spring 2017 - torrance memorial medical center...patrons | sring 2017 4 a publication of the...
TRANSCRIPT
WATCHMAN FREES AFIBPATIENTS FROM BLOOD THINNERS
The Whitcombes Expand View for NICU Parents
2017 TAX PLANNING TIPS
SPRIN
G 2017
PATRO
NS
Spring 2017
For more information, please contact:
Judith GassnerSenior Director of Development and Principal Gifts (310) [email protected]
AMBASSADORS SUPPORT:
BURN CENTERA certified Burn Center for more than 40 yearsTreating and caring for hundreds of survivors of residential and industrial fires and accidents each year
HUNT CANCER INSTITUTE Comprehensive Community Cancer ProgramsCombining world-class services and complete treatment tailored to every patient in the South Bay
TURPANJIAN REHABILITATION SERVICESNationally recognized programs unequaled in the South BayDiagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic services that maximize physical and cognitive functions
HEALTH EDUCATIONHundreds of lectures including Miracle of Living, Graziadio Wellness Series, Health & Healing Center, Speakers Bureau, Cancer Resource Center and Support Groups
AMBASSADORSA vital link to our community
TORRANCE MEMORIAL’S
AMBASSADORS ARE PHYSICIANS,
NURSES, VOLUNTEERS AND
COMMUNITY MEMBERS WHO
UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE
OF SUPPORTING INNOVATIVE AND
CRITICAL COMMUNITY SERVICES.
AMBASSADOR PROGRAMS
IMPROVE AND RESTORE
HUNDREDS OF LIVES EACH YEAR
AND RETURN PATIENTS TO THEIR
PHYSICAL BEST.
EACH CONTRIBUTION IS A
SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENT IN
THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
OF OUR COMMUNITY.
AmbassadorAd_Patrons_3_22_16.indd 1 3/22/16 3:55 PM
PATRONS | Spring 2017 3
TORRANCE MEMORIAL IS FAMILY
y history with Torrance Memorial dates back to when my mother and brother volunteered in the Auxiliary’s Pet Visitation Program. My two sons, London and Jaden, were also born at Torrance Memorial.
Flash forward to 2007. While my youngest son Jaden and I were surfing at Redondo Beach, Jaden had an accident. The surfboard severely cut the upper part of his leg. With my heart racing, I finally reached him in the water and applied a tourniquet to stop the bleeding. I then went to find a lifeguard to help. The ambulance arrived and took us to the Torrance Memorial Emergency Department. At that point we were uncertain whether his artery had been cut.
Once at the hospital, we were relieved to learn the cut had just missed his artery. However his leg was going to need surgery. Dr. James Black, a plastic surgeon, performed the three-hour procedure. When it was over, he told us it required more than 300 stitches.
Jaden stayed in the hospital for seven days and went home in a wheelchair. Weeks of physical therapy followed. He eventually moved to a walker, then to a crutch.
Jaden was just 10 at the time. Today, because of the exceptional care he received at Torrance Memorial, my son is a healthy young man who enjoys life to the fullest. And he still surfs.
During this nerve-racking experience, I met with Judy Gassner (now senior director of Development and Principal Gifts for the Torrance Memorial Foundation). Six months later, Judy approached me about serving on the Torrance Memorial Foundation board of directors. I couldn’t think of a better way to give back to such a great hospital. This was also about the time my wife Ellen and I joined the Patrons program. Also impressed, my parents, brother and his family became Patrons. I have now served on the Foundation board for six years, where I have learned firsthand how generous community gifts have made possible the evolution of a small community hospital into an outstanding regional health system.
Evidence of this can be seen in the Melanie and Richard Lundquist Patient Tower— a tremendous asset to the South Bay community. Its modern facilities have helped to attract doctors and nurses from top teaching hospitals, such as Keck School of Medicine of USC, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and Cedars-Sinai. We can also offer advanced heart procedures, such as minimally invasive aortic valve replacement, performed in the state-of-the-art hybrid operating room, top-level stroke treatment through the Telestroke program, which expedites the lifesaving delivery of clot-busting drugs, and the latest tools for finding and destroying cancerous tumors through technology like the new Varian TrueBeam slim linear accelerator, now available at the Hunt Cancer Institute.
Through serving on the Foundation board, and this year on the executive committee, I realize this fine medical institution also has some of the most giving employees, nurses and doctors who help support our community daily.
I am continually proud and honored to be associated with such an amazing institution as Torrance Memorial.
Pat Theodora, Executive Committee OfficerTorrance Memorial Foundation Board of Directors
BOARD NOTES
“Today, because of the exceptional care he received at
Torrance Memorial, my son is a healthy young man who
enjoys life to the fullest.”
M
PATRONS | Sring 2017 4
A Publication of the Torrance Memorial Foundation
200 N. Sepulveda Blvd. Suite #110El Segundo, CA 90245
Tel 424-220-6330 Fax 310-376-0200moontidemedia.com
Brand Publisher Hannah Lee
Art Director Angela Akers
Graphic Designer Kelsey Elliott
Copy Editor Peggy Jo Abraham
Managing Partner Charles C. Koones
Managing Partner Todd Klawin
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEMark Lurie, MD, PresidentCardiology, Torrance Memorial Medical CenterPhillip Pavesi, Vice PresidentRetired Executive, TRWW. Gregory Geiger, TreasurerPrincipal, Westport Capital Partners, LLCNadine Bobit, SecretaryCommunity VolunteerHeidi Hoffman, MD, Officer Radiology, Torrance Memorial Medical CenterPatrick Theodora, OfficerExecutive President, Platinum Home MortgageCo-owner, DocMagic Michael Zislis, Officer Founder and Owner, The Zislis Group
BOARD MEMBERSChristy AbrahamCommunity VolunteerJohn G. BakerFounding Partner and General Counsel The Brickstone CompaniesStevan CalvilloAttorney, Calvillo and MeyerHarv DanielsBoard of Directors, SAXA, Inc.Brett DillenbergBranch Owner, RPM Mortgage dba Platinum CapitalThyra J. Endicott, MDRadiation Oncology Torrance Memorial Medical CenterGeorge GrahamPresident Emeritus, Consultant Torrance Memorial Medical CenterRick HigginsTechnology Management Professional, RetiredJoseph HohmOwner, Medical Accounting ServiceSong Cho KleinCommunity VolunteerRichard LucyPresident, Crosswind Capital, Inc.W. David McKinnie, IIIConsultant, McKinnie ConsultingKeith MurphyPresident and CEO, Organovo, Inc.Eric Nakkim, MDEmergency Medicine Torrance Memorial Medical Center
Richard K. Rounsavelle, DDSGeneral DentistryMichael D. RouseRetired Toyota ExecutivePatricia Sacks, MDRadiology, The Vasek and Anna Maria Polak Breast Diagnostic CenterSam SimPresident and Owner, Chinese Gourmet ExpressSteven F. Spierer, Esq. Partner, Spierer, Woodward, Corbalis & GoldbergNicholas W. Tell, Jr.Owner, Armory Funds and Armory SecuritiesRuss VaronPresident, Morgan’s JewelersAnn ZimmermanCommunity Volunteer
FOUNDATION STAFFLaura Schenasi Executive Vice PresidentJudith GassnerSenior Director of Development and Principal GiftsSandy VandenBergeDirector of Planned GivingLisa TakataSpecial Events CoordinatorPatrons Program ManagerDanielle BoujikianDigital Marketing & Foundation ManagerJill Golden Nina Guidry Karen Randazzo Development Liaisons
Torrance Memorial Medical Center treats all people equally without regard to race, color, national origin, age, gender or handicap. The section 504 coordinator can be reached at 310-784-4894.
If you do not wish to receive this publication, please contact Marketing Communications at 310-517-4706.
3330 LOMITA BLVD., TORRANCE, CA 90505FOUNDATION: 310-517-4703
EditorColleen Farrell
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2017
Contributors Scott Donnelly, CPA
Alana Garrigues Carole Jakucs
Jacqueline Renfrow
PhotographersDeidre Davidson
Remy Haynes Christina House Lauren Pressey
PATRONS | Spring 2017 5
CONTENTS
PROGRESS NOTES6 Calendar
10 Report Card: Torrance Memorial Earns High Marks in Patient Safety
10 Torrance Memorial Helps Teens Tackle Mental Health Challenges
CLINICAL SPOTLIGHT12 WATCHMAN Procedure
Frees AFib Patients from Lifelong Blood Thinner Use
14 Lundquist Cardiovascular Institute Takes Medical Research to Heart
FUTURE FOCUS16 Tax Planning Tips for 2017
PATRON PROFILES18 Local Family’s Passion for
Babies and Children Gives New Parents a “NICVIEW”
AMBASSADORS’ CORNER20 Teen Burn Patient from Africa
Benefits from Ambassador Supported Burn Care
22 Holiday Festival Celebrates $17 Million in Gifts
30 Doctors and Donors Commemorate New Mother/Baby Postpartum Unit
32 Pints for Prostates Boosts Men’s Health Awareness
48 Auxiliary Lauds Banner Fundraising Year
In Your Community
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PATRONS | Sring 2017 6
MAY 9LAS AMIGAS CHAMPAGNE FASHION SHOW AND TEALas Amigas members model fashions from local retailer CJs Fashions with a high tea and champagne menu.
WHEN: 2 to 4 p.m.WHERE: Hoffman Health Conference CenterRSVP AND INFO: 310-891-6726
MAY 13 YOUNG PHYSICIANS AND PROFESSIONALS ALLIANCE SECOND ANNUAL CASINO NIGHT Wanted all cowboys and cowgirls! Put your boots on and two-step over for drinkin’, gamblin’ & line dancin’ all to raise money for Torrance Memorial’s new Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care Units.
WHEN: 6:30 p.m.WHERE: Knights of Columbus, Redondo BeachTICKETS AND INFO: 310-517-4728
CALENDAR
FINANCIAL SEMINARS GET FINANCIALLY HEALTHY Professional Advisory Council (PAC) seminars are here to help. See page 17 for more details.
WHEN: 9 to 11 a.m.WHERE: Hoffman Health Conference CenterRSVP and info: 310-517-4728
MAY 13The What and Why of Estate Planning
JUNE 10The Prudent Investor
JULY 8Do You Really Need a Long-Term Care Plan?
AUGUST 12Boot Camp for Executors
SEPTEMBER 9Using Living Trusts to Accomplish Your Estate Planning Goals – It Isn’t Just About Avoiding Probate
OCTOBER 14Estate Planning Checklists to Navigate End of Life
MAY 17 Miracle of LivingEYE DISEASE Hear the latest methods for preventing and treating common eye diseases, such as cataracts, macular degeneration and glaucoma.
WHEN: 7 p.m.WHERE: Torrance Memorial Medical CenterHoffman Health Conference CenterFREE, INFO: Call 310-517-4711
JUNE 5TORRANCE MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENTGolfers play 18 holes to raise money for Torrance Memorial’s North Tower Renovation.
WHERE: Palos Verdes Golf ClubINFO: 310-517-4703
MAY 31Graziadio Wellness Series** MEMORY RESCUEWhen memory is diminished or damaged, it can rob us of our ability to make good decisions, and cause us to become disconnected from those we love and our purpose in life. Physician and neuroscientist Daniel Amen will share his BRIGHT MINDS approach to enhance memory and reverse cognitive decline.
WHEN: 6:30 to 9 p.m.WHERE: Hoffman Health Conference CenterFREE, RSVP AND INFO: 310-517-4711
JUNE 14Graziadio Wellness Series**MAINTAIN A HEALTHY BRAIN AND ESCAPE ALZHEIMER’SAccording to David Larsen, MFHD, dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease doesn’t have to be your fate, even if you have a family history of dementia. Learn what you can do now to maintain a healthy brain and dramatically reduce your risk.
WHEN: 7 to 9 p.m.WHERE: Hoffman Health Conference CenterFREE, RSVP AND INFO: 310-517-4711
JUNE 15HERITAGE SOCIETY ANNUAL LUNCHEONA gathering for those who have included Torrance Memorial in their estate plan or who have made a contribution annually for 10 or more consecutive years (By invitation only).
WHEN: NoonWHERE: Palos Verdes Golf ClubINFO: 310-784-4843
**Supported by the generosity of the Graziadio and Calvillo Families
PATRONS | Spring 2017 7
JULY 19Miracle of LivingDECLINE FROM AGINGDisease and disability are no longer considered an inevitable part of growing older. Hear from experts on how to stay healthy and active into your advancing years.
WHEN: 7 p.m.WHERE: Torrance Memorial Medical Center Hoffman Health Conference CenterFREE, INFO: 310-517-4711
OCTOBER 18Miracle of LivingBREAST CANCERDebate continues over how often women should be screened for breast cancer and how aggressively they should be treated. Experts discuss the latest recommendations, as well as tools for diagnosis and treatment.
WHEN: 7 p.m.WHERE: Torrance Memorial Medical Center, Hoffman Health Conference CenterFREE, INFO: 310-517-4711
OCTOBER 26“PINTS FOR PROSTATES” MOVEMBER CANCER AWARENESS EVENTRaising awareness about men’s health, while toasting the South Bay’s best locally brewed craft beers.
WHEN: 7 p.m.WHERE: Shade Hotel Redondo BeachINFO: 310-517-4728
JULY 25Miracle of Living at the Beach ORTHOPEDICS: SPINE AND JOINT REPLACEMENTHear about the latest advancements in spine and joint care, and minimally invasive joint replacement surgeries to get you back in the game.
WHEN: 7 p.m.WHERE: Shade Hotel, Manhattan BeachFREE, RSVP AND INFO: 310-517-4728
CALENDAR
AUGUST 16Miracle of LivingADHD/AUTISMAutism spectrum disorder is a term for a group of complex disorders of brain development. Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood disorders, and can continue through adulthood. Hear the latest on possible causes, risk factors, proper diagnosis and intervention.
WHEN: 7 p.m.WHERE: Torrance Memorial Medical Center Hoffman Health Conference CenterFREE, RSVP AND INFO: 310-517-4711
JUNE 21Miracle of LivingFOOT/ANKLEIf your feet aren’t happy and healthy, it could be a clue to your overall health. Learn about common foot and ankle foibles such as bunions, plantar fasciitis, heel pain, ankle sprains and hammer toes, and how they can be prevented, managed and treated.
WHEN: 7 p.m.WHERE: Torrance Memorial Medical CenterHoffman Health Conference CenterFREE, INFO: 310-517-4711
SEPTEMBER 25Graziadio Wellness Series** HOW TO BE BETTER IN BED – LESSONS FROM THE SLEEP DOCTORIn this fun and engaging lecture Dr. Michael Breus, AKA, The “Dr. Oz” “Sleep Doctor” will teach you how to identify your personal bedtime, how to make your sleep environment perfect for you, and dispel all the myths you may have heard about sleep.
WHEN: 6:30 to 9 p.m.WHERE: Hoffman Health Conference CenterFREE, RSVP AND INFO: 310-517-4711
AUGUST 26“HONDA EVENING UNDER THE STARS” 31st Annual Gourmet Food & Wine FestivalEnjoy an elegant evening under the stars featuring tastings from the South Bay’s finest restaurants. All proceeds to benefit Torrance Memorial and Vistas for Children.
WHEN: 6 to 9:30 p.m.WHERE: American Honda HeadquartersTICKETS AND INFO: 310-517-4703
SEPTEMBER 20Miracle of LivingCHRONIC BACK PAINBack pain is one of the most common reasons people visit the doctor or miss work and is a leading cause of disability. Learn how medical therapies, at-home treatment and proper body mechanics can help heal the back.
WHEN: 7 p.m.WHERE: Torrance Memorial Medical Center Hoffman Health Conference CenterFREE, INFO: 310-517-4711
PATRONS | Sring 2017 8
Just before Christmas, families of 17 infant patients in Torrance Memorial’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit received some unexpected holiday cheer. Each family received a small Christmas tree, decorated with $300 in gift cards, to help make their season a little brighter.
The donation came from Samuel’s Trees, an organization founded by the Parkins family, who suffered the loss of their infant in 2010. Samuel’s Trees is dedicated to the memory of their son, who fought against congenital diaphragmatic hernia for 19 days.
The organization works closely with hospitals to place trees with families in challenging situations. The goal is to help take care of families’ essential needs such as food, diapers and gas, so they can focus on the life of their baby. According to the organization’s website, it’s “a tangible reminder that they are not alone, that someone cares, even amid some of the darkest times in their lives.”
Trees Comfort ICU Families
EVERY DONATION COUNTS
This past holiday season, customers of the Torrance PetSmart on Hawthorne and Sepulveda Blvds. had the opportunity to purchase plush toys “Chance” the Dog or “Lucky” the Cat to pass along to one of several local charities that benefit children. As a result of their generosity, 30 bags of stuffed toys were collected, and seven were delivered to Torrance Memorial’s Emergency and Pediatric Departments to give to patients this past holiday season.
PetSmart Customers’ Gifts Bring Holiday Cheer to Patients
Students of Rancho Vista Elementary School helped decorate and add gift cards to trees donated by Samuel’s Trees. NICU families received the trees.
The Torrance Memorial Foundation is grateful for every gift it receives, large and small, throughout the year from individuals, organizations and corporations, to improve health care in our community.
PATRONS | Spring 2017 9
Edison Elementary Raises $901 for Hunt Cancer Institute
EVERY DONATION COUNTS
Torrance Memorial Medical Center’s Adopt-a-School partner, Calle Mayor Middle School, presented the medical center with an assortment of gift cards worth a total of $105, for teens supported by Harbor Interfaith
Services in San Pedro. The school’s Associate Student Body sold more than 200 holiday candy grams and used the proceeds to purchase the gift cards they thought teens would especially like for Christmas.
Teens Receive Gifts from Calle Mayor Middle School
Edison Elementary School’s “Team Kids,” a nonprofit group focused on helping kids give back to their communities, presented a check for $901 to Torrance Memorial’s Hunt Cancer Institute. The fifth graders raised the money through ticket sales for their school carnival fundraiser. The donation will support the Hunt Cancer Institute’s cancer care services.
Spirit of Giving Fills Up Toy Drive Bins
Torrance Memorial Medical Center’s annual Holiday Toy Drive generated 16 boxes of toys that were delivered to the Pediatric unit and Harbor Interfaith Services, a nonprofit Torrance Memorial supports as part of its mission to improve the health of the community. Harbor Interfaith Services serves the homeless and working poor by providing shelter, training and support to help people get back on their feet. Torrance Memorial departments also sponsored 15 families, providing a full holiday meal, along with gift cards. In addition, Macy’s Del Amo organized its own Toy Drive for Torrance Memorial’s Pedatric Unit patients. Each department delivered a box brimming with toys to be enjoyed for years to come.
Sandy VandenBerge, Foundation, and Ann O’Brien, Marketing Communications, receive check from Edison Elementary School’s “Team Kids” group.
Pediatric patient Aiden Kulathunga, 4, enjoys a new toy thanks to
Holiday Toy Drive donations from Macy’s Del Amo employees.
PATRONS | Sring 2017 10
PROGRESS NOTES
T he counselors at Palos Verdes High School were seeing more of their students coming into the office with
issues like stress, anxiety and depression, but their hands were tied when it came to providing them with help.
“There was a lack of resources for mental health and wellness within our school and district wide. Many students were coming into the counselor’s office unable to cope,” says Kristen Nelson, counselor at PVHS.
To address these and other mental health issues, the counselors and administrators at PVHS created a mental health program and dedicated Wellness Room with help from
Torrance Memorial Medical Center and other local organizations.
“We decided to reach out to our community to help create a space for students to relax and relieve stress. It also serves as the hub for our new mental health and support services,” Nelson says.
Students can visit the Wellness Room and indulge in tea, granola bars and other snacks while enjoying peaceful music and aromatherapy. The room is the center of the high school’s mental health and wellness program, which aims to provide students with mental health education and tools throughout the year. Besides student stress
packs and other resources, the program offers group and individual counseling sessions with therapy dogs, yoga classes and guest speakers. Some of the topics include nutrition and exercise, mindfulness, sleep and healthy relationships.
“In addition to being supportive throughout the process, Torrance Memorial was the biggest partner in helping with ideas and the development of the program. They provided us with resources such as handouts and DVDs that cover mental health topics,” Nelson says.“We hope to continue to build our relationship with Torrance Memorial and serve as a resource for them as well.”
Palos Verdes High School Tackles Teen Mental Health
Healthgrades recently named Torrance Memorial Medical Center as a recipient of its 2017 Outstanding Patient Experience Award. Four hundred and forty three hospitals received the award, representing the top-15 percent of hospitals in the nation for patient experience.
Healthgrades analyzed patient experience surveys over an eight-year period to identify questions most closely associated with a top overall rating of nine or 10 and a response of “Yes, I would recommend this hospital.” The response that had the highest correlation to both ratings was, “nurses always communicate well.”
Healthgrades evaluated 3,489 hospitals that submitted at least 100 patient experience surveys to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) covering admissions from April 2015 to March 2016. Healthgrades is a leading online resource for comprehensive information about physicians and hospitals.
To view the full grade and to access consumer-friendly patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit www.hospitalsafetygrade.org.
Counselors Christina Sunada, Paula Stapleton, Megan Lichter, Kristen Nelson, Amerika McHugh, Lindsey Marinkovich (pictured in the new Wellness Room) help develop and oversee the mental health program at Palos Verdes High School.
Torrance Memorial Receives Outstanding Patient Experience Award
PATRONS | Spring 2017 11
PROGRESS NOTES
People often don’t give much thought to the exhaustive work of the heart—the muscle that pumps every second of every day for an entire lifetime. That is, until something goes wrong: their heart valves become dysfunctional, an irregular heartbeat disrupts their lives, or a devastating stroke or heart attack occurs.
Torrance Memorial’s cardiologists perform some of the most innovative and cutting-edge procedures, many of which have now taken the place of more invasive open-heart surgery. The team at Torrance Memorial Medical Center’s Lundquist Cardiovascular Institute led the discussion at the March 21 Miracle of Living at the Beach—“Advances in the Care and Treatment of Heart Disease.”
TAVRPatients travel from all over Southern California to have
their heart valves repaired by the interventional cardiology team at COR Healthcare Medical Associates, which includes Salman Azam, MD, J. Christopher Matchison, MD, and Ankush Chhabra, MD.
Speaker Azam received eight additional years of training after medical school to learn about structural issues of the heart. One of the advanced procedures he performs is minimally invasive transcatheter aortic valve replacement surgery (TAVR). The procedure replaces a patient’s aortic valve narrowed over time causing stenosis, which prevents adequate blood from exiting the heart and circulating to the rest of the body.
Aortic stenosis affects 16.5 million people in the United States over 65. In the past, open-heart surgery was the only solution. In this latest procedure, a new valve is threaded through the patient’s femoral artery in the groin up to the heart. After this procedure, the patient is sitting up within six hours and often discharged home the next day. Torrance Memorial has performed more than 180 TAVR procedures to date.
WATCHMAN™Torrance Memorial recently became the first South Bay hospital to
perform WATCHMAN™, the newly FDA-approved procedure that corrects a common electrical rhythm abnormality of the heart known as atrial fibrillation (AFib). The procedure (detailed on page 12) reduces stroke risk in those who are unable to tolerate long-term use of blood thinners. Matthew Ostrom, MD, electrophysiologist, provided an update on this innovation. Dr. Azam, Sang Yong Ji, MD, Gene Kim, MD, and Erol Kosar, MD, also perform this procedure.
PREVENTION IS KEYThe panelists concurred that many of the risk factors that lead to heart
damage can be controlled by lifestyle modifications, medications and early intervention. They aim to treat the modifiable risk factors now, so they don’t have to see you later with advanced heart disease.
Controllable risk factors include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, physical inactivity, obesity, type-2 diabetes and smoking. The last two are the biggest factors. Smoking increases the risk of heart disease up to four times and diabetes up to three times.
So what’s the first step in reducing plaque build-up in the heart? First off, recommends Victoria Shin, MD, interventional cardiologist, know your numbers. This means know your cholesterol, blood pressure and weight. In addition, exercise more frequently and drink less alcohol.
Dr. Shin warned the women in the crowd to be vigilant. Heart disease kills 292,000 U.S. women every year—far above the 40,000 that die from breast cancer annually. While risk factors are similar for women as men, the mortality rate for women is higher and obesity increases this risk. Also, autoimmune diseases, polycystic ovarian syndrome, history of preeclampsia or gestational diabetes, and certain breast cancer therapies can affect women’s hearts.
WORKING AS A TEAMTorrance Memorial’s Lundquist Cardiovascular Institute, led by event
speaker Mark Lurie, MD, medical director, keeps its eye squarely on the best possible patient outcomes. At weekly meetings, each surgical case is evaluated by a multidisciplinary team guided by R. Michael Wyman, MD, interventional cardiologist.
According to Lurie, Torrance Memorial’s cardiovascular program is a force to be reckoned with, offering a Structural Heart Disease Program, Heart Rhythm Center, Diabetes Program, the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program and Healthy Ever After Kids (to prevent obesity and diabetes in children). “We work as a team,” says Dr. Azam.” The more minds, the better the outcomes.”
MIRACLE OF LIVING AT THE BEACH: Innovation Is at the Heart of the Cardiology TeamBY JACQUELINE RENFROW
Mark Lurie, MD, Matthew Ostrom, MD, Victoria Shin, MD, Salman Azam, MD
Sherry Kramer, Sandy VandenBerge, Judith Gassner, Elaine Trotter
Ann O’Brien, Judith Gassner, Mark Lurie, MD, Ann Zimmerman, Laura Schenasi
Laura Schenasi, Rich Lucy
See pages 6 and 7 for a detailed calendar of 2017 Miracle of Living events.
PATRONS | Sring 2017 12
CLINICAL SPOTLIGHT
W hile living with AFib for 26 years, Redondo Beach resident Barbara Hancock never lost hope that she would
find an alternative remedy for her chronic disease. At age 79, her persistence paid off. Last October she underwent a procedure on the forefront of AFib treatment—WATCHMAN™ Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC) therapy.
Atrial Fibrillation (known as AFib) is an abnormal rhythm of the heart caused by a fault in the organ’s electrical system. This ultimately causes an irregular heartbeat that is too fast or too slow. This common type of arrhythmia affects more than 5.1 million people in the United States. While the disease itself is not life-threatening, if left unmanaged, it can lead to a stroke or heart failure.
In the beginning, living with AFib was tough for Hancock. She could feel a pulse going through her entire body at times when her heart had erratic rhythms. But as the years went on, the surges became unnoticeable. Since her diagnosis in 1991,
Hancock had been on blood thinner medications to manage her disease. But side effects included dizziness, which interfered with her ability to be active. Warfarin requires frequent blood testing to check levels so the dose can be adjusted appropriately. As a result, she felt restricted in her ability to travel and make plans.
Hancock also lives with chronic rheumatoid arthritis, making her ability to move and exercise not only difficult, but also painful without regular use of over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen. However combining these drugs with Warfarin can cause dangerous bleeding.
To manage her AFib, Hancock spoke about alternative treatments with her doctor, Gene Kim, MD, a cardiologist who specializes in electrophysiology—the electrical activity of the heart. While many treatments were not appropriate for someone who had lived so long with the disease, she qualified for one therapy in the trial phase. Based on her age, long-term
AFib and high-risk factor for stroke, Salman Azam, MD, an interventional cardiologist who would perform the procedure with Dr. Kim, told Hancock she was the ideal candidate for the WATCHMAN procedure. While not a cure for AFib, it could make her life easier.
“She was stuck with the option to treat her arthritis or take blood thinners to prevent stroke,” said Dr. Azam. So while she chose to prevent stroke, it meant living with disabling pain.
Now Hancock and the doctors at Torrance Memorial Medical Center just had to wait for FDA approval.
The stroke/AFib connection is complex. For those with the disease, there is a pouch in the left atrium of the heart where blood can pool. After an extended period, blood can then form a clot. If that clot leaves the heart and moves to the brain, a stroke can occur. AFib increases a person’s risk of stroke by 500%. It’s responsible for 15 out of every 100 strokes.
A New RhythmWATCHMAN procedure grants patients freedom from lifelong blood thinner use
WRITTEN BY JACQUELINE RENFROWILLUSTRATED BY KELSEY ELLIOTT
PATRONS | Spring 2017 13
CLINICAL SPOTLIGHT
To learn more about Torrance Memorial’s cardiovascular pro-grams, visit www.torrancememorial/cardiovascular_institute.
CANDIDATES FOR WATCHMAN:
• Living with AFib• At high risk for a stroke
(level two or higher)• Unable to tolerate blood thinners for a
long period of time
POSSIBLE SIGNS OF AFIB
• Feeling overtired• Pulse is faster than normal or irregular• Shortness of breath• Heart palpitations• Trouble exercising• Chest discomfort• Increased urination• Dizziness, light-headedness, fainting• Asymptomatic
Dr. Azam says that while the WATCHMAN procedure has been around for more than a decade, for a majority of that time it was in the clinical trial phase.
The procedure is not without risk. The chance of bleeding and further injury exists any time a foreign object is inserted into the heart, according to Dr. Azam. After testing was completed around the world and in the United States, the FDA looked at the data and decided the benefits clearly outweighed the risks and recently approved the procedure.
“National trials show as time went on, the operators who perform the procedure became better and better at it, and the risks decreased significantly,” says Dr. Azam. Today the success rate is as high as 91% and risk of complications has dropped to less than 4%.
In 2016, Torrance Memorial became the first hospital in the South Bay to offer the procedure and one of the few in the greater Los Angeles area. Hancock was Dr. Kim and Dr. Azam’s first patient.
In the short term, patients who undergo the minimally invasive WATCHMAN procedure
can expect to be up and walking within just a few hours and usually go home the next day. In the long term, patients like Hancock can aggressively treat their arthritis and not have to worry about excessive bleeding.
How WATCHMAN Works
During the WATCHMAN procedure, a plug is mounted on a wire and placed inside a long tube. The tube is then inserted through the patient’s vein in the groin area, using ultrasound and X-ray to guide the plug until it reaches the pouch in the left chamber of the heart. Once there, the WATCHMAN device opens like an umbrella and the plug is mounted into the opening of the appendage, sealing it. The position of the plug is then verified through ultrasound to ensure it is stable. Six weeks later, the patient returns for repeat ultrasound study to ensure the plug is still appropriately positioned and no significant blood flow into the pouch is noted. Eventually the tissue of the heart grows over the plug. At that time,
the patient can safely take pain medications after discontinuation of the blood thinners.
Dr. Azam warns that the patient will still need blood thinners for at least six weeks to ensure no blood clots form at the site of the plug. Therefore this procedure is not for someone who cannot tolerate blood thinners at all.
“As soon as the procedure was complete and I went back for a recheck, I bought a big bottle of Aleve,” Hancock says. She is now happy to be able to better manage her arthritis.
She continues, “I wasn’t incapacitated in any way. I didn’t feel bad from it (the WATCHMAN procedure), no pain. Nothing.”
Hancock, who arrived in the South Bay in 1966, fell in love with beach living immediately. “I can walk out my door and go down to Knob Hill to see the ocean,” she says. Now almost half a year after her WATCHMAN procedure, and more than a year out from back surgery, she hopes to start getting back to more regular exercise and enjoying her physical freedom.
“This was the only option for me and it was a fantastic option,” she says.
Barbara Hancock is looking forward to enjoying more physical freedom now that she is free from blood thinners.
PHOT
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APHE
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REM
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PATRONS | Sring 2017 14
CLINICAL SPOTLIGHT
Medical research is essential in delivering optimum health care as physicians and nurses learn more
about the best evidence-based treatments for various diseases to improve patient outcomes. While some may think of research as being done only in distant, isolated labs—it’s exciting to learn that cutting-edge cardiovascular research and clinical trials are currently being conducted here in the South Bay at Torrance Memorial Medical Center and have been for many years.
This integral research is led by Mark D. Lurie, MD, medical director of the Melanie & Richard Lundquist Cardiovascular Institute. “It began in 1995, with a few doctors doing Phase III trials. The formal institutional program started in 2002. Since its inception, approximately 35 cardiac studies have been performed at Torrance Memorial,” says Dr. Lurie. The results of every study, regardless if they were expected or unexpected, have been published in peer-reviewed medical journals. The research done at Torrance Memorial has touched upon life-impacting cardiovascular
topics such as heart failure, atrial fibrillation (AFib), anticoagulation (blood thinners), cardiac (coronary) stents, unstable angina, peripheral vascular disease (PVD), cholesterol and type 2 diabetes, explains Dr. Lurie.
Dr. Lurie says research partners with Torrance Memorial have been institutions such as, but not limited to, Harvard University, Duke University and the American Heart Association. In addition to Dr. Lurie, the research team consists of six physicians— R. Michael Wyman, MD, Ankush Chhabra, MD, Matthew Ostrom, MD, Sang Yong Ji, MD, Victoria Shin, MD, and Salman Azam, MD—and a nurse practitioner, Roxanna Balter, who all oversee studies. Research assistants Sue Ellen Hosino, RN, Jaquelina Patti, Joy Gonzalez and Joy Burkhardt handle the day-to-day research work in addition to conducting follow-ups on patients, which can last for several years. “We could not do this important research without the help of these other medical professionals,” says Dr. Lurie.
Two examples of major breakthrough studies in which Torrance Memorial participated are the PROVE-IT and IMPROVE-IT studies. The purpose of both was to find the most effective medications in lowering LDL cholesterol. Dr. Lurie points out, “Both studies when completed had a significant impact on treating elevated cholesterol.”
Non-pharmacologic research is also conducted at Torrance Memorial, says Dr. Lurie, and includes investigations into determining the benefits of exercise in heart failure and the use of bio-absorbable stents vs. standard stent treatment. Dr. Lurie believes the benefits of performing research are many. “Our community steps into the forefront of new treatments, which sometimes provide new options for patients. Physicians and institutions are given the opportunity to share knowledge and there is a moral satisfaction that we are advancing the quality and knowledge in medicine.”
Cardio ExplorationBY CAROLE JAKUCS, BSN, RN, PHN
MARK D. LURIE, MD
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FUTURE FOCUS
WHAT IS A CHARITABLE BEQUEST?Making a bequest through your will or living trust is the simplest of planned gifts. With simple language included in your will or trust, you can support your favorite charity after you leave this world, and your heirs also enjoy a tax benefit.
Everyone should have a will/trust– regardless of the value of your estate. Creating a will/trust to outline your wishes for how your property is distributed after your demise is the only way your intentions can be realized. Without this written document, the laws of the state where you live will dictate how your property is distributed, which will not likely match your desires.
For those who already have a will/trust, it is equally important to review it every few years to ensure it is up-to-date with your current circumstances and still reflects your wishes. Circumstances that might trigger action to review your will are a birth or death in the family, a change in marital status like divorce or remarriage, relocation to another state, or tax law changes. Consideration of a charitable gift or significant increase or decrease in the value of your assets may also prompt a review.
Contact your estate planning attorney for guidance in reviewing and updating your will/trust or Torrance Memorial’s Office of Planned Giving for information. Sandy VandenBerge, director of Planned Giving, can be reached at 310-784-4843 or [email protected]. Please also let us know if you have included Torrance Memorial in your estate plan, so we can acknowledge your advance planning and include you in our Heritage Society.
Jim Andrews’ first encounter with Torrance Memorial Medical Center was in the 1980s. After being diagnosed with
cancer—a long story he says—he was in the hospital for four full months. It was a long time to be away from home. It could have been unbearable. Except that it wasn’t.
Through it all—the treatment, the tests, the emotional roller coaster—Andrews knew that from the administrative staff to the nurses and doctors, he was in not just capable hands, but “good hands.”
“That stuck with me,” he says.Decades later, Andrews began pondering
his financial legacy. He set his sights on finding a nonprofit that serves across various demographics and income levels and one that brings people together.
Longtime family friend Stephen Connors, a Certified Financial Planner® who sits on Torrance Memorial’s Professional Advisory Council (PAC), suggested he look into the hospital that had cared for him years ago.
Torrance Memorial was already a recipient of his annual giving. But after scheduling tours and meetings with medical and administrative staff, Andrews decided to update his will and trust. Connors referred Andrews to attorney Eric Harris, also a PAC member, who helped him set up a bequest. Through this, he designated the Torrance Memorial Foundation as the beneficiary of most of his estate.
“I thought about them (Torrance Memorial) as just a place where sick people went, and it turns out they’re so much more than that,” Andrews says. “I was amazed with the technology and how much they do for the community.”
Andrews learned about Torrance Memorial’s commitment to support Harbor Interfaith Services, a San Pedro nonprofit that serves the homeless and working poor by providing shelter, training and support to help them get back on their feet. This past holiday season, Torrance Memorial departments delivered toys to the organization and also sponsored 15 families, providing a full holiday meal, along with gift cards.
“The money goes back to serve people. It’s more of a place for people to get healthy and to
stay healthy,” he says.Entering the corridors on a tour of the new
Lundquist Tower gave Andrews a sense of health and well-being—from the calm piano music in the lobby to the soothing colors on the walls.
Andrews says he trusts the hospital to choose the best way to use his money and ensure his legacy. But he has also made one request.
“I’ve asked that my money be given to low income programs—to people who would otherwise have difficulty paying the bills,” he explains. “I said to help people, especially children, when they need it.”
Andrews recommends Torrance Memorial to anyone looking for a “good, trustworthy, caring organization” to include in their estate plan.
“We can trust the care and that our donations are going back into services.” Andrews says. “Supporting them strengthens our community.”
Bequest Helps Jim Andrews Put Others in “Good Hands”BY ALANA GARRIGUES
To learn more about Torrance Memorial’s Planned Giving opportunities, visit, www.torrancememorial.org/plannedgiving.
JIM ANDREWS IS PICTURED AT THE ANNUAL HERITAGE SOCIETY LUNCHEON.
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PAC Member Offers Tax Planning Tips
FUTURE FOCUS
Considerations for tax planning are important throughout the entire year and not just at tax time. Under a new federal administration, 2017 may have significant tax law changes, so tax planning could be especially invaluable this year. The following tips should be considered by all taxpayers.
1.RECORD KEEPINGMaintaining updated records throughout the year can make income tax return preparation less painful. If you maintain multiple accounts at vari-ous financial institutions, keep one list of the banks and account numbers. When closing an account, make sure the bank has your current address to ensure you receive a 1099. Keep the last statement handy in case a 1099 is not correctly issued. Label envelopes at the beginning of each year to keep receipts for tax deductions such as charitable donations, taxes paid, etc.
2. TAX ADJUSTMENT NOTICESIf you receive a notice from the IRS or Franchise Tax Board (FTB), act on it quickly. It is difficult to contact taxing authorities, so you may want to consider accepting the adjustment and paying the notice amount to avoid frustration. If you do contact the IRS or FTB, have with you the notice, applicable tax return and items necessary to discuss the issue. You may need to fax or mail support to the contact person to confirm your conver-sation. After resolving a notice, determine if any other tax returns or years will be impacted by the notice.
3. INFORMATION SOURCESMake sure your sources for tax planning are reliable. Many articles on the internet are simply an opinion versus fact. Before making a financial de-cision, check with your tax advisor. A decision can create a domino effect negating the expected results.
4. CONTRACTSSome investments include contracts, such as annuities and life insurance. Understand the current and future tax consequences before signing the contract. What is the cost for canceling the contract before maturity? What is the expected overall return? What happens on death? What are the tax consequences should you decide to gift it?
5. CALENDARAt the beginning of each year, record important dates on your calendar for your tax return. Such dates include income tax payment due dates, gifting, drawing required minimum distributions and/or maturity of a CD. At the end of the year, the calendar can be a great resource of information for tax planning.
6. TAX LAW CHANGESMore than likely we will see federal tax changes this year. The expect-ed changes include reduction of tax rates, limitations on certain itemized deductions, elimination or adjustment to estate tax, as well as increased tax savings for two-earner families with children. Until these changes are enacted, it will be difficult to determine the financial impact to taxpayers. Keeping organized and updated records throughout the year will make it easier to do tax planning once the new laws are enacted.
Scott Donnelly is a CPA and Partner with PDM CPAs in Torrance. He is a member and Co-Chair of Torrance Memorial’s Professional Advisory
Council. www.pdmcpas.com. 310-802-7832.
PATRONS | Spring 2017 17
MAY 13THE WHAT AND WHY OF ESTATE PLANNING• What is an estate plan?• How does an estate plan work?• Estate tax planning concepts to consider for your trust
PRESENTERS: Stephanie Bezner, Attorney, Christian Cordoba, Financial Consultant
ATTEND A PROFESSIONAL ADVISORY COUNCIL MONTHLY SEMINAR
Navigating personal financial situations requires a reliable compass. Torrance Memorial Medical Center’s Professional Advisory Council (PAC) will keep you on course. PAC is a volunteer group of attorneys, financial planners and CPAs brought together by the mission of educating the community on the benefits of charitable tax and estate planning. As part of PAC’s community outreach, this group of professionals has volunteered their time to conduct a series of informative, interactive and educational seminars on a variety of financial topics. These free seminars are strictly educational—no products or services will be sold to attendees.
Sessions: Saturdays, 9 to 11 a.m. Complimentary continental breakfastLocation: Torrance Memorial Medical Center, Richard B. Hoffman Health Conference CenterRSVP to Torrance Memorial Foundation at (310) 517-4728
Sharpen Your Financial Saw
FUTURE FOCUS
Changes to topics and presenters are not likely, but possible.
JUNE 10THE PRUDENT INVESTOR - PANEL• Where are the best opportunities for investors today?• Should you reallocate your investments as you get older?• How do you generate income when interest rates are
historically low?
PRESENTERS: Mark Tsujimoto, Moderator,Greg Becker, Attorney/Real Estate Professional,Gregory Schill, CFP®
JULY 8DO YOU REALLY NEED A LONG-TERM CARE PLAN? A PANEL DISCUSSION• What type of long-term care
services will I need and what will they cost?
• What are my options for long-term care insurance?
• Am I eligible for other benefits through Medi-Cal?
PRESENTERS: Cristin Rigg, CFP®, CDFA™ Sylvia Thompson, Life Care Mgr.Andrew M. Meinzer, Attorney
AUGUST 12BOOT CAMP FOR EXECUTORS• Key concepts and terms in
plain English• Duties and responsibilities of
the settlement process• Preparation today to mitigate
challenges in the future
PRESENTERS: Suzanne Grudnitski, Prof’l Fiduciary, Kazuaki Uemura, Attorney
SEPTEMBER 9USING LIVING TRUSTS TO ACCOMPLISH YOUR ESTATE PLANNING GOALS – IT ISN’T JUST ABOUT AVOIDING PROBATE• Protecting heirs from effects of divorce,
bankruptcy, creditor claims, substance abuse, consumer spending and special-needs issues
• Motivating heirs to achieve goals using incentive trusts
• Designing plans to maximize flexibility in a shifting tax landscape
PRESENTERS: Eric Harris, Attorney,Ron Miller, Professional Fiduciary
OCTOBER 14ESTATE PLANNING CHECKLISTS TO NAVIGATE END OF LIFE• Breaking down the work of executors
and successors into smaller bites• What is urgent versus what can wait• How being prepared will be the greatest
gift you can give
PRESENTERS: Sylvia Thompson, Life Care Manager Stephen Connors, CFP®
MEMBERS OF THE 2017 TORRANCE MEMORIAL PROFESSIONAL ADVISORY COUNCIL (PAC).
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ATRON PROFILES
PATRONS | Spring 2017 18
“My family has always had a heart for babies and kids. Since I was a little girl we have been doing
things to help local health care.”
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ATRON PROFILES
PATRONS | Spring 2017 19
A Heart for Babies and Children
For the Whitcombe family, the never-ending question is, “What can we do?”
WRITTEN BY COLLEEN FARRELL; PHOTOGRAPHED BY LAUREN PRESSEY
Blessed with the birth of four 9-pound children more than two decades ago, with the youngest now finishing college, it would be reasonable to expect that Kim and
John Whitcombe’s thoughts and energy would shift toward typical empty-nester pursuits, such as travel or a home remodeling project. But upon learning of an opportunity to help new, local parents bond with their hospitalized infants when they cannot be at the bedside, the couple immediately stepped up to offer their support.
“We have been so blessed with healthy kids,” John says. “Not everyone is so fortunate. Our philosophy has always been to look at what other people don’t have and ask, ‘What can we do?’”
The Torrance Memorial Foundation recently accepted a donation from the Oarsmen Foundation, a private foundation founded by Kim’s parents, to fund the purchase of 23 Panasonic NICVIEW Camera Systems. Each system will provide an individual camera, which when mounted over NICU incubators in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), will al-low parents to watch their babies 24/7 from any location that has an internet connection with a computer, tablet or smart phone. Parents are provided a user name and password to share the viewing experience with other family members at their discretion.
“Often infants will stay in our NICU for prolonged periods of time and parents have to go back to work, care for other children or may live a distance from the hospital,” says Elizabeth Lowerison, RN, nurse manager, NICU/Pediat-rics. “The NICVIEW Camera System will allow families more peace of mind by being able to see in real time that their infant is well and being provided with excellent care.”
She continues, “The cameras will assist parents, siblings and relatives to remain as close to their newborn as possible, by watching their daily activities and progress.”
Through the past decade, the Oarsmen Foundation has routinely made donations to the Torrance Memorial Foundation. But after a recent surgery and overnight stay by Kim’s mom, the family began looking for additional areas to help. John’s mom, Jo Whitcombe, had already spent decades giving to Torrance Memo-rial as a 30-year Auxiliary member. Her primary role was working in the Gift Shop, helping to select the merchandise to sell and raise funds for the Foundation.
“My mom had such great care (at Torrance Memorial) and my dad spent the night (in the room with her), so when she left, we really wanted to contribute,” Kim says. “My family has always had a heart for babies and kids. Since I was a little girl we have been doing things to help local health care.”
Kim was born at Torrance Memorial when it was at its original Old Torrance location on Engracia Avenue. She grew up in Palos Verdes Estates. Fifteen years ago, her parents George and Dee Schuler founded the Oarsmen Foun-dation with their children with the mission of “rowing together to do great things for the world through Christ.” Through the years, the foundation has worked to support churches, children, education and health, with Kim at the helm as its president.
John, whose dad was a physicist for the Aerospace Corporation in El Segundo, was also born at the original Torrance Memorial and grew up in Manhattan Beach. The two met when Kim was showing space at a strip mall while working post-college for her dad’s Torrance development company. At the time, John owned a business that manufactured and sold satellite dishes and was looking for space to rent as a retail outlet.
“I paid over-market price and there were no improvements made on the property, but I thought she was really cute,” John says in jest. “We haven’t been apart since.”
John later returned to school to earn his law degree and a Master of Business Adminis-
tration. After working for several mid-size law firms, John joined Greenberg, Whitcombe, Takeuchi, Gibson and Grayver, LLP, 22 years ago as a partner. The firm represents a number of large public companies, such as Toys “R” Us, Airgas and Air Liquide, as well as many South Bay residents in business and real estate matters.
Since their marriage, both have taken on numerous additional philanthropic pursuits. Kim has served on the board of Peninsula Committee for Children’s Hospital (PCCH), which organizes and sponsors the annual Portu-guese Bend International Horse Show at Ernie Howlett Park and the Seahorse Classic Golf Tournament at Palos Verdes Golf Club.
She also used skills learned while earning her Bachelor of Science degree in interior architecture at the University of Oregon to help Rolling Hills Covenant Church with recent expansion projects. One of these projects was expanding the “Beacon of Light” men’s shelter in Wilmington, by assisting in the development of the neighboring site into the “Doors of Hope” women’s shelter.
John is a founding board member for the Torrance Police Foundation, a newly formed 501c3 that raises money for law enforce-ment equipment. The foundation recently purchased in-vehicle defibrillators that treat cardiac arrest and drone cameras used in crime scene investigations.
The Whitcombes have also encouraged their children to participate in these endeavors, to instill in them the meaning of hard work and giving back. They hope this latest gift inspires others to support local health care.
“We really want this to be a community that attracts and supports the absolute best health care you can get,” John says. “If you’re penny wise and pound foolish with your local hospital, you’re not going to get a lot back from it when you need it.”
He continues, “We are basically living the dream and we are constantly pinching ourselves. How can we not do something to help?”
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JESPA IS LEARNING TO USE HIS NEW FINGERS ON THE PIANO.
Jespa’s JourneyYoung Cameroon burn survivor finds answer to his prayers at Torrance Memorial’s Ambassador-Supported Burn Center.
WRITTEN BY COLLEEN FARRELL PHOTOGRAPHED BY CHRISTINA HOUSE
Jespa Awomah was used to seeing children start to cry or run away when they would first see him. In his small, mostly pagan village in Cameroon, Africa, his condition was viewed, even by his family, as a curse or bad omen. When he met people for the first time, he kept his eyes and head down.
In 2012, by then age 12, Jespa continued to pray for the same thing he had prayed for every day since he could remember. “I prayed that if it was God’s will, I would remain as I am, but if it was not God’s will that something would happen,” he says.
It seems that year someone was listening.
Rebecca Akumbu also grew up in Jespa’s village in Cameroon, but had moved away to a larger city where she had attended college and law school. In 2012, while she did work for an organization called Plant A Seed Africa, which provides books and school supplies to African children in need, a former classmate sent her a photo she just couldn’t shake from her mind. It was a photo of Jespa.
Jespa was born healthy, but at 10 months old he crawled into an open fire pit inside his family’s hut. The closest medical care was a three-hour walk away. His mother made the journey on foot, holding Jespa in her arms. The most the
PATRONS | Spring 2017 21
AMBASSADORS’ CORNERone-room clinic could provide was a few ban-dages. He returned home to survive his extensive wounds, which took the sight from his right eye, damaged his left eye, fused his forearm to his bicep, and twisted his fingers backwards toward his wrist. The fire also disfigured his ear. Hair no longer grew on the right side of his scalp.
Rebecca shared the photo with her sister Ruth, the founder of Plant A Seed Africa, who was living in El Segundo at the time. Ruth and friend Rashel Mereness, an entertainment attorney from Hermosa Beach, were planning a trip to Cameroon for Plant A Seed. They decided they would pay a visit to Jespa in his village, where he lived with his 12 siblings. During the meeting, he made one simple request—books—so he could attend school.
“What really got in my heart was that what he most wanted was to go to school, even looking the way he did,” Ruth says. “He was industrious. He was working every day alongside his family on the farm.”
Rashel captured a video of Jespa and posted it on Facebook with a plea for help. Two years later, in March of 2014, I (Colleen Farrell, marketing communications manager at Torrance Memorial, a medical center with one of only three verified burn centers in LA County) spotted a Facebook re-post on Rashel’s feed, and felt I was in a position to help.
I forwarded the post to Naiwei Hsu-Chang, RN, a unit lead in the Burn Intensive Care Unit (BICU). She sent it on to Tanya Sorkin at the Children’s Burn Foundation (CBF).
Touched by his story, the Torrance Memorial BICU staff wanted to take Jespa’s case but knew the cost of his extensive surgeries and rehabilita-tion would be in the seven figures. CBF offered to sponsor his treatment. Nearly two years later, an agreement was forged to fund Jespa’s medical care at Torrance Memorial at a deeply discounted rate. Ruth agreed to host Jespa in her home, and Rebecca decided to travel to the United States with him to be his caretaker. The pieces were slowly falling into place for Torrance Memorial to take on its first international burn case.
In October 2015, 16-year-old Jespa arrived in Los Angeles to receive his first real medical care. That week, he also ate his first meal at McDonald’s.
Soon after his arrival, Jespa met with Vimal Murthy, MD, medical director of the Torrance Memorial Burn Center, and Matthew Reiss, MD, burn and reconstructive plastic surgeon, to get a firsthand assessment of his injuries. Jespa arrived carrying a rag to wipe his functional left eye that constantly teared up due to his injuries. Ruth shared that since Jespa’s arrival, she also noticed he slept with that eye open because his injured eyelid wouldn’t close.
The meeting boosted Dr. Reiss’ optimism. He concluded that through surgery, he could likely release and extend Jespa’s right arm, rebuild both of his eyelids and possibly restore some function in his right hand. He would also extend his scalp
to even out his hairline. As final cosmetic touch-es, Dr. Reiss recommended that Jespa receive a prosthetic right eye and skin tattooing to even out his scarred complexion.
“My biggest hope for Jespa is that at the end of his treatment, he will be able to shake hands with me using his right hand,” Dr. Reiss said.
With the prospect of a miracle within a week of his arrival, Jespa’s serious demeanor trans-formed. Before his new friends and the medical team, he used his limited English vocabulary, smiled broadly and repeated, “I’m happy, so happy. Thank you.”
In December 2015, Dr. Reiss made good on his promise. After carefully unwrapping bandages post-surgery, before assembled media, Jespa shrieked in obvious pain. But at the sight of his new hand, his tears quickly melted into another smile. Jespa held up his right hand and stared in amazement. He kept saying, “I have a hand. I have a hand. My prayers have been an-swered.” Dr. Reiss slowly reached to give Jespa’s new hand a gentle first shake.
Dr. Reiss explained that those who meet Jespa can’t help but be moved by his spirit. “When he sees what we’ve been able to do—watching his excitement and happiness about it—it’s priceless,” Dr. Reiss says.
During the next 12 months, Jespa would bravely undergo eight painful surgeries, always waking with a smile. Ocularist Sarah Hadd-ad, B.C.O., B.A.D.O., provided the finishing touches to make him appear more symmetri-cal—the gift of a prosthetic right eye.
Today Jespa, who once struggled in school, is now an A student at Arena High School, an alternative school in El Segundo. In March, he received the “Every Student Succeeds” Award from the El Segundo School District. This is an award presented to students who have achieved something above and beyond what is expected and have struggled and prevailed. He has also been selected as a finalist for this award among students from the entire state of California.
His Southern California experience has included camp with other young burn survi-
vors, a surfing lesson (he even stood up on the board), frequent strand rides on his bike from El Segundo to Palos Verdes, and piano lessons. Dr. Murthy also arranged for him to attend a UCLA football game (Murthy’s alma mater) at the Rose Bowl, and a meeting and hoops session with members of the Los Angeles Lakers. Now at 17, Jespa has grown from 5 feet, 2 inches to nearly 6 feet, in just a year and half. He once believed this journey might involve removal of his right arm, but he can now bend it and use his fingers. He is setting his sights on becoming a doctor or a pilot and helping his brothers and sisters back home, along with others in his situation.
“The doctors brought back my joy,” Jespa says. “My favorite thing about the United States is that people I meet don’t see a disabled person, who can’t do something. They see the possibilities.”
Rebecca will be Jespa’s legal guardian until he is 18. He will do one more “catch-up” year of high school next year. During this time, he’ll continue to live with Ruth, while she works to obtain her Bachelor of Arts in business admin-istration at California State University East Bay, through an online program. Rebecca is working toward passing the Bar in California so she can again practice law.
Although the journey hasn’t been easy, Ruth and Rebecca, single without children of their own, say they have no regrets and have become wiser from the experience.
“There are many things we would definitely do differently. But we went into this with all heart,” Ruth says. “We essentially became instant parents to a teenager and have watched him turn into a man, emotionally and physically.”
She continues, “Now we just want to see him become independent and be able to survive on his own. We want to get him through high school and we’re hoping he will go to college. If we see him have a B.A. (Bachelor of Arts), I will feel mission accomplished.”
Dr. Reiss recommends additional surgeries to further restore the shape of Jespa’s nose, ear and hand. Ruth and Rebecca have set up a GoFundMe account (www.GoFundMe.com/ 2K2G3MYK) to raise money to pay for his medical care and living expenses.
“This has been a huge leap of faith. We just pray and hope everything works out. We were very humbled after we set up the GoFundMe account that we were able to raise more than half of what we needed,” Ruth says. “It says so much about people that they are generous enough to help someone they don’t know. It just blew my mind. It’s so amazing and we’re so grateful.”
JESPA TOSSED A FOOTBALL AT THE ROSE BOWL.
The Ambassadors is a premier group that supports the Torrance Memorial Burn Center, Oncology Services, Rehabilitation Services and Health Education. For more information on the Ambassadors’ annual giving program, visit torrancememorial.org/ambassadors or call Judith Gassner, senior director of Development and Principal Gifts, at 310-517-4704.
PATRONS | Sring 2017 22
IN YOUR COMMUNITY
Torrance Memorial Medical Center’s Holiday Festival raised more than $1.5 million through ticket sales, a Lexus Opportunity Drawing, Holiday Boutique sales, and live and silent auction pledges. Having set a goal to transfer $12 million to the medical center in 2016, the Torrance Memorial Foundation announced at the Holiday Festival Gala dinner that the transfer was completed. Through the commu-nity’s generosity, the Foundation raised nearly $17 million in 2016. Funds raised benefit the transformation of Torrance Memorial’s North Patient Tower—dedicated to mother/baby postpartum, neonatal and pediatric care.
Items such as a dinner and wine pairing for 10 at the Manhattan Beach Strand House’s Private Wine Cellar, trips to Hawaii’s Turtle Bay Resort in Oahu and The Point at Poipu Kauai, as well as a stay at a Sonoma winery for eight, set off a spirited bidding war during the event’s live auction.
More than 15,000 community members enjoyed the six-day event, hosted under a 30,000-square-foot tent on the Torrance Memorial campus. Festivities included a display of 36 themed, decorated trees, Lunch with Santa, two senior days and the South Bay’s largest Holiday Shopping Boutique.
33rd Annual Holiday Festival Raises More Than $1.5 Million
SUZY HALL, DIANE LANDONLOUIS GRAZIADIO, BETH GRAZIADIO, CRAIG QUINN, COLLEEN QUINN, GINGER BREDSEN, CHRIS BREDSEN
BEV GEORGE, LINDA SMITH, MADDIE DAWSON, IRENE GOLDMAN, DAROL DRAGGOO, DEE DEE KING, BARBARA SMITH, JANICE PETROSINO, LINDA ROEHM
HARV DANIELS, RUTH DANIELS, LEE REITLER, MD
NANCY ROUSE, MICHAEL ROUSERALPH SIMMONS, PRISCILLA HUNT, DIANNA SIMMONS HARVEY KUSHNER, PAT SACKS, MD
PATRONS | Spring 2017 23
IN YOUR COMMUNITY
BEV GEORGE, CAROLYN SNYDER
CAROL MARCIL, GERRY MARCIL, SANDII MINSHULL, LEE MINSHULL, ELLEN THEODORA, PAT THEODORA
CRAIG LEACH, JUDY LEACH, JACKIE GEIGER, GREG GEIGER
JULIE YANG, JACKSON YANG, VICTOR PAN, JENNIFER PAN
STEVE HANSEN, LISA HANSEN JONATHAN BEUTLER, SUNNY BEUTLERSARA ZICKUHR, KERI ZICKUHR, MD, SHEILA NAGHI, BEN NAGHI, MD
ERIC MANIACI, KRISTY MANIACI
DEBBIE GELBART, MOE GELBART, PHD MIMI LIU, MONICA SIMERIN HOFFMAN, CAROLE HOFFMAN, HEIDI HOFFMAN, MD
KATHLEEN KRAUTHAMER, RICHARD KRAUTHAMER, MD
PATRONS | Sring 2017 24
IN YOUR COMMUNITY
SONG KLEIN, JUDY GASSNER, CAROLINE GASSNERLAURA SCHENASI, DR. RALPH ALLMAN, SIGRID ALLMAN
ALEX SHEN, MD, ALLY SHEN, LAN SUN, JACK SUN, MD
DEAN FURKIOTI, MD, ANGELA FURKIOTISTEPHANIE TANG, MD, COLLEEN QUINN, MD, ELISA ANHALT, MD, AMANDA CLAUSON, MD, ANA LOPEZ-O’SULLIVAN, MD, SHANNON STACY, MD
SAXON NOWOTKA, ZACH STEEBER, MELISSA STEEBER, RYAN MOORE, RALPH MOORE, SARA MOORE
DAN GRUEN, MARINE GRUEN, LAURIE INADOMI HALVORSEN, GREG HALVORSEN
MARK LURIE, MD, BARBARA DEMMING LURIE, SONG KLEIN, HELAINE LOPES, DAVE KLEIN BEATRICE SHENG, AL SHENG
PATRONS | Spring 2017 25
IN YOUR COMMUNITY
FRONT ROW: PILAR FEIR, KRISTINA DURKIN, TIFFANY MESKOBACK ROW: MICHAEL ZISLIS, ANDREA ZISLIS, SANDESHA SINGH, KAPIL SINGH, JEFF NEU, KEVIN DURKIN
MAYOR PAT FUREY, CAROLYN SNYDER, JEAN O’DELL, RAY O’DELL, BOB HABEL, MARY HOFFMAN
AYNE BAKER, JACK BAKER
TOP (LEFT TO RIGHT): ANA LOPEZ-O’SULLIVAN, MD, ZACHARY GRAY, MD, GRETCHEN LENT, MD, DANA KENNEDY, MD, ELISA ANHALT, MD, BRIAN MIURA, MD BOTTOM (LEFT TO RIGHT): ERIC NAKKIM, MD, GINA SULMEYER, MD, SHANNON STACY, MD, AMANDA CLAUSON, MD, STEPHANIE TANG, DO, DAVID PRESSER, MD
GERALD TURPANJIAN, PATRICIA TURPANJIAN, LORI MUNCHERIAN, JACK MUNCHERIAN
RALPH SCRIBA
MELANIE LUNDQUIST, CRAIG LEACH, JUDY LEACH
PATRONS | Sring 2017 26
IN YOUR COMMUNITY
A sold-out, high-fashion runway show once again kicked off Holiday Festival. The show featured classic and elegant day, cocktail and evening attire by Kevan Hall Designs, as well as rare and original designs by Edwards-Lowell Furs of Beverly Hills.
Fashion Show Kicks Off Festival in High Style
SONG KLEIN, DEENA RUTH, TRACY LIVIAN
NADINE BOBIT, LINDA PERRY, KELLI PIKEN, ROXANNE MIRHASHEMI
JACKIE LEIMBACH, RANDY DAUCHOT, ALLISON MAYER, KELLY SPAGNOLA
SANDY ORMSBY, CAROLE HOFFMAN, ADRIANA POPOVICH
PAM WOO, KAREN CHUANG, SHARON COORS, CATHY ODA, TAMMI WONG, DEBBIE UBA
CECE YU, VALERIE ADLAM, ROKSOLANA VECEREK, SUE FRANK, ELAINE MCRAE, JUDY MATSUDA
PATRONS | Spring 2017 27
IN YOUR COMMUNITY
GEORGEANN DENNIS, DORIS MIGUELEZ, SIGRID ALLMAN
CARO MIGUELEZ, KIM WHITCOMBE, NADINE BOBIT, COLLEEN WITTIMORE, LAURA SCHENASI, SANDRA HEITZLER
KATIE CHEN, WENDY TENG, SUNNY BEUTLER, MARY SUN, MD
CAROLIN KEITH WADE, SANDY VANDENBERGE, ANNE LIN
CHRISTINE GAUDENTI, CHELSEA GAUDENTI, CAROLINE GASSNER, JUDITH GASSNER CAROLYN SNYDER, JUDY JONES
PATRONS | Sring 2017 28
IN YOUR COMMUNITY
It’s become a new Holiday Festival tradition. Members of the Ambassa-dors, the Young Physicians and Professionals Alliance, the Professional Advisory Council, tree designers, decorators and tree sponsors gathered the Sunday before the official opening to witness the lighting of Holiday Festival trees. Guests voted to select winners in categories that includ-ed “Best Children’s Theme,” “Most Original” and “Best Tree Design.” Dancers from the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Redondo Beach took the stage, performing highly technical tangos and lifts while guests sipped wine and enjoyed sweet and savory treats.
Ambassadors, YPPA and PAC Celebrate Festival Tree Lighting
SANDRA WANG, JUDITH GASSNER, JOANNA CHANG, STANLEY CHANG, MDRICH LUCY, PAT LUCY, LAURA SCHENASI, MARC SCHENASI
CAROLE HOFFMAN, HEIDI HOFFMAN, MD, SONG KLEIN, PAT LUCY, JENNIFER BRAY, DAVID BRAY, MDSTEPHANIE TANG, DO, ASHLEY SANELLO, MD
SCOTT DONNELLY, WADE NISHIMOTO, MD
ALEX SHEN, MD, ALLYSON SHEN AND SONSJOE HOHM, ANNSLEY MARSHALL, MATTHEW MARSHALL, TERRY HOHM, ANNA MELLOR, MD, ERIC MELLOR
NADINE BOBIT, HANK PARKER, APRIL PARKER
RON MELENDEZ, MD, SUNNY MELENDEZ, MD, ANNA MELLOR, MD, ERIC MELLOR
PATRONS | Spring 2017 29
IN YOUR COMMUNITY
Torrance Memorial Hospice hosted its 21st annual “Light Up a Life” event Sunday, November 13, in honor of National Hospice and Palliative Care Month. The tree lighting and fundraiser provide an opportunity to celebrate, reminisce and honor a loved one’s life. The event included a performance by the Los Cancioneros Master Chorale and music by members of the Palos Verdes Peninsula High School Symphonic Orchestra. Funds raised support Torrance Memorial’s Hospice programs and assist those who cannot afford hospice care.
“Light Up A Life” Honors Lost Loved Ones
Local families had special access to the man in the red suit at the Holiday Festival Lunch with Santa. The annual event was sponsored by The Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris Foundation and hosted by the Luminaries and Novas—parent/child support organizations for Torrance Memorial Medical Center. Attendees participated in a plethora of activities, including face painting, crafts, and photos with Santa. Each guest received admis-sion to the Holiday Festival tent, where festivities continued and attendees could view the 36 themed trees on display, while sampling holiday treats.
Holiday Festival Lunch with Santa
A GUEST IS FULLY IMMERSED IN MAKING HER TREE ORNAMENT
A FAMILY GATHERS AROUND SANTA TO CAPTURE A HOLIDAY MEMORY
MEMBERS OF THE NOVAS, SANTA’S ELVES (AUXILIARY MEMBERS) AND SANTA TAKE TIME OUT TO POSE FOR A PHOTO
KAELA ALVAREZ AND PAIGE GOMEZ, DANCERS FROM SAN PEDRO CITY BALLETGUESTS WITH AMANDA STEWART, ROB STEWART
HOSPICE VOLUNTEERS PEGGY TIBERI, IONA MATSON, SUE MORGAN, KATHARINE CRAWLEY TORRANCE MEMORIAL HOSPICE STAFF
PATRONS | Sring 2017 30
IN YOUR COMMUNITY
Physicians and donors gathered to celebrate the opening of Torrance Memo-rial Medical Center’s newly renovated Mother/Baby Postpartum Unit on October 13. Guests toured the unit and participated in raffle drawings for diaper cakes and plush animals. Torrance Memorial’s Young Physicians and Professionals Alliance (YPPA) presented a $15,000 donation. Food and beverage for the event were underwritten by PDM LLP. The new, all-private patient rooms are 33% larger, offering more space for moms to “room in” with their new babies to facilitate bonding. The unit’s opening is phase one of a $33 million renovation. Once completed, the North Wing will also feature new Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care Units.
Doctors and Donors Celebrate New Mother/Baby Unit
SHIBANI PATELL, MD, MARY WRIGHT, RN, JERRY SCHWARTZ, MD, LEAZEL ROJAS, RN, ELLIOT SUMI, MD
MARINA PELZL, RN, LEADS A TOUR OF THE NEW UNIT
THE YPPA EXECUTIVE BOARD PRESENTS A CHECK TO MOTHER BABY. BETH LOWERISON, RN, ALEX SHEN, MD, LEAH ROMINE, RN, NADINE BOBIT, NICK ARQUETTE, JAMIE MCKINNELL, MD, HEIDI HOFFMAN, MD, CLAY ZACHRY, MARY WRIGHT, RN, SONG KLEIN, STANLEY CHANG, MD, BARB LEQUIRE, RN
BETH LOWERISON, RN, JERRY SCHWARTZ, MD, BARB LEQUIRE, RN, SHIBANI PATELL, MD WADE NISHIMOTO, MD, DONNA YUKIHIRO, RN, SCOTT DONNELLY SONG KLEIN, JUSTIN HOLCHER
VANCE ALBITZ, ALLISON MAY, HANK PARKERJULIETTE SHULL, RN, NICOLE PAYNE, RN, JAMIE MCKINNELL, MD, MELANIE FRIEDLANDER, MD
ALICE DIEGO-MALIT, MD, ELISA ANHALT, MD, LAURA SERGIS, MD, KELSEY NORDELL, RN
PATRONS | Spring 2017 31
IN YOUR COMMUNITY
BARBARA DEMMING LURIE, MARK LURIE, MD, DAVE KLEIN, SONG KLEIN JOE HOHM, BRANDON HOHM
GENERAL DAVID PETRAEUS, SALLY EBERHARDJOE HOHM, BOB HOLMES, GENERAL DAVID PETRAEUS, RUSS LESSER, RICH LUCY CRAIG LEACH, SIGRID ALLMAN, RALPH ALLMAN, DDS
CRAIG LEACH, JUDY LEACH, GENERAL DAVID PETRAEUS, JUDITH GASSNER, MICHAEL ZISLIS, MARK LURIE, MD HARV DANIELS, SANDY VANDENBERGE
Former CIA Director and four-star Army General David Petraeus spoke at a private reception at Shade Hotel Manhattan Beach for Torrance Memorial Patrons on October 25. Petraeus is best known for leading multiple operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as being the director of the Central Intelligence Agency. Petraeus, whose military career lasted more than 37 years, addressed questions from Torrance Memorial donors. The reception preceded his appearance at the Distin-guished Speaker Series of Southern California later that evening, which is sponsored by Torrance Memorial.
Patrons Hear from Decorated General
PHIL PAVESI, MICHAEL ZISLIS, JEROME UNATIN, MD, MIKE PHILBIN, VAN HONEYCUTT
PATRONS | Sring 2017 32
IN YOUR COMMUNITY
Torrance Memorial Medical Center kicked off Movember with its “Pints for Prostates” beer-tasting night on October 27 at the new Shade Hotel Redondo Beach. Attendees sampled beer from local brewers King Harbor Brewing Co., Strand Brewing Co. and Hop Saint Brewing Co., while experts and prostate cancer survivors gave their perspectives on prostate cancer and the importance of early detection. Proceeds supported the Movember Foundation, an international organization focused on research and support for men’s health. The event kicked off the foundation’s 2016 South Bay Mo-vember drive, where individuals grow out a mustache or get physically active in the month of November to raise funds and awareness for men’s health.
Torrance Memorial Raises a Glass for Prostate Cancer Awareness
CLARK BROWN, JENNIFER BROWN, CRAIG EKBERG, HANNE EKBERG, ALICIA HENDERSON, JEFF HENDERSON, SOPHIE RIETDYK, GUIDO RIETDYK, LISA CHEATHAM, SONG KLEIN, JAMES CHEATHAM, PATTI DELCARSON, STEVE DELCARSON, GARRETT MATSUNAGA, MD, GREG DELGADO, LORI DELGADO
CURTIS MANN, RICH MARCELLO, DAVID WALLIS, MD, GUEST
CONNIE SENNER, JASON CLARK, CARINA MILLS, COLLEEN FARRELL, RIC HAMMONDANN O’BRIEN, TIM LESSER, MD, ERIN FIORITO
STEVE WALLIS, DAVID WALLIS, MD, GARRETT MATSUNAGA, MD, JAMEY VOLK, CHIRAG PATEL, MD
ELAINE TROTTER, SHERRY KRAMER, JANIE HONEYCUTT
RICH LUCY, JUDITH GASSNER, BRET LOBNER, ROD RAYNOVICH
SOUTH BAY MO BROS.TIMOTHY LESSER, MD, SANDY GOODMAN, DAVID WALLIS, MD, JUDITH GASSNER, GARRETT MATSUNAGA, MD, ROBERT HESSLING
PATRONS | Spring 2017 33
IN YOUR COMMUNITY
On Sunday, September 18 Young Physicians and Professionals Alliance board members and their spouses Alex Shen, MD, (and Ally) and Song Klein (and Dave) hosted a YPPA recruitment fiesta at the picturesque Portuguese Bend Beach Club. The focus was to introduce Torrance Memorial Medical Center’s network of pediatricians and OB/GYNs to South Bay young professionals and families. After margaritas,
ceviche, tacos and s’mores, Beth Lowerison, RN, Mother/Baby, updat-ed attendees about renovations to Torrance Memorial’s North Tower. Alice Diego-Malit, MD, and Deepjot Singh, MD, introduced the pediatri-cians and OB/GYNs in attendance. A new Maternal/Child Postpartum Unit opened this past fall. Once completed, the revamped North Wing will also feature Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care Units.
YPPA Hosts Summer Beach Fiesta
YPPA gathered for its Survivor-themed fall mixer event at Shade Hotel Manhattan Beach. Members enjoyed a casual evening of games and networking along with cocktails and dinner.
YPPA “Survivor Night” Fall Mixer
HANK SHELDON, ANGELA PARK SHELDON
FRONT- FRANCES MCKINDSEY, MD, BRIAN MIURA, MD, ELENA RODRIGUEZ, MD, LAUREN NGUYEN, MD, HEIDI HOFFMAN, MD, JOHN ABE, MD BACK- KAY MAY KWOK, MD, LAURA SERGIS, MD, DEEPJOT SINGH, MD, ALEX SHEN, MD, ALICE DIEGO- MALIT, MD, TRACY BERCU, MD, STEPHANIE TANG, DO
STEPHANIE TANG, DO, CHRISTOPHER ANGEMI, DO, ALLISON HOLCHER, JUSTIN HOLCHER
DAVE KLEIN, SONG KLEIN, ALLY SHEN, ALEX SHEN, MD
BETH LOWERISON, KAY MAY KWOK, MD, STEPHANIE BEZNER
STANLEY CHANG, MD, DANIELLE BOUJIKIAN, JOANNE CHANG, FRANCES MCKINDSEY, MD, JOHN ABE, MD
BRITTANY LINDLIEF, JASON STONE, KIM EDWARDS, BENJAMIN ARCHER
GUESTS PLAYING THE SURVIVOR GROUP GAMEERIK BOWMAN, MICHELE MCRAE, NICK ARQUETTE, CYRUS SHARGH, CHRISTINA AIGNER
VANCE ALBITZ, ALLISON MAY, NADIA ANTII, CLAY ZACHRY
PATRONS | Sring 2017 34
IN YOUR COMMUNITY
Torrance Memorial’s Young Physicians & Professionals Alliance (YPPA) hosted a Fat Tuesday Beer Tasting at Smog City Brewing Company in Torrance. Guests networked while enjoying handcrafted brews, King Cake, all the way from New Orleans, and pizza. Proceeds from the event support construction of Tor-rance Memorial’s new Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care Units. For more information visit www.torrancememorial.org/YPPA.
YPPA Celebrates Mardi Gras with Local Brews
MADELINE SCHENASI, SANDY VANDENBERGE, NADINE BOBIT, MARC SCHENASI, DANIELLE BOUJIKIAN
HANK PARKER, ROSELYN KASMIRE, ELIAS KHAWAM, MD, ERIC CHEUNG
CLAY ZACHRY ENCOURAGES THE CROWD TO JOIN YPPA.
JOE SPIERER, ERIC HAYNES
DAVID BRAY, MD, JENNIFER BRAY
CARLOS GARCIA, MD, KELLY VAN DER KAR, ROGER HONG, MD, CLARE KASPER, MIKHAIL KOVSHILOVSKY, MD, BENJAMIN CARROLL, MD, SHERONDA SMITH, MD, NINA JANATPOUR, MD
BEN ARCHER, NADINE BOBIT, HEIDI HOFFMAN, MD
CANINE GUEST
VANCE ALBITZ, ALLISON MAY
PATRONS | Spring 2017 35
IN YOUR COMMUNITY
Torrance Memorial Ambassadors came together for a social evening at the HT Grill in Redondo Beach. Guests mixed and mingled with existing, new and potential Ambassador members as they enjoyed cocktails and appetizers. The mission of the Ambassadors is to educate and save lives by helping to sustain programs and services provided by the medical center’s Burn Center, Hunt Cancer Institute, Turpanjian Rehabilitation Services and Health Education. For more information on how to become an Ambassador, contact Judith Gassner at 310-517-4704 or visit www.torrancememorial.org/ambassadors.
Happy Hour with the Ambassadors
LISA LAHR, SONG KLEIN, NINA SANTICH, JUDITH GASSNER, MARCIA AUGUST, SUSIE SHULTZ
LORI RICHARDS, ANN ZIMMERMAN, PAULA THOMAS, CHRISTY ABRAHAM, MELISSA ORR
KAREN VARON, MARCIA AUGUST, SUSAN GOODLERNER, MDKATHLEEN KRAUTHAMER, PAM CRANE, MARIA GRAU
SONG KLEIN, BARBARA ZUCKERMAN, DIANE LANDON
DANIELLE BOUJIKIAN, JUDITH GASSNER, HARRIET BAILISS-SUSTARSIC ALLISON MAYER, PAULA THOMAS, KELLY SPAGNOLA
PATRONS | Sring 2017 36
Torrance Memorial Would Like to GIVE SPECIAL THANKS to Our Many Supporters
GIFTS FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2016 - JANUARY 31, 2017$2,000,000 + Melanie & Richard Lundquist
$1,000,000 +Rozelyn Redisch EstateTorrance Memorial Auxiliary
$500,000 - $999,999Ruth Ann Pearce & Allen AlpayKenneth T. & Eileen L. Norris
FoundationJackson & Julie Yang
$100,000 - $499,999Barbara & David BentleyMelanie & John BronsteinMin Shun & Jia Bee ChangAndy Cohen & FamilyBillee & John GogianAida HillwayDonald† & Priscilla HuntJanis Adams & John LyonsGerry† & Dorothy Mayer*Franceen & Michael McClungCarol & Karl McMillen Joelene & Bill Mertz Oarsmen FoundationLoraine & Ralph Scriba*René & Phyllis ScribeDeborah & Donald StewartEllen & Patrick TheodoraDeborah & Tom Thomas
$50,000 - $99,999Sigrid & Ralph AllmanAyne & Jack BakerFrancis P. Torino FoundationChristine & Bob GaudentiJeffrey NeuTorrance Memorial
Radiology GroupDonny Baek, MDAlbert Grabb, MDHeidi Hoffman, MDRachel Knopoff, MDRichard Krauthamer, MDAmanda Murphy, MDMitchell Parver, MDMitchell Sklar, MD George So, MDDavid Stone, MD
Andrea & Michael Zislis
$25,000 - $49,999James P. BurtOi-Lin & Tei-Fu ChenKim McCarthy & Benjamin Cheng
Leonor ChernilaMichele & Robert ChristensenOfelia & Emmanuel DavidRebecca & Robert DeSantisKrissie & Scott DouglasRoxanne & Bruce EllisonEmployee Ambassador ProgramGreta & Mike JarvisJayashree & Vinod Jivrajka, MDBrandie & Roy KaneshiroMarcil Family FoundationMarybeth & Roy MartinezDoris & Gregory MortonHoward SacharJudith & Sherrill SipesMarie & Dan StefferudThelma & Phil SteinbergTF Educational FoundationTorrance Memorial Medical StaffLiz & Rich UmbrellKimberly ValleeRussell Varon
$15,000 - $24,999Valerie & Chris AdlamCOR Healthcare
Medical AssociatesRuth & Harv DanielsRandy & Luke DauchotDottie & Larry DelpitDodson Foundation, Inc.Pamela FairbanksDarla Valliant & Jack FeldmanGeorge & Reva Graziadio
FoundationKeenan HealthcareRobert P. KochOwens & Minor Distribution Inc.Lore & Marvin PatrickSam & Monica SimTorrance Pathology Group
Greg Baetge, MD, John Blakey, MD,
Michael Dunlap, MD, John Kunesh, MD
$10,000 - $14,999Christy & Jay AbrahamDiana CutlerAngela & Dean Furkioti, DDSPatricia & David HempelEve & Rick HigginsCarole HoffmanRachel & Stephen LiuMarilyn & Ian MacLeodBrian Miura, MDDena PetrofanisPatricia Sacks, MD
& Harvey KushnerAlfredo & Beatrice ShengPhyllis & Steven SpiererJanice & Timur TecimerMarshall VaronStanley & Frances ZeeAnn & Gary Zimmerman
$5,000 - $9,999Sandy & Tim ArmourAssociation of South Bay Surgeons
Riad Adoumie, MDNeil Bhayani, MDJames Camel, MDSteven Fisher, MDMelanie Friedlander, MDStanley Klein, MDAmir Kaviani, MDAlbert Lam, MDCatherine Madorin, MDVijay Muraliraj, MDSon Nguyen, MDHouman Solomon, MDAileen Takahashi, MDRoman Litwinski, MDHouman Saedi, MD
Evelyn & Donny Baek, MDLien & Greg Baetge, MDJennifer & Brad BakerKaren BlainAngelie & John D. Blakey, MDAnn & David BuxtonJudy Nei & Vinh Cam, MDRobin CamrinSteven Davis, MDDigestive Care Consultants
Medical GroupBernadette &
Michael T. Dunlap, MDSally & Mike EberhardEMCOR Service/Mesa Energy
SystemsThyra J. Endicott, MD &
Rev. Jonathan ChuteElaine & Ron FloranceMelanie H. Friedlander, MDAlbert Grabb, MDErin & Heidi Hoffman, MDTerry & Joe HohmDrs. Kalpana & Hugo HoolRonna & Robert KatzRachel Knopoff, MD &
Russell Dickerson, MDKathleen & Richard
Krauthamer, MDLisa & John P. Kunesh, MDCharlotte & Russ LesserEric & Anna B. Mellor, MD
Cheryl MelvilleJacquelyne & Steven MillerSandii & Lee MinshullKeith & Amanda Murphy, MDBorseen OushanaKelly & Chris RogersNancy & Michael RouseMarge SchugtLaura & Thomas Simko, MDFay & Mitchell Sklar, MDGeorge So, MD
& Hsin-Yi Lee, MDSodexoKimberly & David Stone, MDJan & Ian TeagueTorrance Emergency Physicians
$2,500 - $4,9992H ConstructionLori & David BaldwinBCM Boehling Construction
Management. Inc.Neil Bhayani, MD & Jamie FrancoNadine & Ty BobitLinda & Zan CalhounCalifornia Resources CorporationJoan & Chris CarasPatricia & Dick CarlsonSusan & David Chan, MDPhilomina & Raju ChhabriaJason J. ClarkNancy CombsKathleen Crane & the Honorable
Milan SmithRuth & Jim DeFlavioExeter Business Network, LLCRegina & Dan FinneganJackie & Greg GeigerGeorge GrahamLisa & Steven HansenHUB International of CaliforniaJames & Gable Insurance BrokersAlexis & Peter JensenSong & David Kleinkpff Consulting EngineersJudy & Craig LeachBarbara Demming Lurie
& Mark Lurie, MDKristy & Eric ManiaciMcCarthy Building CompaniesKak & David McKinnieLisa Humphreys, MD & John P.
McNamara, MDMedline Industries Inc.Fifi MenzelosMorgan’s JewelersMorrow-Meadows CorporationMurray Company
*Planned Gift | † Deceased
PATRONS | Spring 2017 37
Lisa & Eric Nakkim, MDPacific National GroupKaren & Mitchell Parver, MDPayden & RygelAmy & Thomas RicciLaura & Marc SchenasiConnie SennerAllyson & Alexander Shen, MDSouth Bay Pain DocsGina Sulmeyer, MD
& Michael ArriolaTMPN Cancer CareTorrance Anesthesia Medical
Group, Inc.Torrance Memorial NeonatologyCynthia & Arthur TuversonUnified Care ServicesKaren VaronKay & Dwight Yamada
$1,000 - $2,499Agarwal Family FoundationMark Ancheta, MDLinda & James ArmorAscension Lutheran ChurchJeanne & Fikret Atamdede, MDBank of America FoundationNancy Weisel & James BentonPeggy & Clifford BerwaldStephanie & Brian BeznerElaine & Jerome BleiweisMarsha & Ken BoehlingJamie BornSrikanth & Renuka R.
Boyapalli, MDDiana & George BrandtTrudy BrownLeigh Campbell-Wilson, MD
& Vernon Wilson, MDCannon Building Services, Inc.Ann CarleyCarson Medical GroupLois CarterSarasa & Rama Chandran, MDJoanne & Stanley Chang, MDSandy & Thomas CobbKate & Dave CockeMei & William CollierJoy & Marc Colman, MDJames CookSharon CoorsChristian CordobaStephanie CartozianPhyllis & Donald CullerBonnie DarrowMaureen DeardenEdith DeesRaj DhamiSusan DilamarterDebbie & Stephen Dinsmore, MD
Diane & Thomas Duralde, MDAnna EakinsBobbie & George FarinskyPatricia & Paul FrancisDenise & Roy Fu, MDChristina & Giovanni FunicielloRobert GatesGelbart & AssociatesMary GiordanoKhryste & Steven GriswoldMarnie & Dan GruenSusan & David HaasRosalind Farmans HalikisShanna & Jack HallLaurie Inadomi-Halvorsen
& Greg G. HalvorsenHarbor Care CenterMary G. Harris Nancy & Keith HaugeMary & Peter HazelriggHeritage Rehabilitation CenterGabriella & Ken Holt, MDInternal Medicine & Nephrology
Medical Group, Inc.Mary Rose & Thomas JeffryJudy & Parnelli JonesRose Contreras & Mike KaplanVince KellyBrenda & Kraig KilgoreLucy & Byron KimballKinecta Federal Credit UnionAnnette KingKirkland & Ellis Foundation
Arlene & Michael KloskCarla KotoyantzErika & Robert KraakDonna & Louis LaMontMarlis-Gay LarkinsBarbara & Barry LeQuireStanley LevineLinda & David LillingtonRobyn & David LloydLomita Post Acute CarePeter Lorman, MDPat & Rich LucyLuminaries of Torrance MemorialMarcil M. Mamita, MDThomas MathieuMelanie Dee, MD &
Garrett S. Matsunaga, MDDrs. Sunny & Ron MelendezMelany & Paul MerrymanRoxanne & Ramin MirhashemiDiane & Davis MoorePatricia & Larry MurphyKaren & Gene Naftulin, MDSerena & John NganWade Nishimoto, MDCorinne &
Randolph C. O’Hara, MDLorraine OwHank Parker, CPAChristina & Phillip PavesiPDMKelli & Edward Piken, MDNancy Poirier
Heather & John PolkAdriana & Greg PopovichKathryn & Craig PoropatTamara R. PowersTodd PowleyPrestige Care Physician, Ind.Rosemary PudlikColleen & Craig QuinnPatricia A. RedmondReproductive Partners
Medical Group, Inc.Carlene RingerH. Elena Rodriguez, MD
& Paul BallesterosLaura & James RosenwaldJames RyanSandra SandersJulie & Nick J. Silvino, MDDebra & Jerry SoldnerSouth Bay Gastroenterology
Medical GroupSouth Bay Plastic SurgeonsKathleen & John SpearmanSpierer, Woodward, Corbalis
& GoldbergCherie & William SteckbauerBert StewartRose StraubCathrine & Carlo TabellarioAileen M. Takahashi, MD
& Charles Spenler, MDInge ThompsonTimeless Language Center Inc.
CHRISTINA PAVESI, PHIL PAVESI
PATRONS | Sring 2017 38
Torrance Memorial Would Like to GIVE SPECIAL THANKS to Our Many Supporters
Mari TokashikiTorrance Orthopedic
& Sports Medicine GroupMarie Joelle & Jerome Unatin, MDSandy VandenBergeVoya FinancialMargaret & David WaiteJoyce WalkerSusan & Matthew WhelanSally & Carroll WhitneyAlissa & Mike WilsonMonica & Peter WongMary WrightSandy & Frank YangHarry Yoshikawa
$500 - $999Christina V. AignerAlpine Electronics of AmericaElisa Anhalt, MD
& Douglas LaurinNadia AntiiMelanie & Benjamin ArcherAnthony M. Arellano-Kruse, MDMarcia & Lawrence August, MDAlbert AvoianHarriet Bailiss-Sustarsic
& Scott SmithKirbie BaldwinLenore Bemis
Tracy Bercu, MD & Peter Weinstein
Juma Bharadia, MDWalter S. Brannan, MDJulie & Mark BrownElena & Larry BrunsBurkley & Brandlin LLPJim Butcherc/a ArchitectsCathy & Patrick CarrollMarlene A. CarterJohn ChamberlainShaun ChandranMaria & Kevin ChapmanAnthony Chen, MDNancy Peterson & Richard ChunClimatec Building
Technologies GroupKathy & Paul CohenFrancine & Phillip CookCari & Fred CorbalisIttie & Warren CuttingJayantha & Parin De MelCindy & Steven DennisKarla Burns & Brett DillenbergScott J. Donnelly, CPABeth A. Dorn, MDSuzann & Don DouthwrightKristina & Kevin DurkinBlake Edwards
Stephanie EnrightExxon Mobil FoundationRobin FernandezRachael M. Ferraro, DODell Fortune & Stephen NashFriedman Investment CompanyJeff FyffeJudith GassnerDeborah & Morris Gelbart, PhDTeresa GordonNancy Griffith, MD
& Richard Schell, MDKimberly & Justin GuichardJames P. HaireEric J. Harris, Esq.Eric HaynesHealthcare SolutionsGisele & Norman HerringtonKitty & Alfred HillThomas HillGeorge HillsingerChih-Ming & Shirley HoMary Hoffman & Bob HabelAllison & Justin HolcherDiana & Van HoneycuttNaiwei Hsu-ChangLily HuangThomas HubertySandra & Karl JacksonMona & Derrick Kawamoto
Keesal, Young & LoganKay & William E. Kim, MDAnn Marie & Michael KirstWendy KlarikSherry & Ian Kramer, MDGigi & David KramerKay May Kwok, MD
& Mark RoslonAnne LaityDiane & Mark LandonAnne & David LinHelaine & Steve LopesChristopher & Lisa MartzMary Todd McCormack
& Peter McCormackCatherine MeltonBarbara & John MenzelosEvi & David MeyerMHP Structural EngineersCesar MichelJill & Dan MoranSusan & Roy NelsonLauren Nguyen, MD & Chris PeerFarhad B. Nowzari, MDDiane & Stephen Nuccion, MDMelissa Orr & Ken AsterRobin & Norman Panitch, MDPeninsula Medical
Management ServicesTania & Ryan Peterson
THE SCHUGT FAMILY
PATRONS | Spring 2017 39
Mary & Anthony PodellDavid PulleyPV Family &
Immediate Medical CarePeggy & Gerry Reich, MDPatrick RendonTiffany Rogers, MDRolling Hills Preparatory SchoolValerie & Christopher RossLorraine & Martin M. Ross, MDAdele RuxtonDrs. Sutha & Vic SacharMarion ScharffenbergerGregory SchillKrista & Tom Schlappatha, CFPCatherine & Jonathan SchneiderCathy & Alan SiegelSilverado Senior LivingMargaret & Edward SipesWilliam SmaleCarolyn SnyderJozy & Charles SoderstromSouth Bay Alumnae of Alph PhiSouth Bay Orthopaedic
Specialists Medical CenterDavid Stern, MDBetty StraussRue StrockNani & Elliot Sumi, MDLan & Jack Sun, MDRuby & Clarence TabataPaula & Mark Thomas
Sue & Gary ThompsonTormed Women’s Medical GroupCathy & Peter Tseng, MDShiela & Mark TsujimotoCynthia & Kazuaki UemuraKerry & David Wallis, MDLeona WesleyRobyn & Scott WilkesBarbara & Edmund WilkinsonMatthew WillisAlice YoungSara & Keri R. Zickuhr, MD
$250 - $499Gail & Doug AllenJackie & Wayne AndrewsKaren & Bob ArmstrongJody B. Aronson, MD
& Marc Rosenthal, MDRalph AvakianKathleen & Randy AvakianRoxane & Larry BakerjianSusan BenchMaral Bolsajian Hand
& Brian HandNancy BrennanMimi BrodyEllen & Charles BroylesMargaret BurnsJames CabanissAmanda CalhounAlida & Stevan Calvillo
Edna CampbellCanyon Verde School Inc.Nancy CarterKaren ChuangCheryl & Stephen ConnorsDeborah CordanoPamela CraneKaren & Daniel CullenKristin & Andrew CurrenDarol DraggooDunn & AssociatesSuzanne & Richard FarmanBrenda Favilla-Beatty
& Doug BeattyFine Feathered Friends FoundationFriday Nite LiveTerry & Pat FureyGiving Tree ProgramRobert N. Glazer, MDRobert GotthofferJudith GrohneJean HardyBeth & Erik HigginsMary HilemanHome MedixGalena Miller-Horii
& Dwayne HoriiDaniel Hovenstine, MDJulie & Nick HulseDiane JamiesonLisa JesterKarin & Ronald W Jones
Nancy KelloggRev. James KimGaile & Gene KoechelerThomas KoehringPaula KozinskiPatricia KromkaLisa LahrJune LeachLaVerne LoekJoan MastickFrances McKindsey, MDCaro & John MiguelezClaire Worch & Michael MillerRobin & Marc Mittleman, MDDiane & Davis D. MooreKate Niehoff, MDLisa & Charles NoskiWilliam OberholzerPediatric Therapy NetworkLinda PerryPeter Pettler Esq.Kelvin PhamJan & Mike PhilbinCarolyn & Ted PorterGayle ProbstLinda & Allan RahnMichelle & David Rand, MDLee Reitler, MDLynn A. SakamotoCheryl J. ScaffidiCarol & Craig SchenasiMelanie Schugt
FRONT ROW: EMMANUEL DAVID, JUMA BHARADIA, MD, SUNITHA BHARADIA, MD, MARYBETH MARTINEZ; BACK ROW: ROY KANESHIRO, BRANDIE KANSEHIRO, OFELIA DAVID, ROY MARTINEZ, RAMONA VILLALUZ, NESTOR TUAZM JR.
PATRONS | Sring 2017 40
Torrance Memorial Would Like to GIVE SPECIAL THANKS to Our Many Supporters
Barbara Schulz, MDMahesh & Sadhna Sejpal, DDSJean & Claude SeveranceMarianne SfreddoAdrianne ShortRoya & Hicham Siouty, MDJill & Thomas SmithSouth Bay Chinese
Women’s AssociationSouth Bay Evergreen Seniors
AssociationFrederick StevensDouglass StewartCarol & Joseph SugimotoAiko & Walter Sumi, MDSteven SupticSuzanne & Allen SussmanRhea & Ronald TankersleyLisa Green-Templeton
& Kevin TempletonThe Torrance Woman’s ClubMarta & Mike ThomasJan & Don Van BurenCarol VermilyeRonald WaleckiCathi & R. Michael Wyman, MDVeronica & Sean Yokoe
$100 - $249Kathy & Howard Abrams, MDLaurie AcoreJeanette & Jerry AdamsMarcella & Diego AgudeloJuan AguirreModupe Aiyegbusi, MDArthur M. AmasakiVanina & Ruiz AngeloniCindy ArdonCarol & Bert ArgoPaula AricoJudy & Charles ArmstrongJudy ArnoldAshcraft DesignSherri AshmanSusan AtlasDamira & Milo BacicDolores & James BaileyPatricia BakerPatricia BaldiviaJosephine BalzanoGeri BarkanStephanie & William BarnesGayle BarneySandra BarrettEdie & Joe BeachboardJulie & Brian BeckmanBela FitCathy & John BellottiNancy & Everett BenderBrenda & Luis Bentivengo
Bentley Management Group, LLCAmy BergRenee & Brian BerlinerEd BernardoDouglas BernhagenPatricia Rowe, MD,
& Howard BessenDrs. Sharda & Vijay BhasinVinko BjazevicToni & Steven BockNancy BolenMadge & Steve BoothEvelyn & Curtice BoothJoAnn & Lawrence BoothRuth V. BorgesBorrowed BlingBill BrashierChris BroadhurstBroadsword Trading CorporationBetty BroughtonJennifer BrownSylvia & Harry BruniKurt BuehlerDonna & James BunnHeather & Glenn BurrHeather & Donald LeggNorma CabasCarol CadyTerry CaineBarbara CallenLibelito CaluagJanice CamJames Camel, MDCandace Cameron
& John SchlottigRenee & Joseph CampanellaAnn CampbellElaine CarnegisMargaret CarterHelle & Dennis CatalloKaris E. Say-CaveccheCatherine ChamblissAngela ChanOlivia ChanFrances & Thomas ChandlerMing ChangCharles & Kathleen ChaoChangrong ChengLillian & Thomas ChengJeanne & Albert ChouDiana CiszekLouise & David ClintonCynthia CohenMoira & Michael CohnDebbie & Todd CooperJohn CorsautSandra CraigMarcia CribbsElyse & Lloyd CrisfieldEvie Crittenden
Anne CrofutLinda CurrieD7 Ventures, Inc.Dale Michele, Inc.Helen & Gus DalisJoanne & Albert D’AmicoMonica DavisAnita DavisGeorgia & William DavisAriel De La MercedErin DeeringDaniel DelpPatricia Demarest Lynch
& Brian LynchGeorge Ann & Bucky DennisPriscilla DeriegJoanne DerricksonCharles DoddLee DorseyShirley DrakeLeslie DurhamTerry & Wally DurhamSuzanne DyerGisela EhlersBeth & Berkley EichelJulie ElkinThomas ElkinsWerner EngelJonathan & Faydra EngelNancy EricksonSherry EricksonMarlene ErskineEloise & Robert EvansGeorge FarquharBonnie & Gerald N. Felando, DDSBeth FerrisJudith & Robert FisherDarlene & Paul FoleyFranklin FongCarol FongMonica ForanDerek FormanSusan FrankBeverly FridleyBrian FujishigeJudy & Kenneth FullenwiderBrian GauthierElaine & Byron GeeJoseph GerberAaron Gerson, DDSDeborah GilesLarry GoldmanIrene Goldman & David SatoAnn R. GoodhartPolly & Gerald GoodmanAmanda & Rob StewartPatty & Ed GorenAnn Gotthoffer & Cedrick McRaeDorothy GramIsabel Granados
Pamela GratzVeronica GreeneCheryl A. GuheenCheryl & Hector GutierrezJeannie Shumate HalvorsenAmelia Sulkowski & Bruce HarveyJanie L. HasselmanMargaret & Roger HaugLynne & Jim HeldSophia & Richard HenkeArlene HernandezGabrielle & Tim HerseyJanet HettickAnnmarie HextNathan HigashigawaJenn & J. Brandon HohmMichael HopePatricia HopperPamela HovlandMichael HowlettSteven HsiaoJoon HuhEileen HuppGeorge IkedaPaige IrelandHazel IsaBarbara IshiiGeninne JacobsAlicia JacobsenJacqueline B., Inc.Dale JenkinsChristina Jesperson
& Thomas GrayBipin JethvaVanessa G. JohnsonJohanna Johnson GilmanMargaret & Thomas JohnstonKarin & Ronald JonesMichelle JoyeJune KaneokaPearl KaperlJeffrey KaplanDawn & Bo KaplanElizabeth KasariDaniel KelleyDebra & Russell KelleyNancy KelseyKristi & David KerrChangkyun KimLea Ann KingKkc Development Inc.Francis G. KnipeEleanor KnoxMitch KochSteve KostrencichCourtney KrakieBelinda KrekorianDavid & Kristen KudraveEva-Lill KulkinSuzuyo Nakamura
PATRONS | Spring 2017 41
& Isamu KurahashiBonny & Albert LamLaura LampingEleanor LandGretchen & Todd Lanman, MDDaneen LarecyLavender Blue, Inc.Vinnie LawCharlotte Lazar-MorrisonLinda LeeMonica & Ernest LeeCarole & Russell LefevreBella LeighJacqueline & Joe LeimbachJanet LeisKaren LentMartha & David LeveilleLaura LiceaLittle Miss Bling BlingYvonne & William LiuTracy & Andy LivianSharon & Joseph LoganAna Lopez-O’Sullivan, MDMark LormanLisa & James LuckKay & Paul LupoCarol ManninoVicky & Winston MarCherie MarczChristine MarinAnita MarkulisGayleen MarmarelisDonna Mathwig
Iona MatsonMary & David MatsonJudith & Gene MatsudaBea MatthewsAllison & Rick MayerSudy & Bud MayoChristine & Kevin McBrideAnn & James McCurryJackie & John McGovernDonna McGovernMargorie & Richard McNairElaine McRaeLinda MedvedMarian MerrellMary Ann MerrittPamela MertenJack MesserlianHelen & Roger MetzlerGloria MeyerDoris & MD MiguelezKatherine V. Miller, MDDenyse MillerElly MinassiRichard MinkKathy & Chuck MoineEsqueda MoisesSally MoiteDonna & Keith MoodyRoss L. Moore Jr.Louvenia MooreDanielle MorrellJosephine MorrisFarnoush Morvarid
Joanne & Marc MoserJennifer MullKen MurakamiSheila NaghiTamiko NakamaSuzuyo Nakamura
& Isamu KurahashiLauren NakanoVictor NeriAndrew NguyenVu NguyenLori & Steve NollsTeresa & Thomas NooneMeena Oberoi, MDCatalina ObiasAnn & Mike O’BrienCristina O’BrienMichelle OcampoMary OcampoPatricia & Kenneth OchiKurt OetikerScott OkazakiLinda OliverSylvia OlmosSusan OrlandiniSusan & Howard OsaMary Louise OswaldTherese & Mary OswaldLee & Lorraine OuyeGail OwensSharyl A. PageMaureen PalladiniDaniel Palma
Panda AmericaPapillionKay PatelPuni PatelJiteshkumar PatelMarion PaulsonShirlee & David PehaAnn & Fred W. PeitzmanPhyllis D. PelezzarePeninsula Real Estate NetworkSandra & Jeffrey PerrySandra & Gerald PerryOuida PetersonLisa PetersonJoanne & Jeffery PetowDolly Vinh Pham
& Bang Vu Pham, MDDorothy & Steve PiurkowskyKarol & Bob PlockyTracey PollackBobbie PomeranzGretchen PrivettArnel QuiambaoRonald RadcliffeTerry & Mark RaginsFaye & Armando RamosThomas RandleRuth RaskBetty RaulinDenise RayfieldSylvia RaynerMarcie & William ReesLorena ReynosoAlexander RicardoFrances RiceLori & Ray RichardG. RobinsonJo Ann RoddaPeggy & Lewis RolandLinda RosenfeldBetty RothsteinIrene & Armand RoveroIrene & Edmond RussCarol RussellKaren & John RussoMarylen RustonAnn RuthDeena & William RuthAndrea & James SalaToni & David SargentPam & James Sattler, MDJanette SchaeferKent SchaferTracy & Jim ScharffenbergerMadeline SchenasiLucie & Stephen SchlesingerDiana & Robert A. Schmit, MDHeinz SchneiderMary SchneiderDiane & Eric Schott
HELAINE LOPES, ANDREA SALA, KATE COCKE, SONG KLEIN, KATHLEEN WILSON, LAURA SCHENASI
PATRONS | Sring 2017 42
Torrance Memorial Would Like to GIVE SPECIAL THANKS to Our Many Supporters
Christopher SchugtMarlene SchultzPriscilla & Roger SchultzIngrid & Jerry SchwartzCarmen ScottenDonna & Robert ScoularGermaine & John SellersMary & Peter ShackleShade HotelLinda ShapiroHeather & John ShayShelley’s Fashion, LLCAnna & Don ShigakiJudith & Roger ShoemakerBrian SierotySarah Lee & Joe SilvaLois & Boris Sincich
Marsha SingletonElla SmillieChristine & Scott SmithBarbara SmithTrudy SmithJacqualynn & Wayne SnavelyMichelle & Peter SohnsSouth Bay Little
Angels Dance GroupKelly & Chuck SpagnolaSusan St. Denis & Jerry HawkhurstAnnie StaffordVickie & Keith Stamler, MDDennie & Tom StansellRichard Steiner, MDMary Kay StimpflDiane Stone
Pat V. StraubMary Sun, MDShari & Craig SunadaKat SutliveCarmen SwainSusan & Michael SwansonSweet Sugar BathDavid & Lois TaiStephanie Tang, DO
& Christopher Angemi, DORika & Brion TanousMartha & Mark TemplinTrudi & Timothy TessaloneJane & Todd TesslerThe Classy Bag LadyThe Treasured AccessoryLynn ThomasDaune & David ThoringtonCynthia Tobis & John KoenigSandra TofflemireLjuba & Rade TrajcevskiAndy TranFaith & Bruce TrotmanElaine & Nick TrutanichMei & Steve TsaiEdith TuckerDebbie & Grant UbaSusan & David UdewitzJune & John UharrietOlivia UlloaLola & Martin UngarUni’s RE CompanyJanice UntereinerRon Van De VanterRobert Van LoneRoksolana & Bernard VecerekEd Vierzba
Ma Mercedes VitocruzCarolin Keith Wade & Bob WadeMichael WalkerPatricia & Douglas WalterJanet WarnerSusan WarnerNancy WayPat WedlockSusan & William WeintraubWells Fargo Community
Support CampaignLinda WenzelJanet WestergaardMary & Steven WheatleyHelene & Richard WhildenAmy WhiteJacqueline & Lyle WhitedLance & Connie WightCheryl WilcoxKathleen & Chris WilsonArthur WongJanet & Sun Yet WongLily & Wayne WongDianne WoodBecky YamadaMichael YehJudi & Kevin YourmanCc & T. YuSharon & Mark ZahoryinCesar & Tiffani ZanelliGeri ZientekAnna Marie Zuanich
AMBASSADORS
STEVE MORIKAWA, KRISTY MORIKAWA, MARY MORIKAWA
PremierValerie & Chris Adlam Laurie & John Bucher Lenore & Selbert† Chernila, MDChevron Corporation /
Rod Spackman Ronnie & Alan Goldstein Kay & William E. Kim, MDAllison & Rick Mayer Jacquelyne & Steven Miller Andrea & Michael Zislis
PlatinumIzzat Alamdari, N.P.
& Eric Milefchik, MD Georgette† & Al Avoian Patricia & Richard Carlson Valerie Carrier & Eric Dupont Lynn & Horace Cochran
Joy & Marc Colman, MD Nancy Combs Melanie Friedlander, MD Donna & George Lee Marilyn & Frank Miles Amy & Thomas Ricci Priscilla & Roger Schultz Debra & Don Terrell Robert Vallee, Jr. Karen Varon Alissa & Robert M. Wilson Kay & Dwight Yamada
Gold Michele & William Averill, MD Elaine & Jerome L. Bleiweis Jeanie & Don Blum Renuka Boyapalli, MD
& Srikanth Boyapalli
Diana & George Brandt Trudy Brown Karl Burns & Brett Dillenberg Ann & David Buxton Alida & Stevan Calvillo Judy Nei & Vinh Cam, MD Lauren Choi, MD
& Philip Chung, MD Louise & David Clinton Kate & David Cocke Kathleen Crane
& The Honorable Milan Smith Jeanne & Donald Culler Judy Dabinett Melanie Dee, MD & Garrett
Matsunaga, MD Julie & Michael DiLustro Marcia Ding, MD
& James Ding, MD
Suzann & Donald Douthwright Diane & Thomas Duralde, MDBeth & Berkley Eichel, MDStephanie Enright Regina & Dan Finnegan Mary & Steven Fisher, MDJeannine & Dennis Frandsen Angela & Dean Furkioti, DDSRosalind Farmans Halikis Miaoshia & Chansen Han Donna Marie
& Eugene Hardin, MD Erin & Heidi Hoffman, MDLeslie & Colin Hull Sandy & Karl JacksonJohn N. Johnson, MD Lori & Art Kaiser, DDS Rachel Knopoff, MD
& Russell Dickerson, MD
PATRONS | Spring 2017 43
Sherry & Ian Kramer, MD Patti & Thomas LaGrelius, MD Diane & Mark Landon Charlotte & Russ Lesser Karen & Nelman C. Low, MDJesse & Gary McClure Mary Todd & Peter McCormack Vicky & Winston Mar Sudy & Bud Mayo Patricia & Donald Mehlig Sunny Melendez, MD
& Ron Melendez, MD Catherine Melton Diane & Davis Moore Joanne & Marc Moser Karen & Gene Naftulin, MD Erin & Brian Neal Wade Nishimoto, MD Gloria & Wilbur Nussbaum Elizabeth Paul, MD
& Joy Paul, MD Phyllis Pelezzare Linda Pullen-Buehl Tamara Ritchey Powers Lori & Ray Richard H. Elena Rodriguez, MD Jerry Schwartz, MD Julie & Nicholas J. Silvino, MD Cherie & William Steckbauer Robert Stephenson Bert Stewart Sarah & Ned Stromme Pauline & Rolling Sturgeon Carolyn & Charles D. Turek, MD Kerry & David H. Wallis, MD Susan & Matthew Whelan Cynthia Williams, MD Terry & Jim Witte Judy & Barry Wolstan Monica & Peter Wong Cathi & R. Michael Wyman, MD Nancy & Roger Zapor
SilverChristy & Jay Abraham Christine & Michael Accavitti Lorren & Brad Ammann Marcia & Lawrence August, MD Harriet Bailiss-Sustarsic Ayne & Jack Baker Stephanie Bezner, Esq.
& Brian Bezner Karen Blain Paula & Edward Bold, MD Maria Elena & Larry Bruns Edna Campbell Anita Canfield Joanne & Stanley Chang, MD Kathy & Paul Cohen
Cheryl & Stephen Connors Pamela Crane Cynthia & Steven Dennis Nancy Edwards & Charles Parker Peggy & Daniel Fisher Elizabeth & LeRoy Forehand Elaine & Byron Gee Debbie & Moe Gelbart, PhD Susan Goodlerner, MD
& Edward Wolfman Maria & Wayne Grau Timme & Kurt Gunderlock Nancy & Keith Hauge Lynne & Jim Held Shirley & Chih-Ming Ho Kalpana Hool, MD & Hugo Hool,
MD Valerie & Ed Kelly Leilani Kimmel-Dagostino
& John Dagostino Wendy Klarik Song & Dave Klein Lawrence Kneisley, MD Jessica & Tonny M. Lee, MD Charles Lobb Peter Lorman, MD Pat & Rich Lucy Laura & Donald McIntire Kak & David McKinnie Lisa & Christopher Martz Vimal Murthy, MD Cassandra Ndiforchu, MD
& Fombe Ndiforchu, MD Michelle Nguyen
& Nhat Tran, MD Gwenne Norcross, DO
& Timothy Norcross, DO Melissa Orr & Ken Aster
Rosalie & Chirag Patel, MD Clint Patterson &
Richard Boos, MD Robyn & Albert Peacock Cindy & Laurence Percz Dolly Vinh &
Bang Vu Pham, MD Carlene Ringer Carmen Schaye, EdD & Gordon
Schaye MD Marcia & Michael Schoettle Barbara Schulz, MD Martha & Fred Signer Carolyn Snyder Kelly & Charles Spagnola Betty F. Strauss Amanda & Rob StewartEllen & Pat Theodora Paula & Mark Thomas Dorothy Thompson Russ Varon Margaret & David Waite Mary & Steven Wheatley Jean Wong Ann & Gary Zimmerman
Life Ambassadors Cathy Allen Gail & Douglas Allen Mary Lou & Jack Area David Bauer Betty Belsky Joan & Chris Caras Mila & Patrick Chambers, MD Mary & John Clark Achara & Thomas Cowell, MD Patricia & Duane Denney Barbara Dorman
Virginia & Dennis Fitzgerald Sherry & Thomas Gossett, MD George W. Graham Patricia & Al Hermann Carole Hoffman Theresa & Joseph Hohm Daniel Hovenstine, MD Kathleen &
Richard Krauthamer, MD Sylvia & Robert Laxineta, DDS Judy & Craig Leach Fred Mackenbach Carol Magee Cheryl Melville Genevieve & Hugh Muller Robin & Norman Panitch, MD Ellen & Fraser Perkins, MD Franklin Pratt, MD Peggie & Gerald Reich, MD Carlene & Edward Reuscher Cindy & Benjamin Rosin, MD Patricia E. Sacks, MD
& Harvey Kushner Beya & Robert Schaeffer, Jr., MD Loraine & Ralph Scriba Laura & Thomas Simko, MD Mary Lou Steinmetz Kimberly &
David Stone, MD Tina & Peter Vasilion Teresa &
Gerald Wasserwald, MD Mary Williams Dovie & George Worcester Erin & Patrick Yeh, MD Alice Young
KAK MCKINNIE, DAVID MCKINNIE, SUZANN DOUTHWRIGHT, DON DOUTHWRIGHT
† Deceased
PATRONS | Sring 2017 44
Torrance Memorial Would Like to GIVE SPECIAL THANKS to Our Many Supporters
Betty Duong & John Abe, MD Valerie & Chris AdlamChristina Aigner & Cyrus SharghLaura J. AlbanoVance AlbitzElisa Anhalt, MD & Doug Laurin Nadia AntiiBenjamin ArcherAnthony Arellano-Kruse, MDNicholas A. ArquetteBrad Barez, DC Andrew & Megan BarkTara Bartlett, RNTracy Bercu, MD
& Peter WeinsteinStephanie Bezner, Esq.Meena Bhasin, MD Kevin BidenkapNadine & Ty BobitDanielle BoujikianDavid A. Bray, Jr. MDAlexandra Bujor, MDBrittney BunnagDrisa Carrizo, CPACarla ChanJoanne & Stanley Chang, MDCody CharnellCari Corbalis
Celeste Despres-SheresAlice Diego-Malit, MDBlake EdwardsAlex & Gary ElminoufiColleen FarrellDeverie FernandezRachael Ferraro, DORoy Fu, MD Stephen GarciaSylvia GayedLaurie GloverJohn Gragg Khryste & Steve GriswoldKimberly & Justin GuichardEric HaynesEden HeinsheimerErin & Heidi Hoffman, MDJenn & Brandon J. Hohm Allison & Justin Holcher Naiwei Hsu-Chang, RNDawn & Bo KaplanSong & Dave KleinTara KleinKay May Kwok, MD Jessica & Tonny Lee, MDMatthew MarshallNick MarshallFrances McKindsey, MDJames McKinnell, MDBrian Miura, MDAmanda Murphy, MD
& Keith W. MurphyVimal Murthy, MDLauren Nguyen, MD
Gwenne Norcross, DO & Timothy Norcross, DO
Jennifer & Victor Pan Hank Parker, CPA Angela Park-Sheldon, CFPRosalie & Chirag Patel, MDWilliam RehrigH. Elena Rodriguez, MDSutha Sachar, MD
& Vikas Sachar, MDMadeline SchenasiCatherine SchneiderAllyson & Alexander J. Shen, MDJulie Sim, MDMargaret & Ed SipesGeorge J. So, MDCindy & Joseph SpiererKelly & Todd Stender Jason Stone Nani & Elliot T. Sumi, MD Stephanie Tang, DO
& Christopher Angemi, DOJohn TellenbachNhat Tran, MDPeter C. Tseng, MDLiz & Rich UmbrellAnthony WalkerSandra & Eric WangAdam Weitzman, MDMatthew WillisHillary & Clay ZachrySara & Keri Zickhur, MDAndrea & Michael Zislis
William S. AndersonJames AndrewsShirley & Winton BakerBarbara BirchimHilde BoldtStasea & Jeffrey BorerJan & Virgil BourgonRonnie BrownMaria BuechlerMarilyn ChevalierHerbert ClarksonLeola CorkBette & Dick CrowellDon DawsonGinny & John DixonArlene & Dale DormanThyra Endicott, MD
& Jonathan ChuteJudy English
& William Crudup, MDSam & Rose FengDell Fortune & Steve NashHenry FrankenbergSunila Fuster, MDSidney Gamber Billee & John GogianGeorge W. GrahamJoan HansenPatricia & Gary† Hathaway, MDAdrianne & Alan HeggeJoan HendersonKeiko & Allen HochsteinDaniel Hovenstine, MDDonald† & Priscilla HuntMaude InfantinoJune KaneokaSylvia KennedyMillie Kruger
Micki & Norman Lasky, MDMelanie & Richard LundquistBarbara & Mark Lurie, MDJudith MaizlishLarry MaizlishFranceen & Michael McClungDel McCullochPatricia McGinnisSandra & Kenneth McKivettLinda Severy McMahon & Jerold McMahonCarol & Karl McMillenA. Dian OlsenKenneth O’RourkeLore & Marv PatrickChristina & Phil PavesiNancy Peterson & Dick ChunDonna & John PrysiBetty Jane & Ernest Rivera
Lavonne & Jerry RodsteinNeva RogersKirsten Wagner, DDS
& Richard Rounsavelle, DDSLaura & Marc SchenasiLoraine & Ralph ScribaPhyllis & René ScribeJohn R. Sealy, MDMary Lou SteinmetzYoichi SumiNancy & Douglas TeulieJohn & Marcela VanharaJohn VansickleEdith WallaceSusan K. WarnerSuzanne WebbLois & Richard Winters
HERITAGE SOCIETY
EMMANUEL DAVID, OFELIA DAVID
YOUNG PHYSICIANS AND PROFESSIONALS ALLIANCE (YPPA)
† Deceased
PATRONS | Spring 2017 45
PROFESSIONAL ADVISORY COUNCIL
Gregory Becker, Esq.Beti Tsai Bergman, Esq.Stephanie Bezner, Esq.William W. ChangStephen F. Connors, CFPPhillip Cook, CFPChristian Cordoba, CFPMaureen DeardenScott J. Donnelly, CPANancy GraggSuzanne Grudnitski, CLPFTheodore Y. Hanasono, Esq.Eric J. Harris, Esq.Alexis M. Jensen, CPA
Derrick KawamotoDeborah Keesey, Esq.Troy Martin, Esq. Andrew Meinzer, Esq.Ron Miller, CLPFMathew MooreCristin H. Rigg, CFP, CDFAGregory Schill, CFP Marianne C. Sfreddo, CPALarry Takahashi, CFPSylvia ThompsonMark TsujimotoStuart Tsujimoto, CFPKazuaki Uemura, Esq. HUGO HOOL, MD, KALPANA HOOL, MD
EMPLOYEE AMBASSADORSMaria & Rodie Abejero Susan AbelsonE.P. Abrokuia Susie Kim AdamsHelen AguilarNancy AgustinChardao Ahinghaga Tomoko AkazawaMichele AlarconManette AlforoBibi AliEllen Allen-WainwrightMary Ann J. AlvarezFrancisco Kang AlvarezMei AmanoKent AmanoArlene AmigableLourdes AntonioOliva ArcalaAshley ArchuletaCresencia ArmamentoJudy ArnoldMaria ArteagaJose Albert Rey AsisSheryl Y. AuRandy AvakianKathie AvakianSara K. AvakianJacqueline AyresLauren AyresGwendolyn BaileyCynthia BakerPatricia BaldiviaCecilia BananiaGinger BarclayLisa BargarDan BaumanIrene L. BayanSuzanne Beehler
Susan BenchMelissa BenoitEd BernardoAnthony BerryPeggy Berwald Betsy BigginsEmma D. BilbaoKatherine BlackCaroline BohmKyomi BolenderLance BommeljeMaricela BordenaveDanielle BoujikianBeth & David BowerKathryn BraaschMary Bradfield-SmithSusan BradyPatricia BrienzoBeth BurkhalterJoy BurkhardtHeather BurtAgnes ButardoDinah CabalatunganCaroline CabiloganFelicidad CabuenaCathrine CaingletEvelyn CalipHelen CameroLoreta Rayat CamilingRobin CamrinOrlando CarcamoDebbie CarltonLuzviminda B. CarteraSherry CasaoSusan CastilloDolores CellierYan C. ChanArliene P. ChangChangrong Cheng
Heidi ChongAlan ChungElizabeth CincoSallie CintronLucrecia ColomaEthel C. ConstantinoSimon G. ContrerasCoral CortezFelipe CortezDanielle CosgroveMarcia CreightonCharlotte CrockerCarolyn CruzLinda CurrieJeanette M. CutuliMichelle DahleAzam DaryabarMina DastgheibLety De La TorreDolores DeinhartGeraldine DeLaCruzJuan M. DiazJann & Dan DicksonPatty DrewCarla DuhovicCindy DurantSally EberhardMargie EcleviaMary J. EddyPriscilla EdnilaoElaine M. EguchiJudith EislerCheryl ElyCathy EmmersonJuliana S. EngeJosephine EspejoAna Maria EspejoMary E. EspinozaDon Florentino Estrada
Marissa FarolColleen FarrellTodd FelkerCarlos & Mirna FernandezEstrella M. FilamorSharon FlowerMary FordTom FoxKaterina FrencicJune Friesner-LernerJanet FroehlichCarol E. FukuchiLisa GageSidney GamberRolando D. GarciaFelix & Tami GarciaShalena GarzaJudith GassnerJill GoldenAlfrenda GonzalesMaria D. GonzalezMary Accetta GoodloeAmanda StewartAnn GotthofferGale GouldZorayda GozunTracey GreenCathy GuthrieRose HadleyKathy HagemeierShanna HallMichael HansonJeremiah HargraveNatalie HassoldtPatricia HeathJacqueline HemmahSusan HernandezClaribel HernandezTim Hersey
PATRONS | Sring 2017 46
Torrance Memorial Would Like to GIVE SPECIAL THANKS to Our Many Supporters
Mary Hersh Bruce A. HershbergerVickie HershbergerAnnmarie HextCorrine HidalgoDebbie HoaglandSuellen G. HosinoMaria HovsepianLinda HowardNaiwei Hsu-Chang, RNLisa G. HughesBarbara Jane IgnacioAlfie IgnacioTokiko ImaiFlorence D. IntokCarolyn ItoLynn JaggerRosario JarquinErika JehnsenRoberta JenkinsonBonnie JewellMike and Janet JohnsonRena JohnsonKathryn JoinerAnna JungDebby KelleyLayne KelleyCynthia KeusFreda KhanAnne KienbergerDennis KikunoJames KimChangkyun KimLisa A. KiyoharaLeah and Mark KleinSusan KochMaria Cecilia KoegelKimberley KoontzJulie A. KruegerCassandra KrutsingerMarley KuhlJohn KumashiroMary Jane Landrock
Gerald and Trisha LanphenSteve LantzJeannie L. Lavezzari†Craig LeachJudy Grace LebrilloSusan LegaspiPatricia Leonard Barbara LeQuireChi LeungMary Jane & Nolan LewCresencia T. LibetaSusan LieuLinda LillingtonIng Huey LinRussell & Eliwyn LiptzinKim LockeCathey LohmannHelaine LopesChristine LopezRichard & Martha LopezElizabeth LowerisonMonica LowreyVickie LowrieMaricarmen LuhrsenLiza Lumanlan-DomingoBarbara MaddoxShirley Rose MaderazoFernando & Eva
Sophia MagdalenoPatricia MannCindy MansonWei Q. MaoElizabeth MarquezGeorge A. MartinezMary MatsonPatrick MatteoDorothy MaxwellMeg McCormickAnne McCormickElaine McRaeCedric McRaeMaria L. MendozaMary Ann Merritt
Melany MerrymanPamela MichaelCarmen MiguelRene MillerNancy C. MillirenMarian MillsBarbara MinamiLauren MitchellJanice MiyashiroRosalyn ModelistePatrick MooreGlenda M. MooreMatthew MoralesAlejandrina MorelosNancy MukaiSanjeshni MurphyNooshin NaghshehTami NakamaAllisha NazarethSandra NazarethEdward NazarethSue-Ann NouchiUna W. O’BrienAnn O’BrienYoung OhEliza OliverosMaria OltonMelissa O’MalleySheila O’NeillMartha OrtizEsther OvadiaDirk OverturfRonald PadillaMaureen Sheridan PalladiniDoris A. PalomaMichele PalomboWendy PangindrianJacqueline Parker-JohnsonLorena Maria G. PascualWinston PascualMila Pasion-FloresDonna PatchJennifer PattenJaquelina PattiPaty PearcePatricia PerezHoward Pfahler, Pharm.DDavid PhungAtsuko & Gary PierceKay PitonzoVilma PlagataZenaida PoquizSteve PorterGigi C. PortugalKaren ProvinPat QuanDorine QueenerSusan QuengaSherry L. RaftersCorazon Raguirag
Ann RaljevichAnn RaljevichChristopher RamaDenzil RamdhanieSophia RamirezArmando & Yvone RamosKaren RandazzoTami ReilandDebbie Reyes Richard RiveraCora RoaAddy RodriguezSam RodriguezMarnie RodriguezMelissa RomanelliEllen C. RoysdenDottie RudinicaLynn RuffinTerry RunzlerArceli SalanguitLydia SalasAna SalinasIsabelo SalvaAngela SalvaMay SantosRinnah T. SapitananVilma H. SapitananCatherine SarconaLaura SchenasiMadeline SchenasiStephanie SchmidMelanie SchmitzJamie SchneiderKathleen SchummErnesto SeguraConnie SennerChristine Serra-HarrisKhalid ShariffHeather ShayLaDonna & Joe SheaMary ShenJudith ShigemitsuJohn SinghScott P. SlivkoffDieselen SoberanoRhoda Marie SotoMichael R. SteeleKim StephensBarbara StokesMadhu SubherwalEstrella T. SulpacioChristina SweeneyLisa TakataRemer TangoanKeith TateTina TattersallRichard TejadaMike ThomasTerry D. ThomasSteven Thompson
KEVIN DURKIN, KRISTINA DURKIN, JEFF NEU, TIFFANY MESKO, SANDESHA SINGH, KAPIL SINGH, MICHAEL ZISLIS, ANDREA ZISLIS
† Deceased
PATRONS | Spring 2017 47
American Business SolutionsChoura EventsG.S. Gaudenti BrothersMorgan’s JewelersMorrow MeadowsRedondo Van & StorageRepublic ServicesRolling Hills Flower Mart StudioShade Hotel RedondoToyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. IncThe Zislis Group22nd Street Landing9RoundLynn & John AbelsonChristy & Jay AbrahamAddi’s TandoorValerie & Chris AdlamAdmiral RistyKhrystyna Pavlova & Riad
Adoumie, M.D.Delia AguilieraAnnette & John AguirreStephanie AldreteTim AldreteArt Oriental RugAyne & Jack BakerLori BarnettBCM Boehling Construction
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IN-KIND DONORS
PATRONS | Sring 2017 48
AUXILIARY RAISES RECORD $300,000
Gail Long, Tina Trudnowski, and David Sato, Auxiliary board of directors, present a $300,000 fundraising check to Sally Eberhard, Administration, Mark Lurie, MD, Torrance Memorial Foundation, Laura Schenasi, Torrance Memorial Foundation.
EVERY DONATION COUNTS
The 2017 Auxiliary board of directors: Front row: Helen Metzler, Gail Long, Tina Trudnowski, Helen Connelly, Nancy Rouse; back row: Jean O’Dell, Krissie Douglas, Bea Mantico, Tracy Isenberg, Stuart Wilson, Dennis Frandsen, Janet Bill, Mercy Wilson, Donna Cohen.
Torrance Memorial Medical Center’s Volunteer Auxiliary presented a check for $300,000 to the Torrance Memorial Foundation at its 2017 Auxiliary Board Installation Lunch. The donation is the largest check given at one time and will go toward the transformation of the North Patient Tower.
The more than 900-member Auxiliary collected the money through various fundraisers and proceeds from the Torrance Memorial Auxiliary Gift Shop. The record donation was the result of an increase in gift shop sales revenue in 2016, under the volunteer management of Gail Long and Tina Trudnowski and their leadership team.
In addition to the check presentation, the Auxiliary announced the installation of its 2017 board.
3330 Lomita Blvd. Torrance, CA 90505310-325-9110www.TorranceMemorial.org
NONPROFITORGANIZATIONU.S. POSTAGE
PAIDPERMIT NO. 381TORRANCE, CA
Monday, June 5, 2017 • Palos Verdes Golf Club
All proceeds benefit Torrance Memorial’sNorth Patient Tower Transformation
31st Annual Golf Tournament
Call 310-517-4703 for information
Monday, June 5, 2017 • Palos Verdes Golf Club
All proceeds benefit Torrance Memorial’sNorth Patient Tower Transformation
31st Annual Golf Tournament
Call 310-517-4703 for information