A Day of Celebration

February 4, 2013
by Amber

Getting Involved

Before deciding to change careers and become an occupational therapist, I worked for many years as a corporate event manager. I still have a love for pulling off great events, so in my “spare” time I work occasionally for an event production company helping with day-of event management and coordination. The pinnacle of my time working for this company was when I had the opportunity to meet President Barack Obama at a private fundraiser in 2011. I do have a picture of us together, and if you really want to see it post a comment below and I’ll put it up for you!

But this blog is about a wonderful event I worked this weekend: the grand opening of a new patient care tower at CHOC Children’s hospital in Orange County. The day before the event, I had the opportunity to tour the new facility, which is still empty. It was incredible to see the shiny new hospital with all the latest technology. There were so many little improvements that will make a huge difference in patient care. For example, there is a nurse’s station between every two rooms, with windows looking directly into the rooms. This allows the child to see someone nearby at all times, and allows the nurse to monitor the child more closely. Also, they mounted all their equipment from the ceilings, with the knowledge that the number one error in operating rooms is tripping over equipment.

The celebration on Saturday was free and open to the public. It was the most elaborate community festival I had ever seen. There was a Disney-sponsored dedication ceremony and entertainment featuring famous child stars from Disney and Nickelodeon. In-N-Out Burger, Chick-Fil-A, Panda Express, and other vendors handed out free meals to the attendees. Games and giveaways were spread throughout the festival area. Stilt walkers, clowns, and princesses roamed the closed-down street. The public also got the opportunity to tour the new facility in small groups. It was a beautiful day celebrating a great cause, and I was proud to be part of the crew that made it happen!

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