Guess who made a special trip to San Diego? None other than Choco, the huggable mascot from Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC). Choco’s adventure down the coast wasn’t just for fun—it marked an exciting new chapter in pediatric health care.
CHOC and Rady Children’s have come together to create Rady Children’s Health, a super team dedicated to providing kids with the best care possible across Southern California.
What Does This Mean for Your Family?
Top-notch care. The goal of this partnership is to improve access to even more specialized doctors and treatments, ensuring kids get the best care right here in San Diego. This collaboration aims to improve patient outcomes and increase access to pediatric care.
Innovative treatments. This partnership means a boost in research and innovation, leading to new treatments and cures that will keep our kids healthy and happy. By accelerating research, teams plan to develop cutting-edge therapies for various pediatric conditions.
Community commitment. Both organizations maintain separate medical staff, local governing boards and onsite leadership, so they continue to focus on the unique needs of their community while sharing their combined strengths. This structure ensures that while the hospitals’ parent companies are integrating, they remain committed to serving local families.
Seamless services. Rest assured, all the hospitals, clinics and facilities you rely on keep running smoothly, with no changes to where or how your child receives care. Families should expect no interruption to services or access to resources.
Choco and the Kite Unite!
During the visit, Choco was spotted flying a kite—a cherished symbol of Rady Children’s—signifying the unification under Rady Children’s Health. Choco and the kite together symbolize the combined strengths of both institutions.
Choco’s visit not only brought smiles to the faces of young patients throughout Southern California, but also celebrated this momentous partnership dedicated to enhancing pediatric care across the region.
Meet Choco!
Choco, the beloved mascot of Children’s Hospital of Orange County, has comforted young patients since the hospital’s opening in 1964. Designed by Disney artist Bob Moore, Choco features soft brown fur, a bright red heart and a bandage symbolizing care and healing.
According to Choco’s origin story, Choco tumbled from a tree and sought care at the newly established CHOC. Choco was grateful and decided to stay and help other children undergoing treatment.
Over the decades, Choco’s appearance has evolved, but the mission to provide comfort and joy to patients remains unchanged. Each year, CHOC celebrates both its anniversary and Choco’s birthday on October 5, honoring the beloved bear’s role in the hospital’s history.
Welcome Choco and the entire CHOC family to San Diego!
This merger is all about bringing the best of both worlds together to ensure our children have access to top-tier medical services close to home. Visit our FAQ page to learn more.