The event is the biggest annual fundraising effort for CHOC Children’s, devoted to meeting the medical needs of children throughout Southern California and beyond

ORANGE, Calif. (Sept. 27, 2013) – – Before the sun rises on Sunday, October 13, Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California, will be filled with thousands of people coming together in support of the health and well-being of children. CHOC “Walk in the Park,” presented by Disneyland Resort, is the largest and most unique single pediatric walk event in the U.S.

Now in its 23rd year, the popular event benefits CHOC Children’s, a regional pediatric healthcare system serving children and families in Southern California and beyond. The 2013 walk covers three miles through Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park where “CHOC Walkers” get a special peek behind the magic before the parks open to the general public. At the end of the 5K walk, the event continues in the resort’s Downtown Disney District where event sponsors, hospital support groups, shops and restaurants have special offers for Walk participants.

Among the event’s estimated 15,000 walkers are participants from across the U.S. and around the world, including walkers from Canada, Mexico, Australia and South Korea.

Nearly 800 teams are expected, and include current and former patients and families, as well as doctors, nurses and other medical professionals. Walkers come together to celebrate the lives of children saved by CHOC Children’s, and to honor the memory of those children who bravely lost their battle against serious disease or illness.

It’s the biggest yearly fundraising effort for CHOC. Monies raised by the event support a variety of patient and family programs, including education, research and the adoption and utilization of the latest technologies to advance the health of children.

Last year’s event raised more than $2 million, and since its inception in 1990, the Walk has raised more than $21 million.

In order to help CHOC reach its goal of providing quality healthcare to the region’s two million children, each CHOC Walker must raise a minimum of $50 to participate in the Walk. Everyone can register at http://www.chocwalk.org and receive up-to-date event information at CHOC Foundation on Facebook and Twitter.

For the past 12 years, CHOC “Walk in the Park” has been held at the Disneyland Resort but the Resort’s commitment to CHOC began more than 50 years ago when Walt Disney himself championed the need for a children’s hospital in Orange County. Since then, the Disneyland Resort – executives, Cast Members, VoluntEARS and beloved characters – have contributed funds, time and tenderness to enhance CHOC’s environment of healing.