Parnelli Jones Drives Support for Torrance Memorial Holiday
Transcription
Parnelli Jones Drives Support for Torrance Memorial Holiday
FALL 2015 Parnelli Jones Drives Support for Torrance Memorial QUEEN MARY CHEF RECOUNTS BURN RECOVERY Holiday Festival Makes Fashion Statement rees T l a iv e Fest Pre-Sal -3 for ber 1 em Dec 32nd Annual DECEMBER 1 - 6, 2015 Located in the white tent at Skypark Drive and Medical Center Drive Enjoy beautifully decorated holiday trees, boutique, food court and local entertainment PUBLIC EXHIBIT • BOUTIQUE SHOPPING SENIOR DAYS Tuesday, December 1........................ 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 2 ..................10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Wednesday, December 2 ..................10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Thursday, December 3 ......................10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Thursday, December 3 ......................10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Free admission to seniors Friday, December 4........................... Closed to Public Saturday, December 5 ........................10 a.m. - 9 p.m. COMMUNITY SERVICE GROUPS Sunday, December 6 .........................10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Thursday, December 3 ................................. 4 - 9 p.m. $5 General Admission Children 5 and under are free Special rate of $2 for admission Win a Lexus! Grand Prize 2016 Lexus RC350 Donated by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. Call 310-517-4703 to buy opportunity drawing tickets. 3330 Lomita Blvd., Torrance, CA 90505 • www.TorranceMemorial.org/HolidayFestival • 310-517-4606 PATRONS | Fall 2015 2 BOARD NOTES PASSION, PURPOSE and Commitment to our Community P “It’s inspiring to see the dedicated medical staff come together with the sole purpose of saving and improving lives. My appreciation for what makes Torrance Memorial special to our community has led me on a quest to make others aware of how fortunate we are to have such an amazing medical institution so close to home.” hilanthropic involvement was not something with which I was raised. The spirit of giving and being involved with community projects is something that has evolved through my life experiences and associations in the South Bay community. I met my husband, Jay, many moons ago. We started our family in the late ’80s, and like many new moms, I found myself volunteering for local charitable organizations, including schools, sports teams and the arts—all great ways to make friends and serve my community. With every community project or service organization, I discovered a unique group of like-minded people who had passion for our community and a desire to give back. I was approached to become involved with Torrance Memorial by a friend who thought I’d be a good fit to serve on the Foundation Board. In truth, with four active sons and a busy schedule, my plate was full. On the other hand, being involved with the hospital appealed to me. In February 2010, I joined the Foundation Board and was introduced to an inspiring group of professionals—all enthusiastic and passionate about the hospital. It has been a great education. I am much more aware of the many challenges and complexities that hospitals face today, especially in a health care environment in perpetual change. My admiration for Torrance Memorial’s leadership is boundless. Being on the board is a great honor, and I am grateful to support this worldclass medical facility. Contributing to something so large and so necessary is richly rewarding. U.S. News and World Report named Torrance Memorial among the best hospitals for 2015–2016 in California and the Los Angeles metro area for the third straight year. So when a friend needs a referral or is experiencing fear regarding a medical issue, it’s a great feeling to relieve his/her anxiety by recommending a proven hospital. Additionally, it’s inspiring to see the dedicated medical staff come together with the sole purpose of saving and improving lives. My appreciation for what makes Torrance Memorial special to our community has led me on a quest to make others aware of how fortunate we are to have such an amazing medical institution so close to home. Entering a hospital as a patient can be an intimidating experience. It’s comforting to know that you are in the best facility in the South Bay. All of this could not be possible without the generosity of our community. I thank you for your passion and embracing this purpose. I hope you will also make a commitment to our community. Christy Abraham Community Volunteer Board Member, Torrance Memorial Foundation PATRONS | Fall 2015 3 BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2015 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Mark Lurie, MD, President Cardiology, Torrance Memorial Medical Center Phillip Pavesi, Vice President Former Executive, TRW W. Gregory Geiger, Treasurer Principal, Westport Capital Partners, LLC Nadine Bobit, Secretary Community Volunteer Michael Zislis, Officer Founder and Owner, The Zislis Group Michael D. Rouse Vice President, Diversity Philanthropy and Community Affairs Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. Nicholas W. Tell, Jr. Owner, Armory Funds and Armory Securities Christy Abraham Community Volunteer Patrick Theodora Executive President, Platinum Home Mortgage Co-owner, DocMagic John G. Baker Founding Partner and General Counsel The Brickstone Companies Russ Varon Owner, Morgan’s Jewelers Stevan Calvillo Attorney, Calvillo and Meyer Ann Zimmerman Community Volunteer Harv Daniels Board of Directors, SAXA, Inc. Editor Colleen Farrell Contributors Carol Jakucs Jennifer Joh David G. Lipin Photographers Deidre Davidson Shane O’Donnell Lauren Pressey FOUNDATION STAFF Brett Dillenberg Branch Owner, RPM Mortgage dba Platinum Capital Laura Schenasi Executive Vice President Judith Gassner Senior Director of Development and Principal Gifts Thyra J. Endicott, MD Radiation Oncology Torrance Memorial Medical Center Sandy VandenBerge Director of Planned Giving Peggy Fisher Registered Principal, LPL Financial Lisa Takata Special Events Coordinator Patron Program Manager Kathleen Fulmer Founder, Innovative Dialysis Systems George Graham President Emeritus, Consultant Torrance Memorial Medical Center Rick Higgins Technology Management Professional, Retired Joseph Hohm Owner, Medical Accounting Service Heidi Hoffman, MD Radiology, Torrance Memorial Medical Center Danielle Boujikian Jill Golden 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 public relations at 310-517-4706. W. David McKinnie, III Consultant, McKinnie Consulting Keith Murphy President and CEO, Organovo, Inc. A Publication of the Torrance Memorial Foundation Steven F. Spierer, Esq. Partner, Spierer, Corbalis & Goldberg BOARD MEMBERS Richard Lucy President, Crosswind Capital, Inc. Richard K. Rounsavelle, DDS General Dentistry Patricia Sacks, MD Radiology, The Vasek and Anna Maria Polak Breast Diagnostic Center Jeffery P. Neu, Officer President, TLE Properties, Inc. Song Cho Klein Community Volunteer Eric Nakkim, MD Emergency Medicine Torrance Memorial Medical Center 58 11th Street, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 Tel 310-376-7800 Fax 310-376-0200 moontidemedia.com Brand Publisher Hannah Lee Creative Director Angela Akers Graphic Design Christine Georgiades Copy Editor Laura Watts Managing Partner Charles C. Koones 3330 LOMITA BLVD., TORRANCE, CA 90505 HEALTH CARE FOUNDATION: 310-517-4703 PATRONS | Fall 2015 4 Managing Partner Todd Klawin CONTENTS PROGRESS NOTES 6 8 11 Calendar Holiday Festival Moves Fashion Forward Toyota Drawing Winner Reveals Raffle Secret AMBASSADORS’ CORNER 12 Queen Mary Chef Thanks Burn Center Care Team EVERY DONATION COUNTS 17 Donation Helps Lundquist Tower Play New Tune FUTURE FOCUS 12 20 21 Protect Yourself from Elder Abuse Get Financially Fit in 2016 PATRON PROFILES 24 22 17 8 28 Nobel Laureate Grammy-Winner Performs at Evening Under the Stars 24 Parnelli Jones Supports Hometown Hospital /TorranceMemorial 33 All Aboard the SS YPPA 34 Community Partnerships Define Honda’s Success FOLLOW US! In Your Community 27 Patrons Hear from 22 for Speed Networking Celebrating Our Volunteers @TMMCNews /tmmcmedia /TMHealth/ /torrancememorialhealth PATRONS | Fall 2015 5 CALENDAR NOVEMBER 18 MIRACLE OF LIVING MEN’S SEXUAL HEALTH Sex and relationships are an important part of most men’s lives. Get the 411 from experts on how to maintain sexual health for life. WHEN: 7 p.m. WHERE: Torrance Memorial Medical Center Hoffman Health Conference Center INFO: 310-517-4711 FREE; NO RSVP REQUIRED OCTOBER 20 MIRACLE OF LIVING AT THE BEACH WHEN THE DIAGNOSIS IS CANCER, YOU ARE NOT ALONE In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an all-female panel of breast cancer experts will discuss the journey from diagnosis to recovery. WHEN: 7 p.m. WHERE: Shade Hotel, Manhattan Beach FREE; RSVP AND INFO: 310-517-4728 OCTOBER 21 MIRACLE OF LIVING CANCER AWARENESS NOVEMBER 29 YPPA/AMBASSADORS/PAC YEAR-END PARTY: HOLIDAY FESTIVAL LIGHTING OF THE TREES Special members-only event to get first look at trees and kick off Torrance Memorial’s Holiday Festival. WHEN: 5:30 p.m. WHERE: Torrance Memorial Campus – Holiday Festival Tent INVITATION-ONLY INFO: 310-517-4703 PAC CALENDAR GET YOUR FINANCIAL HOUSE IN ORDER FOR THE NEW YEAR Professional Advisory Council (PAC) seminars are here to help. JANUARY 9 Individual Taxation: Completing 2015 and Planning 2016 FEBRUARY 13 Long Term Care Addressing an Uncertain Future MARCH 12 Savvy Social Security Planning APRIL 9 ABCs of Estate Planning MAY 14 Retirement, 401(k) & IRA Preservation Strategies 101 WHERE: Hoffman Health Conference Center RSVP AND INFO: 310-517-4728 See page 21 for more details. JANUARY 21 MIRACLE OF LIVING ARTHRITIS There are more than 100 different types of cancer. Hear about the latest weapons doctors are using to fight the war on this disease. Learn ways to combat this common condition that causes pain and inflammation in the joints and connective tissues. WHEN: 7 p.m. WHERE: Torrance Memorial Medical Center, Hoffman Health Conference Center INFO: 310-517-4711 FREE; NO RSVP REQUIRED WHEN: 7 p.m. WHERE: Torrance Memorial Medical Center Hoffman Health Conference Center INFO: 310-517-4711 FREE; NO RSVP REQUIRED DECEMBER 1-6 HOLIDAY FESTIVAL FEBRUARY 18 A celebratory tribute and tree lighting dedicated to loved ones no longer with us. Torrance Memorial presents the 32nd annual Holiday Festival, featuring themed, decorated trees, a holiday boutique, a food court and live musical entertainment. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Find out the latest advancements in prevention and treatment. WHEN: 4 to 6 p.m. WHERE: Torrance Memorial Medical Center, Hoffman Health Conference Center FREE; RSVP AND INFO: 310-517-4694 WHEN: See page 10 for a detailed schedule WHERE: Torrance Memorial Medical Center INFO: 310-517-4703 NOVEMBER 15 LIGHT UP A LIFE PATRONS | Fall 2015 MIRACLE OF LIVING HEART WHEN: 7 p.m. WHERE: Torrance Memorial Medical Center Hoffman Health Conference Center INFO: 310-517-4711 FREE; NO RSVP REQUIRED 6 PROGRESS NOTES Miracle of Living Offers Access to Latest Health Info WRITTEN BY CAROLE JAKUCS Miracle of Living Calendar 2015-2016 At Torrance Memorial’s Hoffman Health Conference Center 7 p.m. Left: The 2015 Miracle of Living Planning Committee: (left to right) Toni Sargent, Colleen Farrell, Mary Ford, Catherine Hargrove, Frank Miles, Mary Lou Hayden, Dave Sargent, Eduardo Anorga, M.D., Marylou Tom. Right: Moe Gelbart, PhD, psychologist and executive director of the Thelma McMillen Center for Alcohol and Drug Treatment. O ne way to stay up-to-date on the latest innovations in health care is to become a regular attendee of the Miracle of Living health education lecture series. On the third Wednesday of each month, experienced medical professionals present credible health information to attendees. “The lectures are one notch below what you would hear in medical school. Attending can serve as a great adjunct to one’s physician visit by providing useful, reliable patient education,” says Eduardo Anorga, MD, a family practice physician and chair of the Miracle of Living committee. The Miracle of Living lecture series was born from a collaborative effort between a group of physicians and community members in 1972. The presentations are free and open to the public. The objective is to help community members understand the changes in health care and provide updates on services offered at Torrance Memorial. The lectures encompass a broad range of topics such as heart health, diabetes, joint replacement surgery, dementia, anorexia, melanoma and more. Moe Gelbart, PhD, executive director of the Thelma McMillen Center for Alcohol and Drug Treatment at Torrance Memorial, has presented numerous lectures through the years on a variety of psychological topics such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, eating disorders and violence. “We provide practical health information that helps people understand more about health and to discern if something is a problem or not. The lectures reflect the commitment by the hospital to patient education and the community. I’m proud to be a part of it,” he says. Another frequent speaker is cardiologist Mark Lurie, MD, director of the Melanie and Richard Lundquist Cardiovascular Institute at Torrance Memorial. Dr. Lurie has spoken on a wide range of cardiometabolic topics such as heart disease, complications of diabetes and stroke, valve disease and peripheral artery disease. “What’s presented is extremely advanced, solid, scientifically accepted and evidence-based information that is honest and straightforward,” he says. Guests at Dr. Lurie’s lectures have come to expect that cookies will be available—his requirement for participation. “I feel they bring a touch of comfort,” he says, “but I also have to say: Use only in moderation.” Approximately 300 guests attend each month. Guests can fill out cards during the program to write questions for speakers to address during the Q&A session. They are also asked to fill out an evaluation form for future topics. The Miracle of Living Committee reviews the forms the week following the lecture. The topics and speakers are chosen by the committee, which is comprised of community members and Torrance Memorial staff and physicians. They choose topics by integrating requests from the community, along with ideas from committee members and hospital staff. Two longtime committee members from the community are husband and wife, Dave and Toni Sargent. Toni has been on the committee since its inception. With a lifelong interest in health, she says she was “thrilled to become a part of this program.” In 2003, after Dave’s retirement, she recruited him to join. “Satisfaction” is the most common response Toni receives from attendees. “People are thankful for this service.” She recalls one attendee sharing his gratefulness for attending a lecture on heart disease. He recognized he was having a heart attack and sought care quickly. He believes his survival is a direct result of attending the lecture. PATRONS | Fall 2015 7 OCTOBER 21 Cancer NOVEMBER 18 Men’s Sexual Health DECEMBER No lecture; see you in 2016! JANUARY 21 Arthritis FEBRUARY 18 Heart Can’t attend? Visit TorranceMemorial.org/ MOL to stream the lecture live or view ondemand. You can also view the taped lecture at 10 a.m. on the Monday following the lecture at Torrance Memorial. Call 310-517-4711 for more information or to purchase a copy of the lecture. Miracle of Living at the Beach Shade Hotel, 1221 N. Valley Drive, Manhattan Beach 7 p.m. OCTOBER 20 When the Diagnosis Is Cancer, You Are Not Alone (in Recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month) Please visit TorranceMemorial.org/MOL for the latest lecture schedule. Call 310-517-4728 to RSVP. PROGRESS NOTES 1 No Room for Humbug at the Holiday Festival Fashion Show WRITTEN BY CAROLE JAKUCS On a cool, wet Tuesday morning following the long Thanksgiving weekend, hundreds of ladies (and a few men) are hurriedly scurrying to close their umbrellas and squeeze inside the entrance to a large, white tent. They’ve ventured out in their sharpest red and green attire to make their own holiday fashion statements at what has become a 20-year tradition that kicks off the South Bay holiday season in style—the Torrance Memorial Holiday Festival Fashion Show. A ticket to the Fashion Show gives you a passport to an elegant, all-day event that begins with boutique shopping, moves on to a delicious lunch, dazzles guests with a top-notch fashion show and culminates with more boutique shopping complete with unique fashions, jewelry, purses and accessories. All proceeds benefit the Torrance Memorial Foundation. This year’s show on December 1 will feature clothing from designer Mi Jong Lee of the women’s luxury line Emmelle. Her creations consist of well-made, sophisticated designs constructed in New York City. The Fashion Show is part of the annual Holiday Festival. It’s a joint effort between the Las Amigas volunteer organization at Torrance Memorial, which plans and operates the festival; the Luminaries, another volunteer group that sets up the shopping boutiques; the Torrance Memorial Foundation; fashion show co-chairs; and countless other volunteers and donors. “We are grateful to have an impressive cadre of volunteers that contribute their time and talents to the Fashion Show, Gala and Holiday Festival,” says Judith Gassner, senior director of development and principal gifts with the Torrance Memorial Foundation. The show began in 1995 with 150 guests. It has grown into a much-anticipated community event, with tickets selling out in advance and an annual guest list topping 625. The event is the result of the contributions of many people and moving parts. One of these is fashion show choreographer/producer, Carin PATRONS | Fall 2015 8 Holmenas. Holmenas was introduced to Gassner 10 years ago by the owner of the Jonathan Boutique of Redondo Beach, who provided clothing for the show for several years. Gassner recruited the services of Holmenas to provide clothing. With that came her skills for the production and choreography of the show. Holmenas is a former model who has been in the fashion show production business for charity events for 20 years. “I always have the audience in mind when I plan a fashion show and want everyone to be entertained. Hopefully, they will want to wear the clothes they see,” Holmenas says. “I try to present collections the audience can relate to, worn by models that suit each piece—all while staying true to the designer’s vision.” The Fashion Show captures the talent not only of Holmenas and the featured designers but also the professional models. Typically 10 females and four males work the runway for each Torrance Memorial show. Holmenas works with the same PROGESS NOTES Holiday Festival Fashion Show co-chairs: Nina Tarnay, Linda Perry, Nadine Bobit and Kelly Piken get ready to walk the runway. models regularly for a variety of shows. They are handpicked based on the collection being shown. Models do their own hair and makeup to contain costs. Each model has a professional dresser to assist them. “Music is one of the most important elements of a show and sets the mood for the models and audience,” Holmenas says. “The right music emphasizes the clothing and helps the models have fun while working the runway, which makes for a happy audience too.” Holmenas uses the same technical crew each year. They skillfully provide the set design, white runway flooring, audio and DJ. Another trademark feature of the show is its exquisite floral designs, from the unique arrangement that greets guests at the tent entrance to the beautiful centerpieces placed at each table where guests dine. The flowers are donated by Rolling Hills Flower Mart. They are the artistic creations of mother-and-daughter team Christine Gaudenti and Chelsea Gaudenti. Christine has donated her arrangements to the Holiday Fashion Show and Gala for approximately 12 years. She was first introduced to the show as Gassner’s guest. “I felt immediately compelled to become a part of these events and have been ever since,” she says. Christine, a florist for the past 20 years, passed the torch to her daughter Chelsea last year. Chelsea has been involved in the family business for as long as she can remember. The Gaudentis must consider the availability of floral varieties and their durability during the month of December. They also look at the theme of the collection being shown and trends in floral design. Also proud of their involvement with the Holiday Fashion Show are co-chairs, Nadine Bobit, Kelly Piken, Linda Perry and Nina Tarnay. All view themselves as ambassadors to promote the event to family, friends and the community. Bobit, a member of the Foundation board and executive committee, also volunteers in the Emergency Department at Torrance Memorial. PATRONS | Fall 2015 9 Piken says, “I help with this popular community event as a way of supporting the hospital in a fun and meaningful way.” Perry adds, “Millions of dollars have been raised for the hospital and I’m very proud to be associated with it.” According to Tarnay, attending the Fashion Show is “a great way to start the holiday season by having a lunch date with friends and family. I also feel it’s important to share with others what services the hospital offers and what they do for the community.” New attendees are often surprised to learn that the models in the event are not all human. Canine members of Torrance Memorial’s Pet Visitation Program parade down the runway with the Holiday Festival committee while adorned in holiday hats and garb. The only complaint one may have about the Holiday Festival Fashion Show is that when you leave the big white tent, your face just might hurt a bit from smiling so much. PROGRESS NOTES Holiday Festival Calendar PUBLIC EXHIBIT AND BOUTIQUE SHOPPING HOURS SPECIAL EVENTS TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. YPPA/AMBASSADORS/PAC YEAR-END PARTY Sunday, November 29, 5:30 p.m. Invitation only WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Senior Day #1 (also open to the general public) Free admission for seniors and the physically challenged THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Senior Day #2 (also open to general public) Free admission for seniors and the physically challenged Community Service Group Night (also open to general public) Special admission of $2 – 4 to 9 p.m. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4 Closed to the public SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reservations Required FESTIVAL FASHION SHOW Tuesday, December 1, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. $125 per person FESTIVAL NIGHT GALA Friday, December 4, 6 to 11 p.m. $300/person, $550/couple LUNCH WITH SANTA Sunday, December 6, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost: $15/person (minors must be supervised by a paid adult) Bring your camera VISIT TORRANCEMEMORIAL.ORG TO PURCHASE TICKETS OR VIEW THE ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE. ALL ACTIVITIES ARE LOCATED AT TORRANCE MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER, 3330 LOMITA BLVD., TORRANCE. $5 GENERAL ADMISSION; CHILDREN 5 & YOUNGER ARE FREE. PATRONS | Fall 2015 10 PROGRESS NOTES Karla Chicas, vehicle services supervisor, Toyota Motor Sales, USA, (second from left) presents Stephanie Tang, DO, and Christopher Angemi, DO, with keys to a 2015 Toyota Highlander Limited. Sandy VandenBerge, Torrance Memorial Foundation, (far left) was on hand to congratulate the couple. Five Is Magic Number for Festival Opportunity Drawing WRITTEN BY COLLEEN FARRELL It was good timing for Stephanie Tang, DO, to get in line to purchase an Opportunity Drawing ticket at the 2014 Holiday Festival Gala. Just ahead of her was her Emergency Department colleague Eric Nakkim, MD, the previous year’s winner. Pushing his luck, Nakkim entered once again using the same winning strategy as before. After dropping in his just-purchased tickets, he shared his formula with Tang. “He said, ‘Buy five tickets and sprinkle them around the barrel,’” Tang says. She did just that. Two days later while driving to another holiday party with her husband, Christopher Angemi, DO, also an ED physician, she noticed she had a voice message. She remembered that the raffle was taking place that afternoon, so when Torrance Memorial came up on caller ID, she had a gut feeling there might be good news waiting. When she checked her messages, the voice speaking was indeed Laura Schenasi, executive vice president of the Torrance Memorial Foundation. “Congratulations! You’re the winner of a 2015 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited,” Schenasi said. “Almost better than winning the car was the look on my husband’s face. His expression was priceless, and he is not usually very excitable,” Tang says. After learning the news, Nakkim was the first person to call Tang and welcome her to the Opportunity Drawing winners’ club. Tang and Angemi soon made the trip to Toyota Motor Sales’ USA headquarters in Torrance to receive keys to their shiny, new, jade metallic SUV. “Everyone at Toyota was fantastic and took the time out of their busy work day to show us all of the wonderful features of the car,” she said. The car has since become the family workhorse for taxiing their two toddlers to and from preschool, the park and grandma’s house. “It gives us peace of mind to know it’s always available to safely transport the kids,” she says. “The gas mileage is also much better than a regular SUV.” Like Nakkim, Tang says she plans to enter the Opportunity Drawing again this year and is optimistic about her chances of winning a second time. She also encourages others to take a chance. “I have never won anything like this before. I feel super lucky,” she says. “If I can win, anyone can win. We want to express our thanks to Toyota for making such a generous donation to the hospital through the drawing. Even if you don’t win, you are still donating your money to a great cause.” PATRONS | Fall 2015 11 Enter the 2015 Opportunity Drawing Tickets are available for purchase now for the 2015 Holiday Festival Opportunity Drawing. Proceeds benefit Torrance Memorial’s Lundquist Tower. This year’s grand prize is a Lexus RC350 (estimated value is $43,500) donated by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. Second prize is a Holiday Festival certificate tree (valued at $2,500). Third prize is $500 cash. Purchase one ticket for $50, three for $100 or five for $150. The drawing will take place on Sunday, December 6 at 3 p.m. The winner need not be present. For more information, please call Torrance Memorial’s Foundation at 310-517-4703. AMBASSADOR SPOTLIGHT PATRONS | Fall 2015 12 AMBASSADORS’ CORNER Back On Board Ambassador-supported Burn Center helps Queen Mary chef carve out a new life. WRITTEN BY COLLEEN FARRELL O ctober 19, 2012 began like any other day for 54-year-old Raul Mendieta. He went to work in the banquet kitchen at the Queen Mary in Long Beach, where his specialty is creating elaborate carvings using vegetables, fruit, chocolate and other edible items to adorn buffet tables at events. After leaving work that evening, he stopped at a restaurant to eat dinner. While there, his father called and asked if he would pick him up at the bus stop. Father and son stopped at a nearby convenience store, where the younger Mendieta sat down just outside the front door and waited for his dad to step out with a few groceries. The disturbing moments that followed were captured in a dark, blurry cell phone video that posted on YouTube and was replayed on news channels across the country. “A man who I didn’t know walked up to me. We stared at each other,” Mendieta says in Spanish through an interpreter. “As he walked away, he kept looking back at me. But I wasn’t worried because I don’t have a problem with anyone.” Mendieta continues, “The next thing I saw was a huge light. Then I heard a bang. I was covered in flames.” The glaring stranger had returned from the dark to throw a Molotov cocktail into Mendieta’s lap. What Mendieta remembers next is running across the parking lot while on fire. He could see people looking at him through the smoke and flames, but no one tried to help. He began repeatedly uttering the words, “Oh Lord, you’ve been in this world. You know about pain. Save me.” Just then, he noticed a man walking toward him whom he recognized from the bus stop. “He helped me put out the fire,” Mendieta says. Within minutes paramedics arrived and quickly placed an oxygen mask on his face. “I remember the AC [air conditioning] inside the ambulance felt cool,” he says. “I could see my father through the window looking at me. The last thing I recall is saying to the police officers, ‘Take care of my father. Take him to a safe place, because I don’t know who did this or what they are after.’” The incident was a random act of violence. Detectives soon learned the assailant had just been released from jail and had robbed a store earlier that evening around the corner from the convenience store. More than 100 police officers began a manhunt that night that led to an arrest in Downey. Mendieta was transported to Torrance Memorial Burn Center, one of three verified burn units in Los Angeles County that admits 130 to 150 people annually into its 12-bed wing. Upon his arrival, a highly trained care team specializing in burns, reconstructive plastic surgery and complex wound management spun into action to save his life. A week later, Mendieta awoke from a drug-induced coma to find bandages covering his legs. “When I woke up, I couldn’t feel my legs,” he says. “The only thing I did was give thanks to God that I was alive.” With 42% of his body burned and having endured an inhalation injury, Mendieta’s predicted mortality upon arrival was as high as 60%, according to burn and reconstructive surgeon Matthew Reiss, MD, who became his primary care doctor at the Burn Center. In cases where there is such a large burn and lung damage from smoke inhalation, a medical coma is induced to stabilize the patient and the patient is placed on a ventilator and feeding tube. During the critical weeks that follow, the Burn Center staff ’s specialized training comes into play. “The pathophysiology of burns makes it a unique disease process that requires medical treatment and fluid management that is very specific,” Dr. Reiss says. “The other important issue is the extensive dressings and specific pain management that burn unit nurses are uniquely qualified to do.” Dr. Reiss’ training, which included a one-year burn fellowship program at Los Angeles County USC Medical Center, helped prepare him to perform the extensive number of procedures often required for burn patients. “I am very thankful to God and to the care team at Torrance Memorial. They fought as much as I did to keep moving forward.” Mendieta underwent 15 procedures in the five months following his injury, including extensive skin grafts to his legs. He also began immediate aggressive physical therapy and rehabilitation. “We have a physical therapy team attuned to the unique issues of a burn patient, where the skin itself is the limiting factor and requires a number of specific techniques, including massage and stretches.” >> PATRONS | Fall 2015 13 AMBASSADORS’ CORNER Thanks to his care in the Torrance Memorial Burn Center, Raul Mendieta is back at work in the Queen Mary’s kitchen. In this case, Dr. Reiss and the care team also had another weapon working in their favor: Mendieta’s strong will to live. “I was most impressed with this mental recovery—his attitude and motivation. He was a fighter from the beginning,” Dr. Reiss says. “His family was also very supportive and here every day. These factors made a big difference in the speed and fact of his recovery.” Mendieta and the staff celebrated each small recovery milestone. In January he was able to once again eat on his own without the help of a feeding tube. “He was very active with physical therapy and wanted to get back to his life,” Dr. Reiss says. Persistence paid off. After 11 months of rehabilitation, on August 20, 2013 Mendieta was able to return to work. Today, two years later, he still wears special compression socks due to chronic lymphedema—a condition where fluid collects in the tissue—but has retained full use of his legs. Near normal sensation has also returned. “I am very thankful to God and to the care team at Torrance Memorial,” Mendieta says. “They fought as much as I did to keep moving forward.” In December 2014 Mendieta had an opportunity to express his gratitude. The Burn Center staff, along with current and former patients, came together at the Queen Mary for a holiday party and celebration of life. Mendieta worked in the kitchen to help prepare a buffet for his special guests. “The reason we had it there was because of him,” Dr. Reiss says. “Our staff doesn’t often get to see the long-term outcomes of our patients, so seeing them at a celebratory occasion helps keep them enthused about the work they are doing. Our biggest goal is to get patients as close as possible to their previous life. On this front with Raul, we were very successful.” BURN CENTER PATIENTS RECEIVE INTENSIVE, HIGH-LEVEL CARE For more than four decades, the Torrance Memorial Burn Center has cared for burn patients of all ages. One of only three verified burn centers in Los Angeles County, the Burn Center provides specialized care for hundreds of survivors of residential and industrial fires and accidents every year. Torrance Memorial’s Burn Center offers a unique array of services, including: >> A complement of burn and reconstructive surgeons, emergency physicians and a network of physicians in every medical specialty >> A multidisciplinary team who work closely together, assuring continuity of care for every patient >> Located adjacent to Torrance Municipal Airport, offering easy accessibility by air ambulance, helicopter and fixed-wing transport >> Close proximity to Los Angeles and Long Beach Harbors Burn patients benefit from the expertise of a wide variety of specialists. This interdisciplinary team is committed to helping burn patients through every phase of their recovery, healing the whole person: mind, body and spirit. Torrance Memorial’s Burn Center is led by specially trained physicians whose careers and training are focused on burn treatment. Because recovery from burn injuries can be a long and demanding process—both emotionally and physically—Torrance Memorial’s Burn Center provides comprehensive care for patients after their hospital stay through the following services: The Outpatient Burn Clinic Rehabilitation Department Continued Reconstructive Services Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation and Children’s Burn Foundation For additional information about the Torrance Memorial Burn Center, call 310-517-4622. PATRONS | Fall 2015 14 AMBASSADORS’ CORNER Ambassadors: A Premiere Support Group “As 25-year residents of the South Bay, we have enjoyed watching Torrance Memorial grow from a local community hospital into an impressive comprehensive regional medical center. My husband and I have been supporting the Ambassador Program for six years and appreciate the vital services it provides for the community. We value our association with Torrance Memorial and are proud to be members of the Ambassadors Program.” – Lynne and Jim Held, Palos Verdes Estates “Giving back to our community and helping others through Torrance Memorial’s Ambassadors Program is a wonderful way to support our community. In medicine, miracles happen every day and have the ability to improve lives. Ambassadors provide many avenues for success in health.” – Terry and Joe Hohm, Rolling Hills Estates RESTORING, EDUCATING, AND SAVING LIVES The Burn Center Oncology Services Rehabilitation Services Health Education “We are grateful to our physicians and the community for their generous support of the Ambassador Program. As an annual giving program, Ambassadors understand how critically important it is to sustain programs and services that benefit hundreds of people each day. Supporting the Ambassador Program is a community investment.” - Judith Gassner, Senior Director of Development and Principal Gifts, Torrance Memorial Foundation For more information on how to become an Ambassador or contribute to Torrance Memorial in other ways, contact Judith Gassner at 310-517-4704 or visit www.TorranceMemorial.org/Ambassadors PATRONS | Fall 2015 15 “As a member of Torrance Memorial’s Ambassadors Program since 1987, I am proud of the exceptional support it gives to four community services, in particular, the Burn Center. I am aware that few other hospitals provide support for critically burned patients in need of optimal care—from the time of injury through rehabilitation. Additionally, Torrance Memorial’s Burn Center is one of 78 hospitals in the country that is verified by the American Burn Association and the American College of Surgeons.” – Carole Hoffman, Rolling Hills “As 30-year residents of the South Bay, my husband and I are long-time fans of the community health education and wellness initiatives that the Torrance Memorial Ambassadors Program supports and makes accessible to our community—trusted programs and resources that empower each of us to optimize our health and the health of our loved ones.” – Laura Short McIntire, Manhattan Beach EVERY DONATION COUNTS Mira Costa High School Students Receive By Giving Top: Members of Mira Costa High School’s Pink Ribbon Club prepare to deliver goodie bags for Torrance Memorial breast cancer survivors. Bottom: Gina Rembert, RN, nurse navigator, Victoria Nwoke, president, Pink Ribbon Club, Linda Maynor-Gardea, RN, nurse navigator. BY JENNIFER JOH When 16-year-old Victoria Nwoke’s aunt passed away from cancer she searched for a way to channel her grief into something positive. After becoming president of Mira Costa High School’s Pink Ribbon Club, she made it her mission to do something to help local breast cancer patients. The group’s mission is fighting breast cancer and raising awareness in the South Bay. “Making care packages for cancer patients was one of the first ideas I had as president,” Nwoke said. It took more than a year to turn her idea into reality. Because she had served as a volunteer at Torrance Memorial in escort services, she talked to Director of Service Excellence Mary Matson to see who she could coordinate with. The answers came in the form of Gina Rembert, RN, at the Vasek Polak Breast Diagnostic Center (BDC) who welcomed the idea. Nwoke organized an army of 30 club members, who held a bake sale to fundraise and get the community involved. Many friends and parents made donations, assisted with transportation and offered their support for the project. As a result, club members made and delivered 60 goodie bags for breast cancer patients. The bags were stuffed with items such as scarves, reusable water bottles, journals and pens, stuffed animals, blankets, knitted hats and hand creams. Students wrote encouraging notes and added their own flair. Among the gifts was an entire box full of bags that were especially relevant to chemotherapy patients. The bags were packed with everything that one would need, such as a thermometer, artificial tears, chapstick, creams, a soft toothbrush, gum, stool softeners and more. “I was so impressed,” Rembert said of the gifts. “Their enthusiasm and thoughtfulness showed.” “We’re giving patients a life-altering diagnosis, and they’re tearful, anxious and scared,” Rembert said. “At the very end of that consult, telling them PATRONS | Fall 2015 16 about these gifts that students donated just lifted them up.” One patient even asked for contact information so she could thank the students. “Everyone, including a lot of parents, was eager to help out,” Nwoke said. “I’m passionate about this project, and when I start something, I want to finish it. I reminded myself every day in my planner to make sure this happened.” The Pink Ribbon Club expressed interest in staying involved with the BDC, which diagnoses 400 cancer cases per year. Nwoke hopes to double the number of bake sales to raise money and awareness, and deliver two rounds of care packages this coming academic year. In addition, Rembert encouraged interested students to participate in the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides for Breast Cancer Walk in September, as well as take classes for breast health information. “There are so many things they can do,” Rembert said. “They put a lot of heart and soul into the project and a lot of time and money. Making someone’s day and lightening their load a little is a lesson to all of us that a little bit of kindness goes a long way.” “When I came home that day, it was the best feeling ever,” Nwoke said. “Just to step outside of myself, look at the big picture, and help someone else helped me, too.” EVERY DONATION COUNTS Lundquist Tower Carries a New Tune Novas graduating seniors celebrate at the Grand Finale. Back Row (L to R): Jamie Chen, Bailey Kaufman, Gabriela Strong, Brianne Insley, Lexi Underberger, Courtney Sam. Front Row (L to R): Rory Hubbard, Alyssa Blinder, Tracy Sam, Kian Bazshushtari, Danielle Morgan, Andrew Tom. A Grand Check and a Grand Finale An anonymous donation brings an expansion to the piano program at Torrance Memorial. In June, a new Kawai grand piano was placed in the Lundquist Tower Grand Lobby. Staff and volunteers attended a special unveiling and ribboncutting ceremony featuring short musical performances by volunteers. The volunteer piano players range in age from their teens to 90+. They begin performing in the morning and continue until early evening seven days a week, with a repertoire ranging from classical and jazz to old standards and more. The piano program has already been a part of the hospital’s Volunteer Services program for many years in the Transitional Care Unit. Now more people will experience the benefits of music, which is known to be a soothing and relaxing agent for those experiencing illness. Luminaries and Novas, two Auxiliary support groups for Torrance Memorial, celebrated their 25th anniversary at the 2015 Grand Finale by presenting a check for $25,000 to Torrance Memorial Medical Center at their annual Grand Finale event at the Torrance Marriott. The Novas also recognized 14 graduating high school senior members who have contributed more than 3,800 hours over their four years of volunteer service. Novas members are high school students who receive valuable experience through various hospital volunteer opportunities in the hopes of inspiring them to have a lifetime of commitment to service. Beginning in the ninth grade, students work throughout the year supporting the medical center by volunteering their time and talents within the Foundation, Auxiliary and Home Health and Hospice departments. The Luminaries are comprised mostly of the Novas’ parents. Novas also volunteer in Escort services wearing Auxiliary blue jackets and assisting hospital personnel with deliveries and patient discharges. In addition, Novas and Luminaries organize a bake sale each year to raise money for Torrance Memorial. Laura Schenasi, executive vice president, Torrance Memorial Foundation; Cathy Siegel; Danielle Lauro, Luminaries HOW DID THE NOVAS GET THEIR NAME? “Novas are stars that shine intensely for a brief moment and then gradually fade in brightness. Like nova stars, each student in high school also has the opportunity to shine brightly and make the most of their four short years.” – Alice Diego-Malit, Luminaries Member Top: Torrance Memorial’s volunteer piano players celebrate the dedication of the new piano. Bottom: Dan Platus, chair of Torrance Memorial’s piano volunteers, cuts the ribbon on the new Kawai grand piano. PATRONS | Fall 2015 17 PROGRESS NOTES Voted South Bay’s Best Again For the fifth consecutive year, Torrance Memorial has again been voted “South Bay’s Best” Hospital by Daily Breeze readers. Additionally, in a separate survey, the Daily Breeze’s parent company, The Los Angeles News Group (LANG), also named Torrance Memorial the “Best Health Care Company to Work For” and the “Best Hospital to Work” for the second straight year. The “Winning Workplaces” survey was conducted by the Daily Breeze and Press-Telegram newspapers. Torrance Memorial goes far to recognize employees for their service, with activities such as the annual employee barbeque and ice cream social. Since 2007 hospital executives have hosted quarterly open forums to give employees an opportunity to ask questions, express concerns and hear the latest news about the facility. Additionally, each department has its own shared decision-making council consisting of staff members who meet regularly with management and physicians to discuss challenges such as implementing changes based on patient survey results. As president and CEO Craig Leach explained in a recent Daily Breeze article, “We are very transparent. Our employees are at the core of the services that we provide for patients and their families, and they do a phenomenal job.” Representatives from LANG formally presented the awards to Craig Leach at the medical center’s July management committee meeting. U.S. News & World Report Honors Torrance Memorial Torrance Memorial Medical Center has been ranked as one of the best hospitals for 2015–2016 in California and the Los Angeles metro area for the fourth straight year by U.S. News & World Report, placing the hospital in the top 6% in the state. The report recognizes Torrance Memorial Medical Center’s quality care as the 11th best in the Los Angeles/Orange County region, jumping two ranks higher than last year, and 27th in the state. “We are very pleased to be recognized among the best hospitals in California,” says Craig Leach, president and CEO of Torrance Memorial Medical Center. “That we have improved our ranking from last year is a testament to our entire patient care team and its commitment to excellence and caring for our community.” “The data tells the story—a hospital that emerged from our analysis as one of the best has much to be proud of,” says U.S. News health rankings editor, Avery Comarow. “A Best Hospital has demonstrated its expertise in treating the most challenging patients.” U.S. News publishes Best Hospitals to help guide patients who need a high level of care because they face particularly difficult surgery, a challenging condition or extra risk because of age or multiple health problems. Objective measures such as patient survival and safety data, adequacy of nurse staffing levels and other data largely determined the rankings in most specialties. The rankings are freely available at health.usnews.com/best-hospitals and will appear in the U.S. News “Best Hospitals 2015” guidebook. PATRONS | Fall 2015 18 FUTURE FOCUS Retired Physician Gives Back to “His Hospital” WRITTEN BY COLLEEN FARRELL Urologist Norman Lasky, MD, and his wife, Micki, don’t do many things short-term. “We’ve been married 51 years, I had the same job for 46 years, and we have lived in the same house for 45 years,” Norman says. “We live a very boring existence.” But for the Laskys of Rancho Palos Verdes, an order of boring comes with a side of happiness. “I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. I love the weather and the community. It’s a great place to practice medicine,” he says. The couple’s ties to Torrance Memorial run deep. Shortly after the birth of their son and completion of Norman’s internship at Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia, they ventured to California, where Norman accepted his “first and only job in medicine” at Redondo Beach Medical Group. Norman performed surgeries at Torrance Memorial and South Bay Hospital, where the couple’s daughter was also born. In 1989, Torrance Memorial appointed Norman chief of urology. While Norman practiced medicine, Micki managed the leasing of the buildings owned by Norman’s medical practice. Through the years, the Laskys have seen many changes in the South Bay’s health care landscape. South Bay Hospital would eventually become part of Torrance Memorial. Norman’s practice would eventually be renamed Bay Shores Medical Group and later merge with HealthCare Partners. It recently merged again with DaVita. Norman’s personal health care landscape would change too. Five years ago, he was diagnosed with a type of non-Hodgkins Lymphoma that can be controlled but not cured. Under the care of oncologist Dr. Thomas Lowe, he has undergone two successful rounds of chemotherapy that saved his life. “I owe a big debt of gratitude to Torrance Memorial for my career and health,” Norman says. “Torrance Memorial is now my only hospital, so when I heard about its construction project [the building of the Lundquist Tower], I thought it could use some help.” In 2013 Norman learned of a way to do that through his CPA, Joe Hohm, a member of the Torrance Memorial Foundation Board. Hohm worked with Norman to facilitate an IRA charitable rollover. This type of rollover enabled him to directly transfer up to $100,000 of a required minimum distribution to a charity without it appearing as income on his annual tax return.* A recent meeting with financial planner Stuart Tsujimoto, a member of the Torrance Memorial Professional Advisory Council, brought to Norman’s attention a way to give through a charitable remainder trust (CRT). With a CRT, the trustor or other named individual(s) receives annual income for life from assets (appreciated stock, in the Laskys’ case) given to create the trust. After the life of the named individual(s), the balance in the trust goes to the Torrance Memorial Foundation. (Learn more about the additional tax benefits of a CRT below.) “My wife was comfortable with it, and it feels so much better to know your money is doing good instead of just going to the government,” Norman said. “I would love to see other doctors jump in to help out in this way.” Today in their retirement, the Laskys spend most of their time pursuing hobbies, and Norman continues to work part-time assisting with procedures at Torrance Memorial. With their children, their spouses and their young grandchildren living just blocks away, the Laskys consider their investment in Torrance Memorial to be yet another decision to ensure their family’s health and happiness in the long term. * The U.S. House and Senate are currently considering whether to approve this type of IRA rollover again for 2015. HOW A CHARITABLE REMAINDER TRUST WORKS With a charitable remainder trust (CRT), you or other named individuals can receive income each year for life or a period not exceeding 20 years from assets you give to the trust you create. Payments can be either variable or a fixed amount. After the life of the named individuals or the set period of years, the balance in the trust goes to Torrance Memorial Health Care Foundation. Because the CRT is irrevocable and a charitable gift is the end result, you receive an income tax deduction in the year you make the gift to the trust. The payments you receive each year are also partially tax-deductible. Assets used to fund the CRT may include cash, appreciated stock or real estate. For highly appreciated assets, establishing a CRT eliminates up-front capital gains tax and may increase your income to more than the amount previously generated by the contributed assets. CONTACT SANDY VANDENBERGE AT 310-784-4843 OR SANDY.VANDENBERGE@ TMMC.COM WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR VISIT TORRANCEMEMORIAL.ORG/ PLANNEDGIVINGCRT TO LEARN MORE. CHARITABLE REMAINDER TRUST 1. You give cash or property to the trust. 2. You receive an income tax deduction and named individuals receive income for life or a period of years. PATRONS | Fall 2015 19 3. Remainder goes to Torrance Memorial Health Care Fotundation after the lifetime of named individuals or a period of years. FUTURE FOCUS Financial Health Checkup: Protect Yourself from Elder Abuse with the Right Plan WRITTEN BY TROY L. MARTIN, ESQ., MEMBER OF TORRANCE MEMORIAL PROFESSIONAL ADVISORY COUNCIL. THE GROWING PROBLEM OF ELDER ABUSE Elder abuse is becoming an increasingly dangerous problem in this country. According to the American Psychological Association, more than 2 million seniors annually suffer from either physical or financial elder abuse. It has been estimated that exploitation of the elderly costs its victims around $36.5 billion per year. And the problem will only get worse as our population ages. It is estimated that the population of ages 65+ will nearly double by 2030. With an aging population, the opportunities for elder abuse will increase exponentially. HOW CAN AN ESTATE PLAN HELP PROTECT YOU FROM ELDER ABUSE? It is common knowledge that an estate plan consisting of a trust and will is necessary for the orderly transfer of your assets to your loved ones upon your death. But did you realize that your estate plan can also play an invaluable role during your lifetime to protect you from being taken advantage of and/ or from being isolated from your loved ones? A comprehensive estate plan will normally consist of two documents allowing a trusted loved one to take over the management of your financial affairs if you become unable to manage them yourself. The first is a “springing” power of attorney. It “springs” into effect upon the occurrence of a specified event. In most cases, this event is the incapacity of the principal. But how can a loved one prove incapacity in order for the power of attorney to spring into effect? Usually a power of attorney will require letters from two doctors certifying the incapacity. In order to satisfy HIPAA privacy laws, you should also have a medical power of attorney or advance health care directive that authorizes your doctors to provide your medical information to your agent in the case of incapacity. Thus if a loved one becomes concerned that you are becoming incapacitated or may be subject to elder abuse, they may be able to gain control of your finances through your power of attorney in order to safeguard your assets. Your power of attorney serves another important function in preventing elder abuse. Even though you have a well-drafted estate plan, you still may require a conservatorship should you become incapacitated. A conservatorship is obtained through a court proceeding in which the court appoints a person to act as your conservator to manage your financial affairs and/or make medical decisions on your behalf. In your power of attorney, you can nominate a trusted loved one to act as your conservator. The court is required to appoint that person unless the court finds it is not in your best interest for that person to serve. The second document in your estate plan that can prevent elder abuse is your trust. In your trust, you are required to appoint a trustee to manage your assets, and you transfer ownership and control of your assets to your trustee. In most cases, you will serve as the trustee during your lifetime. However, what happens to the control of the assets in your trust if you were to become incapacitated? A good trust will contain “incapacity” provisions that allow a successor trustee to take over management of your assets in the event of your incapacity. Again, most trusts will require letters from two physicians certifying your incapacity. Together, your power of attorney and trust should protect your assets should you become incapacitated, without the need for someone to file for a conservatorship. When you speak to your estate planner, talk to him/her about how you can prepare for your incapacity. Appropriate language can also be included to specify with whom you would like to visit, so you can avoid elder abuse by isolation from loved ones. PATRONS | Fall 2015 Troy Martin 310-274-8700 lurie-zepeda.com Troy Martin is an attorney and experienced litigator representing clients in trust and estate disputes and probate litigation through the firm of Lurie, Zepeda, Schmalz, Hogan and Martin. He is a member of Torrance Memorial’s Professional Advisory Council. 20 FUTURE FOCUS Taking Care of Your Financial Health 2016 FINANCIAL PLANNING SEMINAR SCHEDULE JANUARY 9 Torrance Memorial’s Professional Advisory Council (PAC) is a volunteer group of estate planning attorneys, financial planners, CPAs and eldercare professionals brought together by a 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 volunteers 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. INDIVIDUAL TAXATION: COMPLETING 2015 & PLANNING 2016 • 2015 tax return filing updates • Changes to tax laws and regulations in 2016 • Planning for 2016 and beyond Sessions: Saturdays, 9 to 11 a.m. Location: Torrance Memorial Medical Center, Richard B. HoffmanHealth Conference Center For more information, please call Sandy VandenBerge at 310-784-4843. PRESENTERS: Scott Donnelly, CPA and Ed Kelly, CFP® FEBRUARY 13 MARCH 12 LONG TERM CARE: ADDRESSING AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE • Understand your options, what they cost, and what is best for you • Regulatory changes and their impact on quality and access to services • Paying for care without losing financial security in retirement SAVVY SOCIAL SECURITY PLANNING • Maximize your Social Security benefits by applying at the right time • Unique strategies for married couples, divorced individuals and surviving spouses • The impact of poor Social Security decisions and how to avoid costly mistakes PRESENTERS: Sylvia Thompson, Eldercare Consultant and Cristin Rigg, CFP®, CDFATM PRESENTERS: Cristin Rigg, CFP®, CDFATM and Gregory Schill, CFP® APRIL 9 MAY 14 ABCs OF ESTATE PLANNING • What is an estate plan? • How does an estate plan work? • Estate planning concepts to consider for your will/trust RETIREMENT, 401(k) & IRA PRESERVATION STRATEGIES 101 • The most underutilized recipe for success and happiness during retirement • Planning for lifelong income during an era of rising taxes • Leaving money to the people you love instead of an IOU to the IRS PRESENTERS: Kazuaki Uemura, Attorney and Christian Cordoba, Financial Consultant PRESENTERS: Christian Cordoba, Financial Consultant and Ed Kelly, CFP® PATRONS | Fall 2015 21 ATRON PROFILES Laura Schenasi (far left) and Craig Leach (far right) accept keys to a 2015 Honda Odyssey from Honda’s Steve Morikawa. The van will be to be used for patient transport. A Half Century of GOOD CITIZENSHIP American Honda Targets Health Care in not so “Random Acts of Helpfulness” WRITTEN BY DAVID G. LIPIN PHOTOGRAPHED BY SHANE O’DONNELL I f you think the “random acts of helpfulness” stories you hear on the radio or see on TV are limited to the folks who receive an impromptu phone call or visit from a representative of the Southern California Helpful Honda Dealers, think again. Ever since American Honda first established offices in the United States back in 1959, American Honda founder Kihachiro Kawashima impressed upon his SoCal staff members the importance of contributing to the surrounding community. “Wherever Honda establishes an office, we need to be a part of the community,” says Stephan Morikawa, vice president of Corporate Relations & Social Responsibility for American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Recounting American Honda’s corporate policy of more than a half-century, Morikawa—a Honda employee since 1978—states, “We want Honda to be a company that people want in their community.” Honda has sponsored the Honda Campus AllStar Challenge (HCASC), a national academic college quiz competition, since its inception in 1989. Through HCASC it has donated more than $7 million in grants to the universities. Its contributions to youth, education, the arts and science, health care and technology include the creation of Eagle Rock School and Professional Development Center; a tuition-free alternative high school in Estes Park, Colorado; Ride for Kids, a national ride program that raises money for pediatric brain tumor research; and the National Youth Project Using Minibikes (NYPUM), which partners PATRONS | Fall 2015 22 with juvenile justice agencies to support at-risk youth. It also sponsors the National Hockey League’s Anaheim Ducks, whose home arena is the Honda Center, as well as the Honda Classic PGA Golf Tournament, which raises funds for children’s health care in South Florida. Elevating the theme of helpfulness to a whole new level, this year, American Honda Motor Co. announced an unprecedented $1 million donation to nonprofit Torrance Memorial Medical Center. Much of the donation will go toward the Melanie and Richard Lundquist Tower, which is named after the long-time area philanthropists who contributed $50 million to the 390,000-square-foot tower. The Lundquist Tower was completed ahead of schedule and at $10 million under budget. ATRON PROFILES “I challenge you to find someone who will say something negative about Honda in this community. Honda is greatly admired and we’re extremely grateful and proud to have it as a partner.” Morikawa says a team of American Honda executives were impressed during an early walk-through of the Lundquist Tower prior to its completion. American Honda wanted to support the new wing because it features state-of-the-art facilities and advanced diagnostic technology. The seven-story tower that opened in November 2014 boasts a new MRI machine, a CT scanning unit and three ultrasound rooms. It provides area residents an additional 256 beds, increasing the hospital’s total bed count to 446. The tower also features interventional radiology and 12 new operating rooms that are 35% larger than those in other parts of the hospital. Additional features include 12 highspeed elevators, 112 rooms offering in-room dialysis, plus 88 rooms with built-in patient lifts. Laura Schenasi, executive vice president of the Torrance Memorial Foundation, says American Honda clearly understands the health needs of the growing community’s nearly 1 million residents. “We were honored by the $1 million donation. Without community partners like American Honda, we would never have achieved our $200 million goal,” Schenasi says. “It’s difficult to achieve anything in life if you don’t have your health. We’re so grateful that Honda also recognizes health care as a critical cornerstone of this community.” The major gift is in addition to the $100,000 in proceeds raised from this year’s Honda Evening Under the Stars 29th Annual Gourmet Food & Wine Festival, which took place at American Honda’s corporate campus in Torrance. At this year’s festival, Honda also announced the donation of a brand new 2015 Honda Odyssey. The van will be used to transport the medical center’s ambulatory patients. While proceeds from the annual festival were once distributed to many area nonprofits, American Honda decided in 2005 to narrow its focus to health-related nonprofits that would best serve the community. This year marks the 10th consecutive year it has selected Torrance Memorial as the beneficiary. “We feel health care is very important to the South Bay and the community,” Morikawa says. “Health care is the foundation to a community. It’s something that everyone is going to need.” The annual Gourmet Food & Wine Festival, originally launched by Honda nearly 30 years ago as a way to stay connected to the community, offers community residents a unique opportunity to sample some of the area’s finest cuisine and 80 varietals of wine. Over the past decade, the evening event has raised $1 million in proceeds for Torrance Memorial. The annual festival has featured star talent such as jazz legends David Benoit, Kenny G and Hawaiian crooner Daniel Ho. This year’s performance was delivered by Grammy Awardwinning American R&B vocalist Peabo Bryson. When it comes to planning Evening Under the Stars, the “giving back” extends even further into the community. For example, a committee of 19 members representing local businesses and the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce begin meeting in early June to work on securing the participation of restaurants and auction items, as well as the advertisement and promotion of the event. Those involved repeatedly point to the dedication of area restaurants and volunteers. “These annual events are a collaborative effort,” says Morikawa. “The restaurants donate food, beverages and services. Volunteers donate their time. That’s their gift to the community. These [community] partners that we have—it couldn’t be done without them.” Torrance Memorial president and CEO Craig Leach has been with the medical center since 1984, just six years less than Morikawa has been employed with the legendary automotive corporation. Even in separate interviews, the two executives nearly echo the other’s sentiments. “The fact that Honda does this every year is unique,” Leach says. “This event is not just about supporting Torrance Memorial. Honda is supporting Torrance Memorial, so we can support the community. I challenge you to find someone who will say something negative about Honda in this community. Honda is greatly admired and we’re extremely grateful and proud to have it as a partner.” Left: The annual Evening Under the Stars Gourmet Food and Wine Festival draws nearly 1,000 community members each year. Right: Steve Morikawa presents Damira and Milo Zislis with the keys to a 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid EX-L. Also pictured is Craig Leach, president and CEO, Torrance Memorial. The couple won the car by entering the Opportunity Drawing at the 2014 Honda Evening Under the Stars event. PATRONS | Fall 2015 23 ATRON PROFILES Parnelli Jones sits in a replica of the 1960 Watson Roadster #98 Agajanian Willard Battery Special he drove to win the Indy 500 in 1963. PATRONS | Fall 2015 24 A View from THE DASH Auto racing legend puts pedal to the metal to support hometown hospital. WRITTEN BY COLLEEN FARRELL | PHOTOGRAPHED BY SHANE O’DONNELL A s far back as he can remember, Rufus Parnell Jones has always felt the need for speed. “You know how when you pull up to a stop sign, you have the instinct to be first? I just took that to another level,” he says. His first taste came in the mid-1940s as a youth in Torrance. At age 11, he started his first job breaking quarter horses. Torrance was still part of the Wild West, consisting of miles of prairie, farmland and dairies. He saved enough money to buy his own horse and began riding in amateur races in Carson. By 13, he had grown too tall to be a jockey, so he traded his horse in for a hotrod. “I had a track roadster 23 T-Bucket with a (Ford) Model A engine and no fenders on it. I was always getting caught speeding down the hill on PCH,” he says. “All of the cops in Torrance and Redondo knew me. We would take off across the flower fields to get away.” At 17, under the name Parnelli Jones, he entered his first professional race—a jalopy race at Carrell Speedway in Gardena. Childhood friend Billy Calder had given him the nickname “Parnelli,” hoping the Jones family would not discover their son was racing cars as a minor. From there he quickly developed his skills, racing in many different classes in the 1950s. “I was at an age where I could have easily turned in the wrong direction,” he says. “A lot of my friends went to jail. Racing helped keep me out of trouble.” Jones’ first major championship was the Midwest Region Sprint Car Title in 1960. During that race, promoter J.C. Agajanian spotted his talent and became his sponsor. He made his debut at Indianapolis in 1961. In his first Indy 500 race, he led early and ran among the leaders until being hit with engine problems and a flying stone from the track. The blow bloodied his face and blurred his vision. The combination slowed him to a 12th-place finish. However, his skill didn’t go unnoticed. He was honored with the title “Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year,” along with Bobby Marshman. In 1962, Jones became the first driver to qualify at the Indy 500 at over 150 mph. He repeated the feat in 1963 and dominated the race to win the 500 by a comfortable margin. After his Indy 500 win, opinions back home in Torrance shifted about the former drag racer. City officials awarded him the key to the city at a special recognition dinner. “Back in high school I had dated a girl, and her mother hated me because she thought I was trouble,” he says. “Her dad worked for the Torrance Parks and Recreation Department. When I saw him at the dinner, let’s just say I felt vindicated.” In a span of seven years at Indy, Jones led a total of 492 laps—almost twice that of any other driver that period. He won six additional Indy car races. He also took the USAC Stock Car Championship title in 1964. In 1967 at age 34, he attempted to win the 500 a third time. He led for the majority of the race, until the transmission bearing failed with just eight miles to go. “I had the lap lead, when I starting thinking about how winning was not going to be as great as it had been the first time,” he says. “It was sad to lose, but later I was thinking, ‘If it’s not that great of a feeling to win, what am I doing it for?’” Around that same time, Jones began testing Firestone racing tires at Indianapolis, where he PATRONS | Fall 2015 25 became close friends with the Firestone family. He and long-time friend Vel Miletich decided to rent space at a Ford car dealership in Torrance and begin selling retail tires for Firestone Tire Company. One day while working at Vel’s Ford, a petite blonde named Judy wandered into the dealership after she had crashed her car. While both deny it was “love at first sight,” Jones invited her to eat lunch at the dealership’s café. “I didn’t like her very much at first,” Jones says. In spite of that, the two began to date and married the next year—his last year of racing Indy. “My future looked like it was in the tire business. It was the year (1967) I decided to get married, quit smoking and quit open-cockpit racing. I changed my whole life.” Miletich and Jones would eventually buy the dealership, renaming it Vel’s Ford. The tire business expanded to 47 retail Parnelli Jones Tire Centers in four states. In addition, he and Miletich founded Parnelli Jones Enterprises, a chain of Firestone Racing Tires, in 14 Western United States, along with Parnelli Jones Wholesale, a reseller that sold and distributed shock absorbers, passenger car tires and other automotive products to retail tire dealers. After getting married, the Joneses moved to the Rolling Hills home where they still live today, making good on Parnelli’s promise to “never live east of Denver.” The birth of their sons, P.J. and Page, followed. “I spent the rest of my years with him,” Judy says. To that Parnelli replies with a tongue-incheek grin, “She took the best years of my life.” Judy continues, “Athletes are very focused, and he is not an easy cookie.” >> ATRON PROFILES Although the couple shares honest and goodnatured jabs, something clearly holds their 48year marriage together. According to Judy, the simple secret is “having your own bathroom.” After retiring from open cockpit racing, Jones devoted his versatile driving talent to closed cockpit races, winning the SCCA TransAm Series and the Pike Peak Hill Climb—a race to the summit of Pikes Peak in Colorado. During his post-Indy years, Parnelli entered the ranks of “car entrant” with partner and longtime friend Miletich. The duo won 53 Indy races, including the 500 twice in 1970 and 1971, with a team composed of some the biggest names God Speed: The Story of Page Jones. Parnelli is working with the project’s producer, 1st Wave Productions, to promote the film—with the goal of increasing awareness about the challenges faced by those with traumatic brain injuries, including war veterans. Proceeds will go toward the Brain Injury Foundation and the Page Jones Fund Foundation, established to contribute to programs that assist those who sustain a brain injury and their families, with an emphasis on the importance of rehabilitation. In addition to his work with Page’s foundation and racing appearances, at 82 Parnelli rolls into his office daily in North Torrance to manage real Parnelli had never spent the night in a hospital. In 2014 he underwent surgery to repair a spinal disc, followed by a three-night stay at Torrance Memorial. “I was very impressed with the new Lundquist Tower,” Parnelli says. “It’s so fresh and clean. What used to look like army barracks is now a first-class hospital.” Judy continues, “The equipment is stateof-the-art, and I love all the big windows and private rooms.” After his stay, long-time friends and members of the Torrance Memorial Patrons program Sandy and Tom Cobb helped further guide their attention to the hospital in their own backyard. “I was at an age where I could have easily turned in the wrong direction. A lot of my friends went to jail. Racing helped keep me out of trouble.” in racing history. These included Al Unser and Mario Andretti, who has referred to Jones as “the greatest driver of his era.” Today many of the beautifully preserved cars from the Vel/Parnelli collection are on permanent display at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Racing Capital of the World Hall of Fame Museum. As parents, the Joneses recognized the dangers of racing. Despite their best efforts to steer their sons in a different direction, the apples fell close to the tree. With access to the best mentoring and equipment, sons P.J. and Page quickly became rising stars. Page won 18 out of 42 of his races and was on the fast track to NASCAR. However, on September 25, 1994, fate took a dark turn. While leading a Sprint Car race at Ohio’s Eldora Speedway, his car flipped and was struck by another car. “My first thought was that he couldn’t be hurt that bad,” Parnelli says. “But when I called the doctor and he said, ‘Mr. Jones, I think you’d better get here,’ it scared the hell out of me.” Page sustained a broken shoulder, collarbone and serious head injury. He was airlifted to a nearby hospital where he spent three months in a coma. “It brings tears to my eyes,” Parnelli says pondering the accident. “I was so fortunate. Racing is dangerous. You always kind of overlook it and say, ‘It won’t happen to me.’” Page spent two years in hospitals and rehab, where he relearned basic skills such as walking and talking. Although today he still faces some motor skills challenges, he works alongside his dad at his Torrance office and co-parents his son and daughter with his wife, Jamie. A close friend, Rich Sloan, captured much of Page’s recovery on video, which was recently included in a documentary called estate and other business holdings. “I show up just in time to go to lunch and then spend a few hours working,” he says. A visit to his office is like a trip to the Speedway Hall of Fame, with floorto-ceiling prints of Parnelli with U.S. presidents, celebrities and racing’s most notable icons. Page’s accident made the Joneses keenly aware of the importance of good health care and hospitals. This led to their support of City of Hope, Daniel Freeman Memorial Hospital, where their son was treated, and Scripps Health in San Diego. However, in spite of his many years tipping the speedometer, until last year PATRONS | Fall 2015 26 With children and grandchildren just miles away, it made sense to become Patrons of their neighborhood hospital. “When you get to be our age, you start to think about where you may be spending a lot of your time,” Parnelli says. For Parnelli, what also makes sense is giving back to the city where it all started. “I will always feel I am a part of Torrance. I have always claimed Torrance as my hometown.” Judy Jones says that the secret to a happy marriage is “having your own bathroom.” IN YOUR COMMUNITY Patrons Hear from Nobel Laureate In 1990 South Africa’s President Frederik Willem de Klerk decided to release Nelson Mandela, leader of the liberation movement, who had been in prison since 1963. Following the release, the two politicians worked together to bring an end to the policy of racial segregation, and the formerly banned African National Congress was legalized. It was for this participation in the peace process that both de Klerk and Mandela were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. De Klerk addressed and took questions from Torrance Memorial Patrons at a private reception at Shade Hotel in Manhattan Beach in April. The reception preceded his appearance at the Distinguished Speaker Series of Southern California later that evening. Torrance Memorial Medical Center is a sponsor of the series, which takes place at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center. HARV DANIELS, RUTH DANIELS, JAN PHILBIN, MIKE PHILBIN KATE CRANE, JUDGE MILAN SMITH, CAROLE HOFFMAN , F.W. DE KLERK, TY BOBIT, NADINE BOBIT, REX HOFFMAN, MD GEORGE FARINSKY, BOBBIE FARINSKY, F.W. DE KLERK, ELITA DE KLERK, CAROL MCMILLEN, KARL MCMILLEN SAM FENG, ROSE FENG, SIGRID ALLMAN, RALPH ALLMAN FIFI MENZELOS, SAM MENZELOS DIANA HONEYCUTT, RICK HIGGINS, EVE HIGGINS MARY BETH MARTINEZ, OFELIA DAVID, F.W. DE KLERK, ELITA DE KLERK, EMANUEL DAVID THYRA ENDICOTT, MD, LAURA SCHENASI, ERIC NAKKIM, MD, JUDITH GASSNER PATRONS | Fall 2015 27 RANDI DAUCHOT, LUKE DAUCHOT, NADINE BOBIT, TY BOBIT IN YOUR COMMUNITY Honda Evening Under the Stars Brings in $100,000 Proceeds of $100,000 generated from this month’s Honda Evening Under the Stars 29th annual Gourmet Food & Wine Festival will help pave the way for nonprofit Torrance Memorial Medical Center’s upcoming renovation to its North Tower to benefit women’s and pediatric services. In addition, at the event Honda also announced the donation of a 2015 Honda Odyssey van to Torrance Memorial to be used to transport patients. More than 500 guests attended the event on Saturday, August 1 on American Honda’s Torrance campus. The event offered a performance by Grammy-winning vocalist Peabo Bryson, as well as samplings of the South Bay’s best cuisine and more than 80 varietals of wine. This marks the 10th consecutive year Honda has chosen Torrance Memorial as beneficiary of Evening Under the Stars. In that time, the event has raised more than $1 million for Torrance Memorial. The Festival is presented in partnership with the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce. MIRIAM PAIGE, SANDY VANDENBERGE, NANCY PETERSON DEAN REUTER, CAROLYN SNYDER, MARY FORD, HEIDI CUNNINGHAM, TED JONES ERIC NAKKIM, MD, LISA NAKKIM VICKY MAR, JOANNE CHANG, WINSTON MAR SONG KLEIN, DAVE KLEIN GURI MCKINNELL, JAMIE MCKINNELL, MD, DOTTIE RUDINICA, VINCE RUDINICA STEVE MORIKAWA, MARY MORIKAWA, PRISCILLA HUNT AND FAMILY STEVE LOPES, HELAINE LOPES, SONG KLEIN, DAVE KLEIN PATRONS | Fall 2015 28 IN YOUR COMMUNITY BARBARA LURIE, MARK LURIE, MD MARC SCHENASI, LAURA SCHENASI, JUDITH GASSNER, SIGRID ALLMAN FRONT: PAT LUCY, TERRY HOHM, JOE HOHM. BACK: RICH LUCY, PAM CRANE JUDGE MILAN SMITH, KATE CRANE JACK BAKER, AYNE BAKER SIGRID ALLMAN, RALPH ALLMAN JAN PHILBIN, MIKE PHILBIN CRAIG LEACH, JUDY LEACH, TERRY HOHM, JOE HOHM FRONT: CATHERINE MADORIN, MD, MELANIE FRIEDLANDER, MD, JUDITH FRIEDLANDER. BACK: HOUMAN SOLOMAN, MD, AILEEN TAKAHASHI, MD, CRAIG LEACH, AL LAM, MD, RIAD ADOUMIE, MD, SON NGUYEN, MD, ROLFE METZGER PATRONS | Fall 2015 STANLEY CHANG, MD, BRIAN MIURA, MD, SON NGUYEN, MD, TIFFANY TRINH, MD, JESSICA TSAI, DDS, TONNY LEE, MD DAVE KLEIN, BARBARA LURIE, MARK LURIE, MD, SONG KLEIN, CRAIG LEACH, JUDY LEACH, EVE HIGGINS, RICK HIGGINS 29 IN YOUR COMMUNITY A Heritage of Giving Torrance Memorial Heritage Society members and donors who have made a contribution annually for 10 or more consecutive years were acknowledged at a June luncheon at the Palos Verdes Golf Club. Heritage Society members are those who have included Torrance Memorial with a future gift in their estate plan. Craig Leach, president and CEO, addressed the group with an update on the state of the medical center. He included a report on the November SEATED: BARBARA COX, LOIS WINTERS, ROZELYN REDISCH, JOSEPHINE TUZZOLINO 2014 Lundquist Tower move, along with ongoing STANDING: STUART TSUJIMOTO, DICK WINTERS, WILLIAM CHANG renovations and space planning for the Torrance Memorial campus. For more information about the Heritage Society and how to include Torrance Memorial in your estate plan, please contact Sandy VandenBerge, director of Planned Giving, at 310-784-4843 or [email protected]. You may also visit torrancememorial.org/plannedgiving. FIFI MENZELOS AND SAM MENZELOS RENÉ SCRIBE AND PHYLLIS SCRIBE DICK CHUN, NANCY PETERSON, STEPHEN CONNORS, SANDY VANDENBERGE THYRA ENDICOTT, MD, REV. JONATHAN CHUTE SEATED: ALLEN HOCHSTEIN, KEIKO HOCHSTEIN, COLLIN HULL, NEVA ROGERS STANDING: YOICHI SUMI, DAVID MATSON, IONA MATSON LIDDI KENDEL, VALERIE ADLAM, DEL MCCULLOCH SEATED: SAM FENG, ROSE FENG, SHERRILL SIPES STANDING: CRAIG LEACH, JUDITH SIPES CRAIG LEACH, RICHARD LUNDQUIST, MELANIE LUNDQUIST, LAURA SCHENASI, JONATHAN CHUTE PATRONS | Fall 2015 30 BARBARA COX, SANDY VANDENBERGE, MAUDE INFANTINO IN YOUR COMMUNITY Ambassadors Salon Grows Support for Mission Torrance Memorial Foundation board members Ann Zimmerman and Christy Abraham hosted a May salon in a Palos Verdes home to share the amazing care that Ambassador donors are supporting. During the gathering, guests heard breast cancer survivor Mary Hodges’ story of diagnosis, treatment and compassionate care at the Vasek and Anna Maria Polak Breast Diagnostic Center. Her story of gratitude inspired many to give that evening. PAT LUCY, RICH LUCY, JUDITH GASSNER EVE HIGGINS, TERRY WITTE, TERRY HOHM, CHERYL POPE JAY ABRAHAM, CHRISTY ABRAHAM, ANN ZIMMERMAN, GARY ZIMMERMAN RICK MAYER, ALLISON MAYER, CHRISTY ABRAHAM, BARB GABRIELLI, TERRI HAWKINS, SANDY VANDENBERG, TC SAYLES, MARY HODGES STACIE ALLOCA, TC SAYLES, BARB GABRIELLI, EILEEN HUPP, JUDY GASSNER, BARBARA LURIE, COREY WATTS MICHAEL SCHOETTLE, RICH LUCY, DAVID MCKINNIE, KAK MCKINNIE JOE HOHM, JIM WITTE GARY ZIMMERMAN, MICHAEL WATTS, CHRISTY ABRAHAM, JACK ALLOCCA, MARK LURIE, MD, PAT THEODORA MARGARET WAITE, TERI HAWKINS ANN ZIMMERMAN, SONG KLEIN, LAURA SCHENASI, DAVE KLEIN PATRONS | Fall 2015 PAT THEODORA, ELLEN THEODORA 31 IN YOUR COMMUNITY Ambassadors Hear Cancer Survivor’s Inspiring Story Patrons of the Ambassador Program—a fundraising arm of the Torrance Memorial Foundation—gathered in June at the home of Cynthia Williams, MD, and Chris Delgado to learn how their donations are supporting the lifesaving work of the medical center. Guests were treated to an empowering story of diagnosis, treatment and renewal from a cancer survivor who spoke from the heart about her health challenges. President and CEO Craig Leach also shared his appreciation for their generosity in supporting the medical center’s mission. FRONT: WENDY KLARIK, ALLISON MAYER; MIDDLE: MARGARET WAITE, ANN ZIMMERMAN, DEBBIE TALOSI, CHRISTY ABRAHAM, PAULA THOMAS, HARRIET BAILISS-SUSTARSIC, SCOTT SMITH; BACK: RAY RICHARD, LORI RICHARD, CHRISTINE ACCARITTI WILLIAM AVERILL, MD, AND GERALD SCHWARTZ, MD FRONT: CHRIS DELGADO, DAVE KLEIN, KERRY WALLIS, PEGGIE REICH, SONG KLEIN, CYNTHIA WILLIAMS, MD, LAURA SCHENASI. BACK: DAVID WALLIS, MD, GERRY REICH, MD GREG SCHILL, KATHLEEN MARKOWSKI, SANDY VANDENBERGE, STEPHEN CONNORS, CHERYL CONNORS VIMAL MURTHY, MD, CRAIG LEACH, MARK LURIE, MD ROBERT BELL, JUDY GASSNER, PATRICIA SACKS, MD, MELANIE FRIEDLANDER, MD, CYNTHIA WILLIAMS, MD JUDY LEACH, CRAIG LEACH, CHRISTY ABRAHAM PATRONS | Fall 2015 CHRIS ADLAM, VALERIE ADLAM FRONT: MELANIE LUNDQUIST, RICHARD LUNDQUIST; BACK: BARBARA LURIE, MD, MARK LURIE, MD, CYNTHIA WILLIAMS, MD, JUDY LEACH, CRAIG LEACH CARMEN SCHAYE, DAVID BUXTON, ANN BUXTON 32 MARK LURIE, MD, JUDY GASSNER, BARBARA LURIE IN YOUR COMMUNITY All Aboard the SS YPPA Torrance Memorial’s Young Physicians and Professionals Alliance (YPPA) hosted its third annual networking mixer in March with a nautical flair at the Redondo Beach King Harbor Yacht Club. About 100 castaways joined the festivities for the “three-hour tour” that invited attendees to engage in a speed networking exercise designed CODY CHARNELL, JAMIE MCKINNELL, MD HEIDI HOFFMAN, MD, MICHELLE MOLLURA to facilitate many introductions in a short amount of time. YPPA was established with the purpose of community engagement, support and advancement of Torrance Memorial Medical Center. For information on upcoming YPPA events and membership contact Danielle Boujikian at 310-517-4728 or visit TorranceMemorial.org/YPPA. COLLEEN FARRELL, NICK ARQUETTE, STEVE GRISWOLD, KHRYSTE LANGLAIS JOE SPIERER, CARI CORBALIS, BEN ARCHER SONG KLEIN, ALEX SHEN, MD MELISSA MCWILLIAMS, COLLEEN FARRELL, DANIELLE BOUJIKIAN MADELINE SCHENASI, BRITT BUNNAG, CASEY MOIR NADINE BOBIT, BRITTNEY BUNNAG, KAREN FUIRE, SONG CHO KLEIN, STEPHANIE BEZNER, HEIDI HOFFMAN, CARI CORBALIS, VIMAL MURTHY, MD YPPA Takes a Hike YPPA is about supporting Torrance Memorial. But it’s also about making new friends and embracing all the South Bay has to offer. In July, members participated in the group’s first-ever hike at the Portuguese Bend Nature Reserve in Palos Verdes. YPPA’s own resident mountaineer Nadine Bobit guided the group at an invigorating pace that concluded with mimosas. In case you missed it, additional hikes will be scheduled for this fall and winter. KEVIN BIDENKAP, PETER LUJAN, ANGELA PARK-SHELDON, CODY CHARNELL PATRONS | Fall 2015 33 IN YOUR COMMUNITY Auxiliary Recognition Brunch During the annual Auxiliary Recognition Brunch, Torrance Memorial leadership thanked and honored volunteers for the numerous hours and years of service given to the medical center’s patients, visitors and staff. The annual Auxiliary Recognition Brunch is also an opportunity to show special recognition to those who have achieved milestones of service. STAFF MEMBERS AMANDA GOODRICH, DANIEL PALMA, MARY ANN MERRITT AND MARY BRADFIELD-SMITH SERVE BRUNCH TO SHOW APPRECIATION TO THE VOLUNTEERS FOR THEIR SERVICE. DUKE NOOR, MARY MATSON, JEANETTE ADAMS BARBARA LEQUIRE, MSN, AWARDS FORMER HIGH SCHOOL VOLUNTEER TURNED ADULT VOLUNTEER, RACHELLE GONZALES, WITH A FIVE YEAR SERVICE PIN. ALICE YOUNG, WITH THE HIGHEST OVERALL NUMBER OF HOURS SERVED—30,200 HOURS—AND MIMI BRODY, WITH THE FOURTH HIGHEST NUMBER OF HOURS AT 25,200, ARE CONGRATULATED BY PRESIDENT AND CEO CRAIG LEACH. PRESIDENT AND CEO CRAIG LEACH THANKS JANICE HILL FOR SERVING THE MEDICAL CENTER FOR 35 YEARS, THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF YEARS RECOGNIZED. Memories of Mother Celebratory Tea AMANDA GOODRICH, PAT BROWN, MARGE GOODRICH, SARAH PALEY GUESTS SHOW OFF THEIR FESTIVE HATS. ELAINE HOLTZMAN AND ROSE MARIE SARNER Guests of the Memories of Mother Celebratory Tea came together this past Mother’s Day weekend to honor the memory of their mother figure. The festive event included musical entertainment, a dance performance, shared conversation and high tea. Mothers were remembered through story-telling and the sharing of photos. In the tradition of tea time, many guests wore their favorite hats. The cathartic event included letter writing and conversation facilitated by a bereavement volunteer. HOSPICE VOLUNTEER BETTY WHEATON (CENTER) AND LUMINARIES VOLUNTEERS SUPPORT THE EVENT. PATRONS | Fall 2015 34 BACK: ROSE MARIE SARNER, MARIE HERBRANDSON, RN, AMANDA GOODRICH, TENZIN KIYOSAKI, IONA MATSON, LLOYD BROWN; FRONT: SHARON KALANI, BETTY WHEATON, CAROL FRIEDMAN Torrance Memorial Would Like to GIVE SPECIAL THANKS to Our Many Supporters GIFTS FROM MARCH 1, 2015 TO AUGUST 10, 2015 $500,000 + Donald and Priscilla Hunt Elaine B. Jerome Patricia and Gerald Turpanjian Jackson and Julie Yang $100,000 - $499,999 Ann and Jim Carley Digestive Care Consultants Medical Group David S. Chung, M.D., Karl Fukunaga, M.D., Thai Q. Ha, M.D., Shahina Hakim, M.D., Kenneth M. Holt, M.D., Chirag P. Patel,. M.D., Azam Riyaz, M.D., James Sattler, M.D., and Timothy T. Tran, M.D. Francesca and Douglas Deaver/ Francis P. Torino Foundation Helen and Jack Graux Estate Nan and Reed Harman Dorothy and Allen Lay Bob and Mimi Liu Loraine and Ralph Scriba $50,000 - $99,999 Irving and Lenore Levine Carol and Karl McMillen Lisa Humphreys, M.D. and John P. McNamara, M.D. $25,000 - $49,999 Randi and Luke Dauchot Employee Ambassador Program George & Reva Graziadio Foundation Judy and Parnelli Jones Marilyn and Ian MacLeod The Luminaries Judith and Ed Thompson $15,000 - $24,999 Michele and Robert Christensen City National Bank Darla Valliant and Jack Feldman Katie Fulmer Eve and Rick Higgins Terry and Joe Hohm Torrance Memorial Medical Staff Torrance Pathology Group Dr. Greg and Lien Baetge, Dr. John and Angelie Blakey, Dr. Michael and Bernadette Dunlap and Dr. John and Lisa Kunesh $10,000 - $14,999 Ayne and Jack Baker Hyejin and David Chung, M.D. Tiffany and George Francisco Yumi and Karl Fukunaga, M.D. Thai Q. Ha, M.D. Shahina Hakim, M.D. Gabriella and Ken Holt, M.D. Pat and Rich Lucy Doris and Gregory Morton Rosalie and Chirag Patel, M.D. Payden & Rygel Sajeeda Tabassum, M.D. and Azam Riyaz, M.D. Pam and James Sattler, M.D. K.L. Ho and Timothy T. Tran, M.D. Stanley and Frances Zee $5,000 - $9,999 Association of South Bay Surgeons Dr. Greg and Lien Baetge Dr. John and Angelie Blakey Patricia and Richard Carlson Cerner Corporation Mike Cross Dr. Michael and Bernadette Dunlap Friars Charitable Foundation Ronnie and Alan Goldstein Willie Haggan HUB International of California Dr. John and Lisa Kunesh Judy and Craig Leach McCarthy Building Companies Murray Company Sodexo Vistas for Children, Inc. Virginia and Donald Whinfrey Monica and Sam Sim Sunnyside Rehab & Nursing Center Valerie and Nicholas Tell Debra and Don Terrell Robert Vallee Jr. Hillary Watts Cynthia Williams, M.D. and Chris Delgado Alissa and Robert Wilson Alice Young Nancy Zinner $1,000 - $2,499 Sigrid and Ralph Allman Anesthesia Medical Group, Inc. Avaya Michele and William Averill, M.D. Georgette and Al Avoian Harriet Bailiss-Sustarsic Patsy Berumen Jerome L. Bleiweis Veanne and Tracy Bracken c/a Architects Robin Camrin Cancer Care Associates Mary and Steven Fisher, M.D. Jeannine and Dennis Frandsen Fringe/Debbie Talosi and Laura Hofmann Angela and Dean Furkioti, D.D.S. Joël Grinker Estate Rosalind Farmans Halikis Miaoshia and Chansen Han Patti and Al Hermann Carole Hoffman Imprivata Internal Medicine & Nephrology Medical Group, Inc. Sandra and Karl Jackson John N. Johnson Kawai America Corporation Song and David Klein Patti and Thomas LaGrelius, M.D. Kristen Lem Charlotte and Russ Lesser Tracy and Andy Livian Barbara Demming Lurie and Mark Lurie, M.D. Maniaci Insurance Services Vicky and Winston Mar $2,500 - $4,999 2H Construction A & A Maintenance Valerie and Chris Adlam Alpine Electronics of America CH2M HILL O&M Business Group Lynne and Horace Cochran COR Healthcare Medical Associates Mary and Victor B. Hansen Ronna and Robert Katz Kay and William E. Kim, M.D. kpff Consulting Engineers Lincoln Financial Advisors Marilyn and Frank Miles Morrow-Meadows Corporation MSM Landscape Services, Inc. Laura and Marc Schenasi Priscilla and Roger Schultz BRENDA NOWATKA, PRISCILLA HUNT, PEABO BRYSON, STEVE MORIKAWA Judy Dabinett Ruth and Harv Daniels Del Amo Gardens Convalescent Center Rachel A. Knopoff, M.D. and Russell Dickerson, M.D. Karla Burns and Brett Dillenberg Scott J. Donnelly, CPA Suzann and Don Douthwright Beth and Berkley Eichel, M.D. EMCOR Service/Mesa Energy Systems Executive Perils Exxon Mobil Foundation PATRONS | Fall 2015 35 Mehlig Family Foundation Mercer Human Resources Consulting Minuteman Parking Company Brian Miura, M.D. Wade Nishimoto, M.D. Drs. Gwenne and Timothy Norcross Northrop Grumman ECHO Program Oarsmen Foundation Omnicell, Inc. Robin and Norman Panitch, M.D. Lore and Marvin Patrick Phyllis D. Pelezzare Torrance Memorial Would Like to GIVE SPECIAL THANKS to Our Many Supporters Peninsula Medical Management Services Petrak & Associates, Inc. Jan and Mike Philbin Susan and Dean Reuter Carlene Ringer Ann and W. Rode H. Elena Rodriguez, M.D. The Rouse Company Jerry Schwartz, M.D. Timothy J. Skelly, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Steve Miller Company Bert Stewart Timothy Stowe Sarah and Ned Stromme Aileen M. Takahashi, M.D. and Charles Spendler, M.D. Torrance Emergency Physicians Torrance Memorial Radiology Group Carolyn and Charles Turek, M.D. Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC Susan and Matthew Whelan Robert M. Wilson Terry and Jim Witte Cathi and R. Michael Wyman, M.D. $500 - $999 Christine and Michael Accavitti Chuck P. Aiesi Judy Anacker Elisa I. Anhalt, M.D. and Douglas D. Laurin, M.D. Marcia and Lawrence August, M.D. Ayne and John G. Baker Tara Bartlett, R.N. Tiffany and Greg Becker, M.D. Heather Berger Paula and Edward Bold, M.D. Diana and George Brandt Amarpreet and Ashima Brar, M.D. Gertrude Brown Brittney Bunnag Ann and David Buxton Linda Calderon Edna Campbell Joanne and Stanley Chang, M.D. Cody Charnell Lauren Choi, M.D. and Philip W. Chung, M.D. Mary and John Clark Climatec Building Technologies Group Kathy and Paul Cohen Cari and Fred Corbalis Kathleen Crane and the Honorable Milan Smith Celeste Despres-Sheres and Sidney Sheres Dunn & Associates Elizabeth and LeRoy Forehand Fun in the Sun Fourwheelers Barbara Gabrielli Steven Griswold Timme and Kurt Gunderlock George Gunza Lynne and Jim Held Erin and Heidi Hoffman, M.D. Jenn and Brandon Hohm Drs. Kalpana and Hugo Hool Julie Iwasaki Madeline Jordan Valerie and Edward Kelly Wendy Klarik Tara Klein Susan and Lawrence Kneisley, M.D. Melissa B. Koskinen Sylvia and Robert Laxineta, D.D.S. LivHOME Susan and Peter Lorman, M.D. Maricarmen Luhrsen, R.N. Macquarie Company Margi Kent Studio, Inc. Matthew J. Marshall Christopher and Lisa Martz Uni Mayesh Catherine and Linwood Melton Suzanne Millar Michele and James Mollenkamp, M.D. Michelle and Rodney Mollura Morgan Stanley C/O Cybergrants, Inc. Rebecca and Pat Niemann Nancy Edwards and Charles Parker Cindy and Larry Percz Grace Perez Dolly Vinh Pham and Bang Vu Pham, M.D. Kelli and Edward Piken, M.D. Karen and Mike Randazzo Lori and Ray Richard Kirsten Wagner, DDS and Richard Rounsavelle, DDS Dolly and Mark Rouse Harvey Sarver Drs. Gordon and Carmen Schaye Kathleen and Gregory Schill Marcia and Michael Schoettle Barbara Schulz, M.D. James Scriba Connie Senner Marianne C. Sfreddo Angela Park Sheldon Martha and Fred Signer Silverado Senior Living Hsin-Yi Lee, M.D. and George So, M.D. South Bay Serenity Group South Bay Urology Med Group Kelly and Charles Spagnola Cherie and William Steckbauer Zach Steeber Paula and Mark Thomas Dorothy Thompson Stacy Tomita Neal Verga Joy Burkhardt Debbie Carlton Valerie Carrier Nancy Carter Maria and Kevin Chapman Jyu Hwa Chiang Heidi and Hae Son Chong TIMOTHY NORCROSS, DO, GWENNE NORCROSS, DO Voya Financial Margaret and David Waite Anthony Walker Teresa and Gerald Wasserwald, M.D. Jerry Weeks Welch & Company Jean Wong and Lou Kaufman Pat Yates Hilary and Clay Zachry $250 - $499 Eric Aguirre Jason W. Ahn Ellen Allen-Wainwright Wayne Andrews Jaime and Lourdes Antonio Judy Arnold Lida Asgari Gwendolyn Bailey Cynthia Baker Bali Construction, Inc. Irene Bayan Ed Bernardo Peggy and Clifford Berwald Betsy and Jerry Biggins Susan and Ron Brady Pam and Larry Branam Celia S. Brockenbrough Trudy Brown PATRONS | Fall 2015 36 Herminia Chua Sallie and Thom Cintron Earl Clark Sandy and Thomas Cobb Ron Compton Simon G. Contreras Debbi Cordano Leslie Cortez Danielle Cosgrove Dianne Cota Charlotte Crocker Anne Crofut Kristin Curren Linda Currie Jeanette Cutuli D&R Carla Duhovic Donna Duperron Margie Eclevia Elaine Eguchi Cheryl Ely Dr. Thyra J. Endicott and Rev. Jonathan Chute Carlos Fernandez Rolando D. Garcia Felix Garcia Darrell George Green Hills Memorial Park Michael Grffiths Judith A. Grohne Kathy Hagemeier Kimberly and Jim Hall Maral Bolsajian Hand and Brian Hand James Hartman Shian-Huar Chen and Daniel Harvey, M.D. Natalie Hassoldt Cathy Hendrickson Kitty and Alfred Hill Debbie Hoagland Jenn and J. Brandon Hohm Cathy Howard Linda Howard Nancy Hu Ann Irwin Rosario Jarquin Bonnie Jewell Nisha and Michael Khemlani Changkyun Kim Jin Sook Kim Susan Koch Kathleen and Richard Krauthamer, M.D. Julie A. Krueger Karlene Kueteman John Kumashiro Anne Lam Danielle and Nat Lauro Donna and George Lee Jessica and Tonny Meng-Che Lee, M.D. Grace Lee Ing Huey Lin Cameron Lippincott Kim Locke Cathey Lohmann Robert Louissaint Cristal Lynch, M.D. Steven P. Makshanoff Patrick Matteo Cindy G. Maxwell Linda Maynor-Gardea Ata Mazahei, M.D. Luan McElroy Smith Drs. Sunny and Ron Melendez Mary Ann Merritt David Meyer Pamela Michael Nancy C. Milliren Sheree and Allen Mills Barbara Minami Robin and Marc Mittleman, M.D. Richard Miyazato Casey Moir Glenda M. Moore Nancy Mukai Lisa and Eric Nakkim, M.D. North Torrance Pre School and Kindergarten William Oberholzer Ann and Mike O’Brien Esther Ovadia David Parker Shibani Patell, M.D. Linda Perry Nancy Peterson and Richard Chun Peter D. Pettler, Esq. Pfeiler & Associates Zenaida Poquiz Judi Porter Debra and Brent Primeau Gayle Probst Yvone and Armando Ramos Gary Randazzo Rebar Engineering, Inc. Linda Redgrift Nancy Reeve Debbie Reyes Mir Ramin Roohipour, M.D. Jody Aronso, M.D. and Marc Rosenthal, M.D. Ronald Rosso, M.D. Lawrence Rubin D.P.M. Dr. Sarita K. Saigal Arceli Salanguit Robert Salim Pat and Joe Schenasi Sheri Schrier Karen Scott-Martinet David Seidner Howard Simon Lorraine Smith Eileen Staal Dr. and Mrs. Carlo A. Tabellario Madeleine Tarnay Jan and Ian Teague Lisa and Kevin Templeton The Council Of Insurance Agents And Brokers Janet and Jacob Theologidy Julia Tobin Carolee R. Townsend Irene and John Trotter, DDS Truist Dianna Tyndall Louise Ung Jan and Don Van Buren Roksolana and Bernard Vecerek Hilary and Andrew J. Waxler Marcia Wease Michelle Whitman Rosalie Wider Judy and Dave Wielandt Dianne Wood Lori A. Woodman KAY SHETH, GRETA JARVIS, MIKE ZISLIS, MIKE JARVIS, SUSAN WALKER, RICH WALKER PATRONS | Fall 2015 37 Peter Young Bruce L. Young $100 - $249 Gail and Doug Allen Ralph Avakian Danute Basiulis Ruth V. Borges Adrienne Brown Susan and Patrick Clark Pamela Crane Ibby Dawson Craig and Julie V. Douglass, M.D. French Kande Friday Nite Live Cynthia and William Frishette Michael Gargiulo Judith Gassner Elzetta Gibbs Chris Harrison Scott Harrison Michael Heffner Beth and Erik Higgins Clifford Holland Bonnie Kojima Patricia A. Kromka Patricia and Steve D. Lantz Paula and Bill Larson June Leach David and Linda Lillington Helaine and Steve Lopes James McKinnell, M.D. Ann Mervin Mayuri R. Mody Vimal K. Murthy, M.D. Sheila O’Neill Olive Pine Patricia E. Quan Carlos Ramos Deborah and Terry Rauch Robert Reinicke Fumie Sayegusa Steve Schamel Margaret Schwartz Allyson and Alexander Shen, M.D. Rose Sherwood Debra and Jerry Soldner Thomas Soukup Marta and Mike Thomas Sandy VandenBerge Janet and Richard Wilson Torrance Memorial Would Like to GIVE SPECIAL THANKS to Our Many Supporters AMBASSADORS Premier Patricia & Richard Carlson Chevron Corporation / Rod Spackman Nancy Combs Jacquelyne & Steven Miller Tricia & Thomas Paulsen, M.D. Platinum Izzat Alamdari, M.D. & Eric Milefchik, M.D. Laurie & John Bucher Lynn & Horace Cochran Melanie Friedlander, M.D. Ronnie & Alan Goldstein Judy & Nick Hulse William E. Kim, M.D. Donna & George Lee Marilyn & Frank Miles Khrystyna Pavlova and Riad Adoumie, M.D. Priscilla & Roger Schultz Debra & Don Terrell Kimberly & Robert Vallee, Jr. Alissa & Robert Wilson Kay & Dwight Yamada Gold Valerie & Chris Adlam Michele & William Averill, M.D. Georgette & Al Avoian Harriet Bailiss-Sustarsic & Scott Smith Elaine & Jerome L. Bleiweis Jeanie Blum Trudy Brown Ann & David Buxton Alida & Stevan Calvillo Judy Nei & Vinh Cam, M.D. Mary Louise & Donald Crocker Judy Dabinett Suzann & Donald Douthwright Eric Dupont Diane & Thomas Duralde, M.D. Beth & Berkley Eichel, M.D. Rosalind Farmans Halikis Regina & Dan Finnegan Mary & Steven Fisher, M.D. Angela & Dean Furkioti, D.D.S. Jeannine & Dennis Frandsen Miaoshia & Chansen Han Donna Marie & Eugene Hardin, M.D. Erin & Heidi Hoffman, M.D. Leslie & Colin Hull Sandy & Karl Jackson John N. Johnson, M.D. Rachel Knopoff, M.D. & Russell Dickerson, M.D. Patti & Thomas LaGrelius, M.D. Jessica & Tonny Meng-Che Lee, M.D. Charlotte & Russ Lesser Karen & Nelman C. Low, M.D. Vicky & Winston Mar Sudy & Bud Mayo Patricia & Donald Mehlig Sunny Melendez, M.D. & Ron Melendez, M.D. Joanne & Marc Moser Diane & Davis Moore Wade Nishimoto, M.D. Elizabeth Paul, M.D. & Joy Paul, M.D. Phyllis Pelezzare Linda Pullen-Buehl Lori & Ray Richard H. Elena Rodriguez, M.D. Tamara Ritchey Powers Jerry Schwartz, M.D. Patricia & Rich Severa Nicholas J. Silvino, M.D. Richard Sonner, M.D. Robert Stephenson Bert Stewart Sarah & Ned Stromme Pauline & Rolling Sturgeon Carolyn & Charles D. Turek, M.D. Susan & Richard Walker Kerry & David H. Wallis, M.D. Susan & Matthew Whelan Chris Delgado & Cynthia L. Williams, M.D. Terry & Jim Witte Judy & Barry Wolstan Monica & Peter Wong Cathi & R. Michael Wyman, M.D. Silver Christine & Michael Accavitti Marcia & Lawrence August, M.D. Paula & Edward Bold, M.D. Renuka Boyapalli, M.D. & Srikanth Boyapalli Diana & George Brandt Maureen Brigante Edna Campbell Anita Canfield Lauren Choi, M.D. & Philip Chung, M.D. Hyejin & David Chung, M.D. Kathy & Paul Cohen Joy & Marc F. Colman, M.D. Cheryl & Stephen Connors Pamela Crane Phyllis & Donald Culler Melanie Dee, M.D. & Garrett Matsunaga, M.D. Cynthia & Steven Dennis Julie & Michael DiLustro Nancy Edwards & Charles Parker Peggy & Daniel Fisher Elizabeth & LeRoy Forehand Yumi & Karl Fukunaga, M.D. Barb Gabrielli Elaine & Byron Gee Debbie & Moe Gelbart, M.D. Timme & Kurt Gunderlock Jane Chunza Thai Q. Ha, M.D. Shahina Hakim, M.D. Nancy & Keith Hauge Lynne & Jim Held K.L. Ho & Timothy Tran, M.D. Shirley & Chih-Ming Ho Laura & Doug Hofmann Kenneth M. Holt, M.D. Kalpana Hool, M.D. & Hugo Hool, M.D. Wendy Klarik Lawrence Kneisley, M.D. Sherry & Ian Kramer Susan & Peter Lorman, M.D. Mary Todd & Peter McCormack Laura & Donald McIntire Lisa & Christopher Martz Catherine & Linwood Melton Cindy & Lawrence Miller Deana & Richard Montgomery Vimal Murthy, M.D. Karen & Gene Naftulin, M.D. Michelle Nguyen & Nhat Tran, M.D. Gwenne Norcross, D.O. & Timothy Norcross, D.O. Rosalie & Chirag Patel, M.D. Cindy & Laurence Percz Dolly Vinh & Bang Vu Pham, M.D. Jayne & Chris Pimlott Azam S. Riyaz, M.D. Pam & James Sattler, M.D. Carmen Schaye, Ed.D. & Gordon Schaye M.D. Marcia & Michael Schoettle Barbara Schulz, M.D. Martha & Fred Signer Carolyn Snyder Kelly & Charles Spagnola PATRONS | Fall 2015 38 Cherie & William Steckbauer Betty Strauss Debbie & Joe Talosi Paula & Mark Thomas Dorothy Thompson Margaret & David Waite Mary & Steven Wheatley Jean Wong Pat Yates PAC Stephanie Bezner, Esq. Nancy Burke-Barr, CLPF Dayla Cabeza de Vaca, CFP William W. Chang Stephen F. Connors, CFP Phillip Cook, CFP Christian Cordoba, CFS Maureen Dearden Scott J. Donnelly, CPA Ted Hanasono, Esq. Eric J. Harris, Esq. Derrick Kawamoto Ed Kelly, CFP Troy Martin, Esq. Cristin H. Rigg, CFP, CDFA Gregory Schill, CFP Marianne Sfreddo, CPA Sylvia Thompson Mark Tsujimoto Stuart Tsujimoto, CFP Kazuaki Uemura, Esq. Life Ambassadors Cathy Allen Gail & Douglas Allen Mary Lou & Jack Area Suzanne & Robert Barth David Bauer Betty Belsky Joan & Chris Caras Mila & Patrick Chambers, M.D. Mary & John Clark Achara & Thomas Cowell, M.D. Patricia & Duane Denney Barbara Dorman Virginia & Dennis Fitzgerald Sherry & Thomas Gossett, M.D. George W. Graham Patricia & Al Hermann Carole Hoffman Theresa & Joseph Hohm Daniel Hovenstine, M.D. Kathleen & Richard Krauthamer, M.D. Sylvia & Robert Laxineta, D.D.S. Judy & Craig Leach Fred Mackenbach Carol Magee Cheryl Melville Genevieve & Hugh Muller Robin & Norman Panitch, M.D. Ellen & Fraser Perkins, M.D. Franklin Pratt, M.D. Peggie & Gerald Reich, M.D. Carlene & Edward Reuscher Cindy & Benjamin Rosin, M.D. Patricia E. Sacks, M.D. & Harvey Kushner Beya & Robert Schaeffer, Jr., M.D. Loraine & Ralph Scriba Laura & Thomas Simko, M.D. Mary Lou Steinmetz John Steward, M.D. Kimberly & David Stone, M.D. Tina & Peter Vasilion Teresa & Gerald Wasserwald, M.D. Mary Williams Dovie & George Worcester Erin & Patrick Yeh, M.D. Alice Young HEALING GARDEN Afternoon Escorts 12-4P Auxiliary Volunteers Mimi & Jill Brody Dottie & Harlan Curwick Friday Morning Escort Auxiliary Volunteers Judy Fullenwider Fun in the Sun Fourwheelers Michael Heffner Janet & Hiram Hironaka Clifford Holland Claudia & Dennis Hughner Patricia Irwin Margaret Johnston Kathryn Joiner Gail & Richard Long Donna Mathwig Mary Matson Orah Mae Millar Mary Ritter Renee Rodson Bonnie Schottle Rose Sherwood Dorothy Teja Torrance Memorial Auxiliary Volunteers Iris Vermillion IN-KIND GIFTS Christy and Jay Abraham Valerie and Chris Adlam American Honda Motor Co Annette and John Aguirre At Midnight with Chris Hardwick Ayne and Jack Baker Karin Baker Carlos Botana Laurie Latham Brandt Susan and Adam Carroll Catalina Cooking Catalina Medical Center Acupuncturist Catalina Medical Center Chiropractic Lisa and James Cheatham Chez Melange City National Bank Louise and David Clinton Angela and Frank Conterno Continental Development Corp. Cooperative of American Physicians, Inc. Heidi Cunningham Ruth and Harv Daniels Deidre Davidson Patricia and Steve Delcarson Lori and Greg Delgado Disneyland Resort Doffo Family, Doffo Winery Suzann and Don Douthwright Donna Duperron Bridgid Dupree Mark Duvall Hanne and Craig Ekberg Entertaining Friends Catering Regina and Dan Finnegan Fox NFL Sunday French Kande Fringe Judith Gassner Grace and Lou Giovannetti Goodyear Airship Operations Maria and Wayne Grau Heidi Cunningham Hennessey’s Tavern Hertzberg-Davis Forensic Science Center Honda Classic Lena Miller-Horii and Dwayne Horii HUB International of California Jackie and Greg Geiger Jackson’s Food & Drink Kathy Kellogg-Johnson and Brian Johnson Kathy and Kirk Johnson MaryBeth and Steve Kane Song and David Klein Heather and Rick Kline Sherry Kramer Thomas LaGrelius, M.D. Diane and Mark Landon Tracy and Andy Livian Helaine and Steve Lopes Los Angeles Lakers Melanie and Jeff Maclean Marilyn and Ian MacLeod Marcus Medical Judy and Gene Matsuda McKenna’s Pendleton South Bay Meistrell Family, Body Glove/ Dive N Surf W. A. Monahan Mary and Steve Morikawa Ann and Dan Mueller Erlend and Doreen Myhre Palos Verdes Golf Club Sandy and Jeff Peck Pedones Cindy and Larry Percz Jan and Mike Philbin Teresa Phillips Cheryl and Steve Phillips Pho Show Mary and Tony Podell Rosemary Pudlik JR Pudlik Tina and John Quinn Karen and Mike Randazzo Gary Randazzo Redondo Beach Brewery Ribbons Amy and Tom Ricci Riviera Mexican Grill Rolling Hills Country Club Rolling Hills Flower Mart JOY COLMAN, MARC COLMAN, MD PATRONS | Fall 2015 39 Pat and Robert Romeri Faith and Scott Rouse Deena and Bill Ruth Andrea and Jim Sala Laura and Marc Schenasi Tori and Jim Schladen Marianne C. Sfreddo Allyson and Alex Shen, M.D. Mike Simms, Simms Restaurants Sodexo Space X SportsNet LA Kacey Takashima-Ahn Lisa Takata Janice and Timur Tecimer Martha and Mark Templin Ten Thousand Villages The Loft Hawaiian Restaurant The Queen Mary The Rouse Company Torrance Memorial Luminaries Travelers Todd Trinneer Turquoise Jen Velasquez Neal Verga Sonya Vicerra Walmart Mark Waronek Erik Wedin Susan and Wade Welch Janet Westergaard Whole Foods Kay and Jeremy Wilkinson Kathleen and Chris Wilson Ann and Ted Wu Yellow Vase Jane Yen Torrance Memorial Would Like to GIVE SPECIAL THANKS to Our Many Supporters HERITAGE SOCIETY William Anderson Shirley and Winton Baker Barbara Birchim Hilde Boldt Stasea and Jeffrey Borer Jan and Virgil Bourgon Ronnie Brown Maria Buechler Herbert Clarkson Leola Cork Bette and Dick Crowell Don Dawson Ginny and John Dixon Arlene and Dale Dorman Thyra Endicott, M.D. and Jonathan Chute Judy English and William Crudup, M.D. Sam and Rose Feng Dell Fortune and Steve Nash Henry Frankenberg Sunila Fuster, M.D. Sidney Gamber George W. Graham Joan Hansen Patricia and Gary Hathaway, M.D. Adrianne and Alan Hegge Joan Henderson Keiko and Allen Hochstein Donald and Priscilla Hunt Maude Infantino June Kaneoka Sylvia Kennedy Betty Kirchoff † Millie Kruger Micki and Norman Lasky, M.D. Diane and George Lee Melanie and Richard Lundquist Barbara and Mark Lurie, M.D. Judith Maizlish Larry Maizlish Del McCulloch Patricia McGinnis Sandra and Kenneth McKivett Linda Severy McMahon and Jerold McMahon Carol and Karl McMillen Barbara and † Bud Mendenhall A. Dian Olsen Kenneth O’Rourke Lore and Marv Patrick Christina and Phil Pavesi Nancy Peterson and Dick Chun Donna and John Prysi Rozelyn Redisch Betty Jane and Ernest Rivera Glenn Roby Lavonne and Jerry Rodstein Neva Rogers Kirsten Wagner, D.D.S. and Richard Rounsavelle, D.D.S. Laura and Marc Schenasi Loraine and Ralph Scriba Phyllis and René Scribe John R. Sealy, M.D. Yoichi Sumi Nancy and Douglas Teulie John Vansickle Edith Wallace Susan K. Warner Suzanne Webb Lois and Richard Winters † Deceased YOUNG PHYSICIANS AND PROFESSIONALS ALLIANCE Betty Duong, M.D. & John Abe, M.D. Valerie & Chris Adlam Laura J. Albano Elisa Anhalt, M.D. & Doug Laurin Benjamin Archer Anthony Arellano-Kruse, M.D. Nicholas A. Arquette Donny N. Baek, M.D. Lori & Dave Baldwin Hunter Baldwin Andrew Bark Tara Bartlett Tiffany Becker, M.D. Tracy Bercu, M.D. Stephanie Bezner, Esq. Kevin Bidenkap Nadine Bobit Ashima Brar, M.D., MBA Amarpreet Brar, M.D. David A. Bray, Jr. M.D. Alexandra Bujor, M.D. Brittney Bunnag Drisa Carrizo, CPA TERRY HOHM, JOE HOHM, JENNIFER HOHM, BRANDON HOHM Stanley Chang, M.D. Cody Charnell Cari Corbalis Joshua Davidson, M.D. Celeste Despres-Sheres Ujjwala S. Dheeriya, M.D. Alice Diego-Malit, M.D. Marcia Ding, M.D. James Ding, M.D. Blake Edwards Alex & Gary Elminoufi Rachael Ferraro, D.O. Roy Fu, M.D. Karin Fuire Karl Fukunaga, M.D. Laurie Glover Damien F. Goldberg, M.D. Steven Griswold Mike Ho, Jr., M.D. Erin & Heidi Hoffman, M.D. Brandon J. Hohm Dawn & Bo Kaplan Song & Dave Klein Tara Klein Tonny Lee, M.D. Peter Lujan Lisa MacCarley Matthew Marshall James McKinnell, M.D. Melissa McWilliams Brian Miura, M.D. Michelle Mollura Keith W. Murphy PATRONS | Fall 2015 40 Vimal Murthy, M.D. Pat Niemann Timothy L. Norcross, D.O. Gwenne Norcross, D.O. Angela Park-Sheldon, CFP Michelle Finkel, M.D. & David Z. Presser, M.D. William Rehrig Madeline Schenasi Pantea Sharifi-Hannauer, M.D. Alexander J. Shen, M.D. Julie Sim, M.D. George J. So, M.D. Joseph Spierer Lauren Spiglanin Elliot T. Sumi, M.D. & Chez Moi Food Culture Aileen Takahashi, M.D. Stephanie Tang, D.O. & Christopher Angemi, D.O. John Tellenbach Nhat Tran, M.D. Peter C. Tseng, M.D. Richard T. Umbrell Anthony Walker Kerry & David Wallis, M.D. Sandra & Eric Wang Terri Welby-Zajec Jennifer Yang Clay Zachry Keri Zickhur, M.D. Michael Zislis EMPLOYEE AMBASSADORS Maria & Rodie Abejero Susan Abelson E.A. Abrokwa Susie Kim Adams Helen Aguilar Nancy Agustin Tomoko Akazawa Michele Alarcon Manette Alford Bibi Ali Ellen Allen-Wainwright Mei and Kent Amano Arlene Amigable Lourdes Antonio Oliva Arcela Cresencia Armamento Judy Arnold Maria Arteaga Jose Albert Rey Asis Sheryl Y. u Randy Avakian Kathie Avakian Sara K. Avakian Jacqueline Ayres Lauren Ayres Gwendolyn Bailey Cynthia Baker Patricia Baldivia Cecilia Banania Ginger Barclay Lisa Bargar Dan Bauman, Pharm.D. Marnie Bay Rodriguez Irene L. Bayan Susan Bench Melissa Benoit Ed Bernardo Anthony Berry Peggy Berwald Betsy Biggins Emma D. Bilbao Kyomi Bolender Lance Bommelje Maricela Bordenave Danielle Boujikian Mary Jane Bouman Beth & David Bower Marcella Boyd-Robinson Kathryn Braasch Mary Bradfield-Smith Susan Brady Richard Brazier, J.R. Patricia Brienzo Beth Burkhalter Joy Burkhalter Heather Burt Agnes Butardo Dinah Cabalatungan Caroline Cabilogan Blanca Cabrera Felicidad Cabuena Cathrine Cainglet Evelyn Calip Helen Camero Loreta Rayat Camiling Robin Camrin Debbie Carlton Luzviminda B. Cartera Sherry Casao Su Castro Dolores Cellier Yan C. (Bobbie) Chan Changrong Cheng Heidi Chong Sally Donner Patty Drew Carla Duhovic Janice Dunn Ashley Dzikowski Anna Eakins Sally Eberhard Margie Eclevia Mary J. Eddy Priscilla Ednilao Elaine M. Eguchi Judith Eisler Cheryl Ely Juliana S. Enge Josephine Espejo Ana Maria Espejo Mary E. Espinoza Amanda Goodrich Ann Gotthoffer Gale Gould Zorayda Gozun Tracey Green Tracey Greer Cathy Guthrie Rose Hadley Kathy Hagemeier Azmina Haji Shanna Hall Michael Hanson Leilani Haslam Natalie Hassoldt Patricia Heath Jacqueline Hemmah Susan Hernandez Najla M. Faizi Najla M. Faizi Marissa Farol Colleen Farrell Todd Felker Carlos & Mirna Fernandez Estrella M. Filamor Sharon Flower Mary Ford Cheryl Fox Tom Fox June Friesner-Lerner Janet Froehlich Carol E. Fukuchi Sidney Gamber Marco Garay Rolando D. Garcia Felix & Tami Garcia Maria Garteaga Judith Gassner Jill Golden Mary Accetta Goodloe Claribel Hernandez Tim Hersey Mary Hersh Bruce A. Hershberger Vickie Hershberger Corrine Hidalgo Debbie Hoagland Charmaine Hogarth Suellen G. Hosino Linda Howard Naiwei Hsu-Chang Lisa G. Hughes Alfie Ignacio Barbara Jane Ignacio Tokiko Imai Florence D. Intok Carolyn Ito Rosario Jarquin Erika Jehnsen Roberta Jenkinson Bonnie Jewell Mike and Janet Johnson SALLY EBERHARD, MIKE EBERHARD Hermie S. Chua Alan Chung Elizabeth Cinco Sallie Cintron Lucrecia Coloma Ethel C. Constantino Simon G. Contreras Coral Cortez Felipe Cortez Danielle Cosgrove Dianne Cota Marcia Creighton Charlotte Crocker Carolyn Cruz Linda Currie Jeanette M. Cutuli Azam Daryabar Mina Dastgheib Lety De La Torre Geraldine DeLaCruz Juan M. Diaz Jann & Dan Dickson PATRONS | Fall 2015 41 Torrance Memorial Would Like to GIVE SPECIAL THANKS to Our Many Supporters Rena Johnson Kathryn Joiner Anna Jung Debby Kelley Layne Kelley Cynthia Keus Freda Khan Dennis Kikuno Changkyun Kim James Kim Jin Sook Kim Lisa A. Kiyohara Leah and Mark Klein Susan Koch Maria Cecilia Koegel Kimberley Koontz Julie A. Krueger Cassandra Krutsinger Marley Kuehl John Kumashiro Mary Jane Landrock Gerald and Trisha Lanphen Steve Lantz Erlinda Lara Bill Larson Jeannie L. Lavezzari Judy & Craig Leach Judy Grace Lebrillo Susan Legaspi Patricia Leonard Barbara Lequire Chi Leung Mary Jane & Nolan Lew Cresencia T. Libeta Liza Lieu Susan Lieu Linda Lillington Ing Huey Lin Liza Lumanlan-Domingo Barbara Maddox Shirley Rose Maderazo Fernando & Eva Sophia Magdaleno Patricia Mann Erin Mann Cindy Manson Wei Q. Mao Mary Matson Patrick Matteo Dorothy Maxwell Anne McCormick Meg McCormick Cedric McRae Elaine McRae Mary Ann Meadows Joe & Jane Mendence Maria L. Mendoza Mary Ann Merritt Melany Merryman Pamela Michael Patti Migliazzo Carmen Miguel Rene Miller Nancy C. Milliren Marian Mills Barbara Minami Lauren Mitchell Janice Miyashiro Mayuri and Rajesh Mody Glenda M. Moore Patrick Moore Matthew Morales Nancy Mukai Sanjeshni Murphy Nooshin Naghsheh Tami Nakama Kera Nakasone RICHARD KRAUTHAMER, MD, KATHLEEN KRAUTHAMER Russell & Eliwyn Liptzin Kim Locke Cathey Lohmann Helaine Lopes Richard & Martha Lopez Elizabeth Lowerison Monica Lowrey Vickie Lowrie Maricarmen Luhrsen Allisha Nazareth Sandra Nazareth Edward Nazareth Janet Neu Andrew Nguyen Sue-Ann Nouchi Ann O’Brien Una W. O’Brien Young Oh Eliza Oliveros Maria Olton Sheila O’Neill Martha Ortiz Esther Ovadia Dirk Overturf Ronald Padilla Maureen Palladini Doris A. Paloma Michele Palombo Jacqueline Parker-Johnson Mila Pasion-Flores Donna Patch Jiteshkumar B. Patel Jennifer Patten Jaquelina Patti Patricia Pearce Kristine M. Perez Patricia Perez Rosa L. Perez Howard Pfahler David Phung Atsuko & Gary Pierce Kay Pitonzo Vilma Plagata Zenaida Poquiz Steve Porter Gigi C. Portugal Pat Quan Dorine Queener Susan Quenga Sherry L. Rafters Corazon Raguirag Christopher Rama Denzil Ramdhanie Pedro G. Ramirez Armando & Yvone Ramos Karen Randazzo Maria D. Rangel Donna Reed Nancy Reeve Bernadette Reid Tami Reiland Debbie Reyes Richard Rivera Julie Rizzo Cora Roa Addy Rodriguez Sam Rodriguez Ellen C. Roysden Dottie Rudinica Lynn Ruffin Amber Rugenstein Terry Runzler Arceli Salanguit Lydia Salas Isabelo Salva Angela Salva May Santos Rinnah T. Sapitanan PATRONS | Fall 2015 42 Vilma H. Sapitanan Catherine Sarcona Laura Schenasi Melanie Schmitz Jamie Schneider Kathleen Schumm Ernesto Segura Connie Senner Nenita Sequito Christine Serra-Harris Khalid Shariff LaDonna & Joe Shea Mary Shen Judith Shigemitsu E. Patricia Simmons Lorraine Smith Michael R. Steele Kim Stephens Bert Stewart Jennifer Stewart Cammie Strong Christina Sweeney Lisa Takata Remer Tangoan Keith Tate Tina Tattersall Richard Tejada Mike Thomas Terry D. Thomas Steven Thompson Julia Tobin Beryl Tokunaga Shelly Trites Mei Tsai Grace Turk Dianna Tyndall Veronica Urbano Valeska Valdivia Cesar Valle Don Van Buren Sandy VandenBerge Ruth Velasco Bao Vu Lani Walker Judith Eisler Waters Angie Watters Marcia Wease Patrick Wecker Reba Mae Westreicher Maria White David Wilson Arnie Wolfson Dianne Wood Lori Woodman Mary Wright Yasmin Yap-Mariano Lodel Yerro-Caplan Phil and Sylvia Yim Tiffani Zanelli Rory Zatyko Why You Need A Primary Care Physician www.TMPhysicianNetwork.org Having a Primary Care Physician results in significant patient health benefits: Coordination of Care • Lower Medical Costs Staying Healthier As You Age • Referral to Specialists Same Day Appointments Available. Call Today 310-891-6717 TORRANCE • Dr. Tanya Arvan Primary Care Dr. Mary Beth Miller Primary Care 3701 Skypark Avenue, Suite 100 Torrance 3333 Skypark Drive, Suite 100 Torrance Dr. Keith Chumley Primary Care Dr. Carmen Morales Primary Care 3701 Skypark Avenue, Suite 100 Torrance 824 E. Carson Street, Suite 203 Carson Dr. Sunil Hebbar Primary Care Dr. Michael Yu Primary Care 705 Pier Avenue Hermosa Beach 3333 Skypark Drive, Suite 100 Torrance REDONDO BEACH • M A N H AT TA N B E A C H • HERMOSA BEACH • CARSON NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE 3330 Lomita Blvd. Torrance, CA 90505 310-325-9110 www.TorranceMemorial.org WE CAN HELP. The Torrance Memorial Hunt Cancer Institute is a leader in cancer care for Southern California. Our compassionate and comprehensive approach gives our patients and their loved ones the confidence of leading-edge diagnostics, advanced treatments, rehabilitation services, and support. TMCancerCare.com CUSTOMIZED PATIENT CARE • ADVANCED TREATMENTS • CARE NAVIGATORS Y OU CAN CER PAID PERMIT NO. 381 TORRANCE, CA