Loma Linda University Medical Center and the Children's Hospital Events are Successful

Another busy week for the folks at Loma Linda University Medical Center.

On May 16, about 120 golfers got into the swing of things at the 21st annual Proton Charity Invitational, held at the breathtaking The Club at Morningside in Rancho Mirage.

Golf legend Ken Venturi was host of the tournament, which benefits the James M. Slater MD Proton Treatment and Research Center at Loma Linda University Medical Center. In the last 21 years, more than $3 million has been raised by the tournament for proton research for cancer treatment.

“Our tournament is an occasion to enjoy ourselves and each other, of course, but participants also help to advance something that began at Loma Linda: the world’s first hospital-based proton treatment facility opened there in October 1990,” said Mr. Venturi, who won the 1964 U.S. Open and was a longtime network TV broadcaster.

“The James M. Slater Center is today, as it always has been, a place of excellence in proton treatment and research,” he said.

Mr. Venturi kicked off the tournament with a golf clinic, accompanied by noted golf pro John Cook. The day was capped with a hearty luncheon and presentation of awards to winners of the tournament.

Our thanks and congratulations to all the sponsors, organizers, volunteers, and participants in the Proton Charity Invitational.

The morning downpour was no problem for more than 1,100 kids from throughout the Inland Empire who enjoyed Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital’s 26th annual Children’s Day, sponsored by Farmer Boys, on May 18.

Under giant awnings on the north lawn of the Loma Linda University campus, the children took part in fun activities, including a Teddy Bear Clinic, where the child’s doll or stuffed animal was the patient; a finger casting demonstration and an “XRtrainment” workout, presented by Loma Linda University Drayson Center.

The kids also learned about fire prevention and water safety, as well as received tips on nutrition, dental hygiene and overall health.

Students were joined at Wednesday Chapel on May 18 by medical staff, employees, and others interested who packed the University Church to hear about the latest on campus.

Dr. Richard Hart, president of Loma Linda University Adventist Health Sciences Center, gave a well-received presentation called “Transforming Lives,” a five-year review, from 2006 to 2010, of the entities within the Center.  Attendees heard about strides and achievements, as well as projects and initiatives that were initiated and completed, by the folks from the university and the hospital.

“The last five years have seen new buildings, expanded faculty and services, and growth in many programs,” Dr. Hart said. “Our network of six hospitals and eight professional schools, as well as out growing involvement both locally and globally, tell only part of the story. The real story lies in the hearts and actions of our faculty, staff and students. Their commitment to tour shared values of compassion, integrity and excellence are a daily demonstration of Christ’s influence on our campus,” Dr. Hart said.