Adventist Health Glendale | Healthline Quarterly | Fall 2017

The power of a positive attitude, hope, love, and the support of family and friends was an inspiring theme throughout the recent Courage Awards Recognition Din- ner, a celebration of cancer survivors and those dedi- cated to fighting cancer at Adventist Health Glendale. Courage Awards are presented biannually by the Can- cer Care Guild, in partnership with the medical center’s foundation. Awards were presented to Sara H. Kim, MD, Adventist Health Glendale medical director, radiation oncology; cancer patients Guadalupe Mendoza and Mary Nazari; community leader Fran Buchanan; and Adventist Health Glendale radiation therapist Marianna Clarizio. Buchanan, a well-known real estate broker, is a de- voted supporter of Adventist Health Glendale’s Cancer Center, specifically Ingeborg’s Place Apart/Positive Image Center, which provides free wigs and a variety of free classes to anyone in the community with a cancer diagnosis. Clarizio is an important member of the radiation therapy team, which treats hundreds of Adventist Health Glendale patients each year. A colleague praised her, saying: “She is extremely dedicated to our cancer program and our patients. She models the compassion- ate service we provide.” Dr. Kim joined Adventist Health Glendale’s medical staff in 2003 and oversees the treatment of patients un- dergoing radiation therapy for various types of cancers. A former patient wrote recently of Dr. Kim: “She was so caring, and I will always be grateful for her expertise. Seventeen years now—cancer-free!” Of Mendoza, a friend wrote: “She is a person who is always ready to help others. She has a great positive attitude.” Mendoza supports the cancer center through her participation in events such as the annual Cancer Survivors Luncheon, including performances as a mem- ber of the CanDancers. Nazari’s recovery from cancer so inspired herself and family members that they have become devoted supporters of the cancer center and cancer awareness programs. Although quite reserved, Nazari does not hesitate to share her story with others and encourage them to join the cause. In addition to honoring special people, the Courage Awards event raises funds on behalf of the cancer cen- ter’s free programs provided through Ingeborg’s Place Apart/Positive Image Center. An inspiring evening at the Courage Awards WINNERS: From left are Fran Buchanan; Marianna Clarizio; Sara H. Kim, MD; Guadalupe Mendoza; and Mary Nazari. It was the largest voluntary mission of this scale, according to the leadership of Mwami Adventist Hospital in Zambia. There was an outpouring of gratitude, hopefulness and love from the heart as Mwami hospital administration and villagers recognized the positive impact of Adventist Health (AH) missionaries. For the third year in a row, AH Southern California Region set forth, in early August 2017, to deliver care to the poorest regions around the world, which have limited means of living. The 82 missionaries were from several AH Southern California hospitals—including Glendale, Bakersfield, Simi Valley, Tehachapi and White Memorial—and AH headquarters in Roseville. “This was a very challenging and complex mission trip, mainly due to the overwhelming need of the villagers,” says Carissa Totalca, RN, an Adventist Health Glendale associate for over 40 years. “It was humbling to see how our help with basic human necessities made such a difference in the lives of the community of Mwami. With God’s guidance, I only hope we can continue to do this for them year after year.” The various projects affected more than 5,300 people and served in the areas of critical medical care and surgeries; nursing education scholarships; and restoring Adventist schools and churches with much-needed resources and education. Other projects included renovat- ing the Mwami Leprosarium Center, establishing water pumps in two villages and providing cows to over 90 families to help with sustainable farming and living. Healing hearts in Zambia Medical services provided in Mwami Medical consultations 1,689 patients Major surgeries 75 patients Minor surgeries 68 patients Dental services 317 patients Cataract surgeries 204 patients Pap smears 60 patients Breast examinations 220 patients Cervical cancer screenings 80 patients OB-GYN services 250 patients TO L E A R N MO R E A B O U T A D V E N T I S T H E A LT H G L E N D A L E O R TO F I N D A D O C TO R , V I S I T A D V E N T I S T H E A LT H G L E N D A L E . O R G 7 MAKING A DIFFERENCE