who come from all over Orange County—were able to observe marine life in its natural habitat. The group excitedly walked over to a tank of starfish and sea anemones where they were given permission to feel the animals using a “two-finger touch.” One girl, Zoe Hunter took quite an interest in the activity, and spent her time observing the creatures and pointing them out to her friends. Zoe, who has recently completed treatment for leukemia, described the day as “so much fun,” and constantly had a smile on her face. Suzanne Hunter, Zoe’s mother, said, “Miracles for Kids has saved her life and has been the greatest support anyone could imagine. I am so grateful for the program and all that is does.”

Another participant, Alissa Dolegowski, raved about the paddleboarding activity they had done earlier. Alissa, who is blind, said that she really enjoyed being out in the water and would love the opportunity to stand-up paddle again. She experienced the institute’s sea life in a different way than the other children did, feeling their shapes and textures rather than seeing them.

In addition to helping guide children and families through the process of treatment, Miracles for Kids works to provide financial assistance to those who may need it in light of medical expenses. Pegah Shakeri, who works for the organization, explained that Miracles for Kids helps cover the rent, mortgage, and bills of families whose children are undergoing treatment. “I am so proud to work with Miracles for Kids,” said Shakeri. “It is truly rewarding to see the good that it does and to watch people grow from the challenges that we help them to overcome. It is good karma.”

Miracles for Kids receives most of its funds through grants, private donations and public fundraising events held throughout the year. Partnering with CHOC has allowed the group to expand.

In the final room of their Ocean Institute visit, the children were able to see jellyfish and sharks and touch stingrays, all the while adhering to themes of conservation and respect for ocean wildlife.

Chano Moreno, the group’s bus driver, whom the kids affectionately refer to as “The Boss” said, “It brings me so much joy to watch the kids and see them getting out of the hospital to do fun things like this. I love working the patient route at the hospital because the kids are always so happy and excited.”

Miracles for Kids plans to continue these day-trips throughout the summer. DP

ON THE WEB: www.miraclesforkids.org, www.ocean-institute.org. www.oceanminded.com, www.hobie.com and www.chipotle.com