HOW DO YOU FEEL?
IN MEMORY—Our House ambassador Melissa Rivers and 1,600 supporters and race participants took part in the nonprofit grief center’s sixth annual Run For Hope 5K Festival at the West L.A. Civic Center. From left are: Michele Prince, executive director; Rivers; Jessica Krell, director of development; and Sabrina Lott Miller. The event raised more than $300,000 for the organization that provides grief support services, education and resources for children as young as 4, teens and adults. “The run was even more meaningful for me this year as I participated in memory of my mother,” Rivers said. “Coming together with others in a large group commemorating memories of loved ones is a powerful reminder that you’re not alone and can seek support from others; something Our House does beautifully.” Photo by Vivien Best
BEVERLY HILLS COURIER | MAY 8, 2015 Page 12
H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S
CHLA’s CATCH Luncheon Shows Children With ‘Hand Differences’ They Can Do Anything More than 200 guests, including 50 Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) patient families, attended the sixth annual CATCH picnic last Saturday at the Saban Research Building courtyard. CATCH (Center for Achievement of Teens and Children with Hand Differences) is a hospital community for all children born with small, missing or weak arms, said Dr. Nina Lightdale director of CHLA’s Hand and Upper Extremity program. “The goal is to introduce children who have never met another child with a hand difference so they don’t feel alone. “This annual gathering unites families and children with hand differences from all over L A. County into a unique community where they can share experiences and support each other,” said Lightdale. This year’s celebration included two inspirational speakers who shared their personal stories. • Tony Memmel, a singer-songwriter who was born missing his left forearm, demonstrated how a little ingenuity at age 13— taping a guitar pick to his partial left arm —allowed him to pursue a career in music. • Nine-year-old Ezra Frech inspired kids who think they can’t do things “normal kids” do. Frech was born with a congenital anomaly that resulted in the amputation of his left leg and the relocation of his big toe to his hand to serve as a thumb on his left hand. Frech, who excels in basketball and track, was a 2014 Sports Illustrated SportsKid award nominee. “He is an example for kids with physical differences,” said Lightdale. “What kid doesn’t want to run and jump and throw,” Frech said. “You can overcome anything
Jonny Maldonado (right) meets fellow CATCH member Ezra Frech.
that’s in your path. I know it because I did it.” This year’s scholarships included three iPads to help with schoolwork and drum lessons for a music lover. PEAK awards (Person of Extraordinary Achievement and Kindness) were given to fINdings Women’s project and Memmel. (see ‘CATCH,’ page 13)