Researcher Dr. Hui Zhou’s joyful New Year’s Day walk
On a rainy New Year’s morning in Pasadena, Dr. Hui Zhou, a research scientist with the Department of Research & Evaluation, walked alongside Kaiser Permanente’s float, “A Better Idea for Health Care,” in the Rose Parade.
It was a moment of pride and joy. Dr. Zhou wasn’t just proud to represent Kaiser Permanente. … Her daughter, Serena Guo, was in the parade with her— as this year’s Rose Queen!
“Seeing Serena in her role as Rose Queen was surreal,” Dr. Zhou said. “I couldn’t stop smiling.”
For Dr. Zhou, the experience of walking the 5.5-mile route alongside the Kaiser Permanente float was both exhilarating and demanding. Walkers couldn’t stop for breaks, so she didn’t eat or drink anything after 10 p.m. the night before. Hours later, in the cold rain, her legs ached and her head throbbed. Still, the cheers from the crowd gave her the energy to keep going.
“The rain didn’t dampen anyone’s spirit,” she said. “I couldn’t help waving back and shouting ‘Happy New Year’ the whole time.”
Dr. Zhou wasn’t alone in this effort. Four Kaiser Permanente members, along with Kaiser Permanente employees and physicians from their care teams, rode on the float. Ten others walk alongside the float with Dr. Zhou. Each person represented an inspiring story of how teamwork supports and transforms health journeys.
Reflecting on the day, Dr. Zhou said the parade reminded her of the magic of teamwork, both on the route and in her role at R&E.
“Walking in the parade and knowing my daughter was one of the important parts of this parade reminds me how fortunate I am to work at Kaiser Permanente, especially in the Department of Research & Evaluation, where I not only work with intelligent and passionate people, but also supportive and understanding friends,” she said.
She said she will never forget the joy of the day.
“It is definitely the best memory of my life.”