Annual Children's Hospital Gala to Honor Volunteers

By Herbert Atienza
Loma Linda University Medical Center

If you want to see miracles happen everyday, all you have to do is spend some time at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital.

Each year, more than 100,000 patients from the Inland Empire and beyond are treated at the Children’s Hospital, which is the only dedicated children’s hospital in the vast geographic region of San Bernardino, Riverside, Inyo and Mono counties. The Children’s Hospital is highly regarded as a leader in some of the most challenging health fields, and is known worldwide as the pioneer of neonatal heart transplantation.

Behind all the good things that are happening at the Children’s Hospital are the men, women and institutions that tirelessly give of their time and support to serve our sick children. Each year, some of these wonderful individuals are honored at the annual Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital Foundation Gala, presented by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.

This year’s honorees and their awards are:

• Joseph Machado, Upland, 2010 Junior Hometown Hero Award. Joseph, who is just 13, rode his bike from California to Washington D.C. in 39 days to raise money for charities that help kids with disabilities.
• Robert Burt, Hemet, 2010 Hometown Hero Award. A former high school and college football coach, Robert has dedicated countless hours helping teens cope with thoughts of suicide.
• Dr. Morton Woolley and Dr. E. Jane Woolley, Rancho Mirage, Noteworthy Award. This lifetime achievement award is presented to the husband and wife team for their tireless efforts in raising awareness and funds for the Children’s Hospital.
• K-FROG 95.1, Shirley N. Pettis Award, for its outstanding dedication and service to children over the years.

This year marks the 18th year of the gala, which will be held March 10 at the National Orange Show Events Center in San Bernardino. Tickets for the event may be purchased by visiting www.LomaLindaGala.org

Congratulations to the honorees and our appreciation for all of the supporters of Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital.

It’s almost here! The Loma Linda University Medical Center’s ninth annual PossAbilities Triathlon, a popular 5K Run/Walk/Roll and Kids Triathlon, is set for April 17.

Online registration is now ongoing by checking out http://www.active.com/running/loma-linda-ca/9th-annual-possabilities-triathlon-2011 Online registration will close midnight on April 14.

The PossAbilities Triathlon is a popular event that starts and ends at the Loma Linda University Drayson Center. The Adult Triathlon includes: 3.1 mile run, 11 mile bike, 150 yard swim; the 5K Run/Walk/Roll is for 3.1 miles; and the Kids Triathlon consists of: 1/2 mile run, 1/2 mile bike, 50 yard swim.

Mark your calendar for this awesome event!