ALEXA'S STORY

For nearly five years, Shannon Marshall has been participating in the CHOC/Disneyland Resort Walk in the Park. Her drive and compassion started when her daughter, Alexa, was born prematurely and spent six weeks in the CHOC NICU. "I've lived in Orange County all my life, but I never realized what CHOC was all about until my daughter was there," says Shannon.

Shannon feels raising money, through her participation in the CHOC Walk, is the least she can do for the hospital, which she credits for saving her daughter's life. "Anything I can give back to the hospital is a good thing. Even after my daughter came home, I would deliver home-made brownies and cookies to the staff just to say thank you!"

Most recently, Shannon and 30 of her supporters walked in the 2006 CHOC Walk. With her appreciation for CHOC and determination for the cause, it's not surprising she was awarded first place winner in the individual category. "I start in June and send a story with a newborn picture of Alexa as well as a recent picture to generate donations," says Shannon. "How can you not get involved, it's such a great cause."

Drive and determination run deep in the Marshall family. That once premature little girl is now a thriving 5-year-old professional model. Alexa signed with a Hollywood-modeling agency over a year ago.

When not recruiting her friends or collecting donations, Shannon enjoys spending time with her husband of six years, Paul, and their expanding family, Alexa, Devin and a baby on the way. As a family, they enjoy swimming, going to the park and of course Disneyland because it holds a special place in their hearts.