Children's Hospital of Orange County

Donate

Surgery Mentor Program

We know that having surgery can be scary and comes with many questions. You may even be wondering if it’s the right choice for you. At CHOC, we provide a support system including doctors, nurses and staff who are here to guide you on your surgical journey.

Sometimes it also helps to hear from someone who has been through surgery themselves. That’s why we offer P.S. You’re Not Alone, a mentor program that connects you with a past patient who can help you navigate the physical and emotional aspects of surgery and recovery.

The program is open to CHOC patients and their parents who are preparing for one of the following surgeries:

Support for Both Patients and Parents

Our program provides a support group environment for patients to connect with trained mentors who had the same surgery and are of similar ages. Parents can also join the program to connect with other parents and receive support. As part of the P.S. You’re Not Alone program, you can:

  • Take a personal tour of the hospital with your mentor and a child life specialist.
  • Ask your mentor questions before and after surgery.
  • Receive emotional support from someone who’s been there.
  • Lower your stress and anxiety about surgery.

Get Answers to Your Top Questions about Surgery

Our mentors will do their best to answer any questions you might have. Some of the most common questions they are asked include:

Would you choose to have surgery again?

What is the pain like after surgery?

How well will I be able to move after surgery?

What will my scar look like?

When will my life go back to normal after surgery?

Contact Us

To learn more and connect with a mentor, call us at 714-509-8300 extension 16670.

Interested in becoming a mentor?
If you have had surgery at CHOC and are interested in becoming a mentor, please call us at 714-509-8300 extension 16670. Required training is offered every spring.

Featured Stories