Adventist Health Glendale | Healthline Quarterly | Summer 2018

Proving that dreams do come true, guests at Adventist Health Glendale Foundation’s Gala 2018 raised funds to acquire the latest 3-D mammogram system, capable of detecting invasive breast cancers earlier and more accurately. “The theme of this year’s gala was ‘Dream,’ and the generosity of our donors and friends turned our dreams into reality,” says Foundation President Irene Bourdon. “The addition of the 3-D mammogram advanced breast imaging tool is a lifesaving gift to the community.” Linh Chen, MD, director of diagnostic radiology, says, “The new mammogram system increases the chances of early detection of breast cancers that are too small and may be too faint to be seen on existing 2-D equipment.” Also highlighting the medical center’s annual signature event, held at the new InterContinental Hotel in downtown Los Angeles, were presentations of the Foundation’s first Lifetime Legacy Award to Sam and Grace Carvajal and the Physician Hero Award to neurologist Lance J. Lee, MD (both seen below). More than 600 guests attended the gala, co-chaired by Amanda Dundee and emergency physician Anthony Cardillo, MD. Foundation celebrations Gala guests turn dreams into reality An impressive mile- stone was reached this spring at Adventist Health Glendale: the Foundation’s first- ever presentation of the Lifetime Legacy Award for extraordi- nary philanthropic leadership. Sam and Grace Carvajal, longtime Glendale residents, received this distinguished honor at the Adventist Health Glendale Foundation’s annual gala, with 600 guests standing in appreciation. “We believe giving is something to be cultivated, and it grows,” Sam told the audience. “We give with pleasure. We give because our blessings are incredible. We give to where our blessings have come from.” The Carvajals’ connection to the medical center began nearly 60 years ago when, as newlyweds, they settled near Glendale and Sam took a part-time position in the pathology department. Within three years, he was appointed director of medical technology, a posi- tion he held until retirement in 2003. Grace served as a volunteer in the medical center gift shop for 26 years. Sam and Grace have since maintained their relationship with the medical center as volunteers, generously supporting the Foundation with their time, skills and gifts toward areas of greatest need and toward strengthening the endowment for future years. “I cannot enjoy what I have until I share it with others,” Sam concludes. “Gracie and I have gained far more than we have given—far more.” Neurologist Lance J. Lee, MD, whose quiet leadership helped form the widely ac- claimed Neuroscience Institute at Adven- tist Health Glendale, has been honored with the 2018 Physician Hero Award—a tribute representing patient gratitude. Dr. Lee accepted the award at the Adventist Health Glendale Foundation’s annual gala in April. Among the present- ers were previous physician heroes Hugo Riffel-Dalinger, MD; Edmund Lew, MD; Philip Merritt, MD; and Ronald Wu, MD. While attending medical school at UCLA, Dr. Lee became interested in neurology by observing a physician mentor. “As a neurologist, we have a lot of hands-on interaction with talking to patients, examining and analyzing,” Dr. Lee says. “As a medical student, that intrigued me most.” In notes to the Foundation, patients express admiration for Dr. Lee’s “calm and profes- sional manner” and “amazing skills.” One patient writes, “Dr. Lee saved my life!” Now in his 18 th year in clinical practice, Dr. Lee has helped foster significant accom- plishments for the medical center, such as Adventist Health Glendale becoming the first community hospital in Los Angeles County certified as an Advanced Primary Stroke Center and the first facility in California to be certified by DNV GL (a global quality-assurance company) as a Comprehensive Stroke Center. Dr. Lee and the medical center’s office of integrated research have earned national recognition for the fifth highest number of patients enrolled nationally in a major clinical trial on the prevention of recurrent strokes. The Foundation initiated the Physician Hero Award in 2014 by inviting patients to nominate their physician hero. “This is a doctor who, in their hearts and minds, is ex- traordinary and has made a life-changing difference in their health,” explains Foundation President Irene Bourdon. First-ever Lifetime Legacy Award Sam and Grace Carvajal Meet our Physician Hero of 2018 To make a donation to support the new mammography technology, call (818) 409-8055 or go to adventisthealth.org/glendale/giving . Lance J. Lee, MD, with his distinctive doctor’s bag. 3 FOUNDATION