ORANGE, Calif. (Feb. 18, 2026) — Rady Children’s Health in Orange County (formerly CHOC) recently celebrated the naming and ribbon-cutting of the Freddie and Chelsea Freeman Exploratorium, made possible by a generous $1 million gift from Freddie and Chelsea Freeman.
Located in Rady Children’s Southwest Tower in Orange, the Freddie and Chelsea Freeman Exploratorium is an interactive, child-centered space designed to spark curiosity and imagination. It offers families a unique window into the groundbreaking research shaping the future of pediatric medicine. The gift provides flexible, unrestricted support to advance patient- and family-centered care, research, and programs that serve children across the region.
“Freddie and Chelsea’s generosity will help shape the future of pediatric healthcare,” said Kimberly Chavalas Cripe, co-president and CEO, Rady Children’s Health. “Philanthropy like theirs allows us to invest in the areas of greatest need and promise—supporting wraparound services for families, advancing research, and ensuring expert pediatric care is always within reach, regardless of a family’s ability to pay.”
As parents, the Freemans know firsthand the importance of specialized pediatric care through their family’s journey with their son Max. Their experience inspired a commitment to help ensure other families never have to worry about where to turn when their child needs care.
“When we think about the doctors, nurses, and care teams who helped save our son’s life, gratitude doesn’t feel like a strong enough word,” shared Chelsea Freeman. “We’re proud to support a place that brings so much healing and hope to families like ours, and we hope this gift helps create more happy endings for children and parents in the years ahead.”
The Freeman Exploratorium is located on the same floor in the Southwest Tower as the Research Institute, which supports more than 600 active research studies across more than 30 specialties. Through hands-on activities and views into working research laboratories, the space offers children and families an engaging way to learn about the science driving new cures and innovative treatments.
“The Southwest Tower represents a new chapter for pediatric care in our community,” said Kim Milstien, regional president, Rady Children’s Health in Orange County. “The Freeman Exploratorium is a gateway to discovery—one that reflects our belief that research doesn’t just save lives, it gives children the chance to live to their fullest potential.”
“Partnerships like this do more than support our mission; they make it possible for us to lead and imagine what’s next for pediatric medicine,” said Jessica Miley, senior vice president and chief development officer, CHOC Foundation. “We are deeply grateful to Freddie and Chelsea for their vision, generosity, and trust. Their gift will have a lasting impact on children and families throughout our region.”
About Rady Children’s Health
Rady Children’s Health (RCH), a premier pediatric healthcare system in Southern California, unites the expertise of Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) and Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego.
With three hospitals, a growing network of primary and specialty care centers spanning six counties, and two of the region’s Level 1 pediatric trauma centers, RCH is a trusted partner for families seeking safe, high-quality care. Building on a combined legacy of more than a century of clinical excellence, RCH is dedicated to advancing children’s health through leading-edge research, innovative treatments, and compassionate care. We remain steadfast in our commitment to serving our local communities while providing the benefits of our integrated organization.
