Patrons

FALL 2025

TORRANCE MEMORIAL FOUNDATION

DARRIN AND MICHELLE DEL CONTE Supporting Torrance Memorial is a family affair

Boar d N ote s

“CARRYING MORE” WITH PURPOSE WHY TORRANCE MEMORIAL MATTERS TO ME WRITTEN BY SAM SHETH PHOTOGRAPHED BY MICHEAL NEVEUX

M

y father and mother used to tell me, “If God gives you broader shoulders, you get to carry more.” They believed that with good fortune comes a responsibility to uplift others. For those of us in the amazing South Bay, one of our greatest privileges is ensuring continued access to world-class medical care. Not just to treat illness, but to cultivate enhanced wellness in our community.

My brother and I were born at Torrance Memorial Medical Center, which was a small community hospital at the time and has now grown into a nationally ranked, world-class regional medical center.

Over the years I’ve experienced the emergency care firsthand—after sports injuries, a car accident and an encounter with a plate glass window in high school. Each time, I was reminded how fortunate we are to have some of the best emergency care professionals in the world right here in our backyard.

The emergency department (ED) was originally built to serve 50,000 patients annually and has been stretched beyond its intended capacity—last year treating more than 113,000 patients.

Recognizing this, the Torrance Memorial Foundation launched a successful, multimillion-dollar campaign to significantly upgrade and modernize the ED. Once completed, it will be the only twostory ED in California and a vital investment in the health and safety of our growing community.

My involvement with the Torrance Memorial Foundation began in 2010, when my good friend Michael Zislis introduced me to Judith Gassner and Laura Schenasi. Shortly after, my parents, Harshad and Bharti Sheth, became Patrons. They had long admired the leadership and staff at the hospital and felt it was time to give back.

Their connection became even more personal in 2012, when my

father was diagnosed with cancer. The compassionate, expert care he received at Torrance Memorial during that difficult time was so meaningful to him and to our family. We will never forget the dignity and grace with which my dad was treated in his final days.

Inspired by my father’s exceptional care, my wife, Kay, and I felt compelled to do our part. We became Patrons, and in 2017 I joined the board of the Torrance Memorial Foundation.

It is privilege to serve on the board alongside a group of dedicated and visionary individuals committed to advancing the mission of Torrance Memorial. Since its inception in 1980, the Foundation has raised more than $458 million for the hospital.

Today Torrance Memorial is ranked #3 in California and #8 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. This is an astonishing accomplishment and we should all be proud!

It is my heartfelt hope that those with “broad shoulders” will continue to carry more, ensuring exceptional and compassionate care remain at the heart of our South Bay community for many generations to come. •

FAL L 2 025 | PATR ON S 3

Boar d o f D i r ec to r s

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

SONG CHO KLEIN Community Volunteer

A Publication of the Torrance Memorial Foundation

MARK LURIE, MD, PRESIDENT

CONNIE LAI, ESQ.

Retired, Lundquist Lurie Cardiovascular Institute

Board Chair, JI REN Primary School, Former

PHIL PAVESI, VICE PRESIDENT

Litigator, Musick Peeler

Retired Aerospace Executive, TRW

CRAIG LEACH

E D ITO R

GREG GEIGER, TREASURER

Retired President/CEO, Torrance Memorial

Julie Taylor

Principal, Westport Capital Partners, LLC

Medical Center

HEIDI HOFFMAN, MD, SECRETARY

RICHARD E. LUCY

Radiology, Torrance Memorial Medical Center

Principal, Calstan Capital, Inc.

JOSEPH HOHM, CPA/JD, OFFICER

LAURIE MCCARTHY

Medical Accounting Service, Inc.

Retired Investment Banker

PATRICK THEODORA, OFFICER

W. DAVID MCKINNIE, III

Co-founder & Chairman, DocMagic

Consultant, McKinnie Consulting

MICHAEL ZISLIS, OFFICER

ERIC C. NAKKIM, MD

Owner, The Zislis Group

Emergency Medicine, Torrance Memorial

E X E C U TI V E D I R E C TO R M A R K E TI N G

Erin Fiorito P U B LI S H E R , C R E ATI V E D I R E C TO R

Vincent Rios C O PY E D ITO R

Laura L. Watts

Medical Center BOARD MEMBERS

TOM O’HERN Retired CEO & Director, The Macerich Company

C O N T R I B U TO R S

Lisa Buffington John Ferrari Diane Krieger Kevin Herrera Connie Senner Nancy Sokoler Steiner Laura Roe Stevens

CHRISTY ABRAHAM

SEJAL PENKAR

Community Volunteer

Director, Capital Group

JOHN G. BAKER

MICHAEL ROUSE

Founding Partner, The Brickstone Companies

Retired VP Philanthropy and Community Affairs,

NADINE BOBIT

Toyota Motor Sales

Community Volunteer

PATRICIA SACKS, MD

HARV DANIELS

Retired, Radiologist, The Vasek & Anna Maria

Retired Airline Executive

Polak Breast Diagnostic Center

LUKE DAUCHOT

ANDREW SCHUMACHER, MD

P H OTO G R A P H E R S

Partner, Kirkland & Ellis LLP

Clinical Director, Radiation Oncology, Torrance

THYRA ENDICOTT, MD

Memorial Medical Center

Radiation Oncology, Torrance Memorial

ALEXANDER SHEN, MD

Medical Center

Medical Director, Torrance Memorial Hospitalists

PAUL G. GIULIANO

Associates

Philicia Endelman Ed McClure Micheal Neveux Vincent Rios Wendy Saade

President, Integrated Food Service

SAM SHETH

ALAN GOLDSTEIN

Cofounder & Senior Managing Director,

First Vice President, PVG Group, RBC Wealth

VerityPoint

Management

JANICE TECIMER

RICK HIGGINS

Community Volunteer

Retired Technology Management Professional

RUSSELL VARON

GINA KIRKPATRICK

Owner, Morgan’s Jewelers

Community Volunteer

ROBERT A. YOUNG

Published by

Retired Director Boeing Satellite Systems, Inc.

V I N C E N T R I O S C R E ATI V E , I N C .

VincentRiosCreative.com Torrance Memorial Medical Center treats all people equally without regard to race, color, national origin, age, gender or disability. The section 504 coordinator can be reached at 310-784-4894. If you do not wish to receive this publication, please contact marketing communications at 310-517-4706.

4 PAT R ON S | FALL 2 02 5

©2025 Torrance Memorial Medical Center.

All rights reserved. Reproduction or use in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

Cale n dar

SPECIAL EVENTS FESTIVAL FASHION SHOW

F E STI VA L G A L A

Tuesday, December 2 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. $275 per person

Friday, December 5 6 to 11 p.m. $450 per person

All activities are located at Torrance Memorial Medical Center, 3330 Lomita Boulevard in Torrance.

In honor of our Centennial Celebration, admission is free for all public hours! For general recorded information call 310-517-4606. To purchase special event tickets visit TorranceMemorial.org/ holidayfestival or call 310-517-4703.

TORRANCE MEMORIAL CELEBRATES 42ND ANNIVERSARY OF THE HOLIDAY FESTIVAL Find themed holiday trees, the South Bay’s largest holiday boutique and live entertainment—all under the big white tent December 2–7.

PUBLIC EXHIBIT AND BOUTIQUE SHOPPING HOURS Tuesday, December 2 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Friday, December 5 Closed to the public

Wednesday, December 3 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. – open to the public Senior Day #1 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturday, December 6 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Thursday, December 4 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. – open to the public Senior Day #2 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sunday, December 7 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

GIVING OPPORTUNITY Honor a hero in your life—physician, nurse, staff member, department, patient or community member—with recognition at the 12-foot decorated Heroes Tree in the Grand Lobby of the Lundquist Tower.

A LL P R O C E E D S B E N E F IT TO R R A N C E M E M O R I A L’ S E M E R G E N CY D E PA R TM E N T E X PA N S I O N .

Donation levels: $5,000 $2,500 $1,000 $500 $250 $100

IN HONOR OF OUR CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION ADMISSION IS FREE FOR ALL PUBLIC HOURS

FAL L 2 025 | PATR ON S 5

Tab le o f Co nte nts

F O LLOW U S !

TorranceMemorial tmmcmedia torrancememorial

26 Cove r Sto ry 26 Darrin and Michelle Del Conte prioritize, family, philanthropy and Torrance Memorial.

6 PAT R ON S | FALL 2 02 5

O n th e Cove r Darrin and Michelle Del Conte have deep roots in the South Bay community.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY MICHEAL NEVEUX

E ve ry D o nati o n Co u nts 10 “Stuffies” donations from the Schenasi family for pediatric patients, Novas graduating seniors, treat bags for oncology patients from Victor Elementary, LA Philharmonic and LAFC tickets, Paul Guiliano’s gift from the garden.

Pro g r e s s N ote s

34

12 Centennial celebrations with donors, staff and the community.

14 Torrance Memorial family members Connie Senner and Wanda Weimer share their health and wellness stories.

18 Torrance Memorial Physician Network partners with local occupational centers.

20 ED progress report; Q&A with ED physician and Ambassador member Elisa Anhalt, MD.

Cli n i cal S potli g ht 22 A closer look at the culture of nursing excellence and the crucial role of patientcentered care at Torrance Memorial.

F utu r e fo cus 32 Elaine Booth-Carnegis and the uplifting power of trust, faith and service.

33 How to make a bequest.

22

32

yppa pl ay- by- pl ay 34 Co-director of emergency medicine Kurt Hansen, MD, and Erin Hansen prioritize helping others.

I n Yo u r co m m u n it y 36 Denim and Diamonds Celebration 40 Golf Tournament 44 YPPA Trivia Night 45 Wine Procurement Party 46 Emergency Department Salon 48 Heritage Society Luncheon

S u ppo rte r s 50 Torrance Memorial gives special thanks to our many supporters.

14 Patrons magazine welcomes your feedback at patronsmagazine@tmmc.com.

FAL L 2 025 | PATR ON S 7

Awar ds & Acco l ad e s

U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT 2025–2026

Torrance Memorial Medical Center has again been recognized as a Best Hospital for 2025–2026 for the 14th year by U.S. News & World Report. This year our rankings moved up to the 8th highest ranking hospital for overall hospital quality in California and 3rd in the Los Angeles and Orange County regions.

We are nationally ranked in orthopedics, OB-GYN and geriatrics and high-performing in seven specialties. We also rank “high performing” in 18 common conditions and procedures areas.

2025–2026

2025–2026 HIGH PERFORMING IN 18 CONDITIONS AND PROCEDURES

HIGH PERFORMING SPECIALTIES

• Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery • Gastroenterology & GI Surgery • Geriatrics – #50 in the nation NEW • OB-GYN – #42 in the nation • Orthopedics – #35 in the nation • Pulmonology & Lung Surgery • Urology

Ranking in the top 3% shows that we are delivering on our vision to provide patient-centered care with the highest level of quality and service to the community. It means we are honoring our promise to deliver our core values of Service, Excellence, Knowledge, Stability and Community.

• Back Surgery (Spinal Fusion) • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease • Colon Cancer Surgery • Diabetes • Gynecological Cancer Surgery • Leukemia, Lymphoma & Myeloma • Heart Arrhythmia NEW • Heart Attack • Heart Failure

HOSPITAL

• Hip Fracture • Hip Replacement • Kidney Failure • Knee Replacement • Lung Cancer Surgery • Pacemaker Implementation NEW • Pneumonia • Prostate Cancer Surgery • Stroke

CA RANKING

LA METRO RANKING

CEDAR SINAI, MEDICAL CENTER

1

RONALD REAGAN UCLA MEDICAL CENTER

1

TORRANCE MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER

8

3

HOAG MEDICAL CENTER

9

4

HUNTINGTON HEALTH

10

KECK MEDICINE OF USC

10

MEMORIALCARE LONG BEACH MEDICAL CENTER

13

7

UCI MEDICAL CENTER

23

10

PROVIDENCE LITTLE COMPANY OF MARY MEDICAL CENTER TORRANCE

35

17

(Tie)

(Tie)

1 1

5 5

SILVER LEVEL ECMO CENTER PATHWAY TO EXCELLENCE AND ED RECOGNITION

Torrance Memorial Medical Center is now one of only six adult ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) centers in Los Angeles County—bringing cutting-edge resuscitation care closer to South Bay residents. As of July 1, Torrance Memorial’s emergency department has officially joined the county’s ECPR (extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation) program—a revolutionary initiative that uses ECMO technology to save lives in cases of cardiac arrest.

8 PAT R ON S | FALL 2 02 5

SOUTH BAY’S BEST 2025

AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION GET WITH THE GUIDELINES AWARDS 2025

We are honored our community has once again voted Torrance Memorial Medical Center as the BEST hospital in the South Bay. Readers also voted us BEST: Cancer Treatment Center, Medical and Hospital Groups, and El Segundo Primary Care.

We were also voted FAVORITE: Knee Center, Urgent Care, Physical Therapy Center, Medical Supply Store (HealthLinks), local Outpatient Pharmacy and Workplace.

Torrance Memorial Medical Center has received American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines achievement awards for demonstrating commitment to following up-to-date research-based guidelines for the treatment of heart disease and stroke, ultimately leading to more lives saved, shorter recovery times and fewer readmissions to the hospital.

According to the American Heart Association 2025 statistical update, heart disease and stroke are the No. 1 and No. 5 causes of death in the United States. Torrance Memorial physicians, nurses and staff are committed to providing quality care and studies show patients can recover better when providers consistently follow treatment guidelines. We are proud to be recognized for Get With The Guidelines® in these areas: • Stroke Gold Plus with Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite and with Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll • Heart Failure Gold Plus with Target: Heart Failure Optimal and with Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll • Coronary Artery Disease NSTEMI Gold with Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll • Coronary Artery Disease STEMI Receiving Silver Plus with Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll

NEWSWEEK’S AMERICA’S BEST MATERNITY HOSPITAL 2025

HEALTHGRADES OUTSTANDING PATIENT SAFETY EXCELLENCE AND PATIENT

Torrance Memorial Medical Center has been recognized as part of Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Maternity Hospitals 2025. Highquality maternity care, provided from pregnancy through birth and postpartum, is key to the long-term health of newborns and women who give birth, and we are honored and proud to receive this accomplishment.

Newsweek and Statista have partnered to identify this elite group of only 444 leading hospitals in the field of maternity. The list is based on three pillars of a nationwide online survey from doctors, health care professionals and hospital managers, results from patient experience surveys and hospital quality metrics.

EXPERIENCE AWARDS 2025

Healthgrades, a nationwide hospital evaluation organization, has once again recognized Torrance Memorial as a top in the nation hospital for providing Patient Safety Excellence by preventing infections, medical errors and other preventable complications.

Torrance Memorial was also recognized by Healthgrades for Outstanding Patient Experience based on nine measures related to doctor and nurse communication, hospital cleanliness and noise levels, as well as medication and post-discharge care instructions.

METABOLIC AND BARIATRIC SURGERY ACCREDITATION AND QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

Torrance Memorial has been designated as an Accredited Center by the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery through August 2027. American College of Surgeons Quality Programs use the best data, expert input and proven processes to help surgical care teams deliver the highest quality care.

FAL L 2 025 | PATR ON S 9

E ve ry D o nati o n Co u nts

STUFFIES DONATION The Schenasi family has found a special way to bring comfort and joy to young patients at Torrance Memorial. They generously donate stuffed animals—affectionately known as “stuffies”—to children visiting the emergency, central tower surgery and pediatrics departments.

These cuddly companions help ease anxiety, provide reassurance and remind families that they are both loved and cared for during difficult moments.

“These small gifts offer our young patients comfort, reassurance and even smiles. These small gestures have a lasting impact, and your support truly helps us provide holistic, compassionate care,” says emergency nurse Cynthia Libertini, Emergency Department Specialty Care Coordinator.

LAFC & GALAXY TICKET DONATIONS We are thankful to the Los Angeles Football Club for their thoughtful donation of tickets, helping our Torrance Memorial community enjoy professional soccer. These special experiences go beyond the game.

They bring joy, connection and lasting memories for our employees, their families and soccer supporters. We are truly grateful for LAFC’s partnership and generosity.

LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC TICKET DONATION The Los Angeles Philharmonic continues its generous support of Torrance Memorial by sharing access to worldclass performances. Most recently the LA Phil provided tickets to Haim Leads Handel & Bach, offering our community the opportunity to enjoy an extraordinary evening of music while deepening the connection between the arts and health care.

We are grateful for their ongoing partnership and commitment to enriching the lives of our patients, donors and friends.

10 PATR ON S | FALL 2 02 5

NOVAS CLASS OF 2025 RECOGNIZED FOR SERVICE Congratulations to the 12 graduating seniors from the Novas of Torrance Memorial Medical Center, recognized for their incredible service. The Novas, part of a volunteer group founded in 1990, unite high school students and their mothers to support the hospital through service and donations. Celebrating their 35th anniversary, they have contributed over $543,000 and countless hours. This year’s seniors alone dedicated more than 10,000 hours, uplifting patients and supporting hospital staff with baked goods, care packages, handmade blankets and decorations. Their compassion continues a proud tradition of service at Torrance Memorial.

Left to right: Madison Hironaka, Rylee Woodward, Trinity McKenny, Mia Constantino, Emma Pusavat, Jacob Ma, Kelly Hironaka, Nicole Huang, Gianna Villa, Jason Lee, Aaron Monzon, Daniel Huang

PHOTOGRAPHED BY DEBORA LEM

TOMATO DONATION Every donation counts, whether large or small, monetary or otherwise. Recently our emergency department physicians’ lounge was brightened by a generous gift from Patron Paul Guiliano, who shared the bounty of his home garden.

Vine-ripened heirloom and cherry tomatoes of all shapes and sizes were enjoyed, along with a colorful assortment of peppers to add a little extra spice. This thoughtful gesture reminds us that every contribution makes a difference.

VICTOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL When Cheryl Rosenthal was diagnosed with the BRCA gene, she elected to have a preventive double mastectomy at Torrance Memorial, where her doctors found cancer. Grateful for her care, she wanted to support local organizations in her community. Cheryl is a teacher at Victor Elementary, and her students and colleagues rallied around her—raising funds through T-shirts, bracelets and pins. They also created treat bags for chemotherapy patients of David Chan, MD, and nurse practitioner Susan Starr, giving the patients comfort and encouragement during treatment.

FAL L 2 025 | PATR ON S 11

Pro g r e s s N ote s

Bedazzled Torrance Memorial leadership gets in the spirit and celebrates the Centennial in style.

CELEBRATING A CENTURY OF CARE PLANNED FOR MORE THAN A YEAR, TORRANCE MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER’S CENTENNIAL WEEKEND FINALLY ARRIVED IN APRIL. Torrance Memorial’s Denim and Diamonds celebration kicked off the hospital’s Centennial weekend in dazzling style on Friday, April 25. More than 300 guests gathered under the big white tent for an evening filled with dining, dancing and entertainment as the community celebrated 100 years of exceptional care. President and CEO Keith Hobbs shared heartfelt remarks, followed by a short video showcasing Torrance Memorial Medical Center’s rich history, extraordinary growth and the bright future that lies ahead.

On Saturday evening, Torrance Memorial honored the incredible staff that has shaped the hospital over the past century. The celebration began at the Centennial Exhibit entrance, where cheers rang out as leaders formed a welcome tunnel, applauding employees and their guests like VIPs. Inside, the energy was electric. Laughter echoed, DJ Dizz kept the

12 PATR ONS | FALL 2 02 5

dance floor alive, and when the Cupid Shuffle began, a spontaneous dance tunnel formed with employees joyfully showing off their moves.

COMMUNITY DAYS

More than 2,000 community members attended the Community Days Centennial Celebration on April 26–27 in the hospital’s 16,000-square-foot event tent.

The weekend featured historical exhibits, health screenings, technology demonstrations and familyfriendly activities. Displays honored founder Jared Sidney Torrance and his wife, Helena Childs Torrance, who realized his vision after his passing.

Guests enjoyed free screenings, live ultrasound demos, a “hospital” for stuffed animals and crafts for kids. Pet therapy dogs, clowns and interactive stations created smiles and lasting memories for visitors of all ages.

COMMEMORATIVE CENTENNIAL WALL

A ribbon-cutting ceremony unveiled the new Torrance Memorial History Wall, located in the hallway by the Outpatient Center along Medical Center Drive. This vibrant, permanent exhibit was made possible by the generous donation of Michelle and Hangup Moon. It highlights the hospital’s milestones and celebrates its five pillars: Service, Excellence, Knowledge, Stability and Community. Visitors are

invited to stop by and explore this reimagined tribute to Torrance Memorial’s legacy.

LOOKING TO THE NEXT CENTURY

From honoring the people who have built the hospital’s legacy to welcoming the community we serve, the centennial festivities reflected a century of care and also the promise for the next hundred years of compassion, innovation and service. •

FAL L 2 025 | PATR ON S 13

Pro g r e s s N ote s

WHOLEHEARTED SUPPORT THE DIRECTOR OF DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION GETS A NEW VIEW OF THE HOSPITAL AS A PATIENT. WRITTEN BY JOHN FERRARI | PHOTOGRAPHED BY WENDY SAADE

A

t Torrance Memorial, emergencies are normal. Hospitals treat emergencies, after all. But even people who work at Torrance Memorial every day can see it in a different light when they experience the hospital during their own emergency.

That was the case for Connie Senner, Torrance Memorial’s director of design and construction, one Monday in January. Her emergency had been building since the previous Thursday, when she woke up winded, with an elevated heart rate and blood pressure.

Later, interventional radiologist George So, MD, would say that even then, Senner was exhibiting the symptoms of a potentially fatal condition. Her lethargy continued through the weekend. On Monday she felt worse, so she called her cardiologist, Brenton Bauer, MD, who convinced her to go to Torrance Memorial’s emergency department.

For Senner, who works nearby, that’s usually a short walk. That afternoon, though, she felt so weak that her colleagues drove her in a golf cart. “I could barely walk, I felt so weak,” she remembers.

14 PATR ON S | FALL 2 02 5

Torrance Memorial’s ED physicians soon had a diagnosis. A CT scan revealed a pulmonary embolism—a blood clot in one of the arteries in her lungs. Tests also showed she had right heart strain; that is, her right ventricle was under excessive pressure.

“That’s not a good sign; it’s quite serious,” says Dr. So, who was on his way home at the time. “I had already left the hospital when I got a call telling me there was an emergency case. I turned right around. No one told me it was Connie, but when I saw her, I knew immediately.”

Senner and Dr. So work together closely at the hospital.

“She helped me build Torrance Memorial’s new $5.1 million interventional suite, so she understands what the environment is like,” the doctor shares. “It’s different being a patient, though, and in a case like Connie’s we know that if we don’t intervene in a timely manner, there will be a bad outcome. We knew we had to perform a procedure the same night.”

The procedure was an emergency thrombectomy to remove the

Dr. George So shows Connie Senner a visual image of her pulmonary embolism CT scan following her recovery.

blood clot that was placing such strain on Senner’s heart. Her right ventricle had dilated to twice its normal size due to high resistance affecting blood flow through the lungs.

“Connie’s condition was serious but treatable,” Dr. So says. “Our team is very experienced, and we have state-of-the-art technology.

I knew we would be able to take care of her.”

“I was moved to the interventional radiology suite in Lundquist Tower,” Senner remembers. “I helped design that room, but I can tell you, I’ve never looked at the ceiling quite the way I did that afternoon. A wonderful set of familiar faces gave me a lot of comfort, including Dr. So.” Thrombectomies are minimally invasive procedures. “We use blood veins as a highway,” Dr. So explains. A thin, flexible catheter is inserted into the femoral vein at the groin and guided up toward the location of the thrombus, or clot, in the pulmonary arteries. At the catheter’s tip, specialized tools can break up the clot or suction it out. The procedure takes about an hour.

“Previously, we put patients on blood thinners or anticoagulants, which can cause internal bleeding,” Dr. So says. “The minimally invasive procedure has completely changed how we manage patients. Removing the clot is a much more certain treatment, and even though the technology outlay is expensive, ultimately it’s less expensive and more efficient because patients recover more quickly.”

Because general anesthesia can cause the heart rate and blood pressure to drop—worsening the condition—patients remain awake throughout the procedure. Senner turned to meditation techniques to remain calm.

“I was conscious, so I could listen to everything happening,” she says. “I marveled at the teamwork and humble approach Dr. So had toward the entire process. I felt really zen; in my mind I was someplace else relaxing.”

The thrombectomy was effective immediately. “When they finished the procedure and I took a deep breath, it was as if a

switch had been flipped,” Senner says. “For the first time in days, I could take a full and deep breath.”

She was out of the hospital four days later. “There was no physical therapy or rehab. I took it easy for a couple of weeks, but now I’m back to 100% with my physical activities: walking, hiking, cycling and golfing.”

Senner is taking blood thinners to prevent the formation of additional clots, but her prognosis is excellent, says Dr. So. “We’ve performed a lot of these procedures, and the outcomes are fabulous. Torrance Memorial has a reputation in this area, and we’re now part of a national project to evaluate a next-generation device for the procedure. We’re always looking for better ways and better technology to take better care of our patients.”

Senner, who has worked at Torrance Memorial for 34 years, came away from the experience with a new perspective. “I received a lot of personal validation that we made great design decisions,” she reflects about the hospital’s Lundquist Tower. “We develop our design decisions based on input we get from frontline staff to help workflow and patient-care objectives. To feel that we hit the mark from the patient perspective was very gratifying for me. I found that in the details, like stations allowing nurses to work at a patient’s bedside, or lighting design that isn’t blazing bright at night.

Senner is excited about the emergency department expansion.

“They do an excellent job. Just the thought of doubling their capacity is exciting!” •

A team of skilled technicians in the hospital’s new $5.1 million interventional radiology suite, made possible through a generous gift from the Turpanjian family. L to R: Justin Ronda, RN, Steve Yoo, technologist, Gabby Rios, technologist, Jocelyn Tobias, RN, David Constantine, technologist, George So, MD

FAL L 2 025 | PATR ON S 15

Pro g r e s s N ote s

Wanda Weimer

HOW A TORRANCE MEMORIAL THERAPIST’S RESEARCH IS CHANGING BREAST CANCER RECOVERY

WRITTEN BY KEVIN HERRERA

F

or many breast cancer survivors, treatment doesn’t end after surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. Hormone therapy drugs such as aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are commonly prescribed to postmenopausal patients with estrogen-positive breast cancer to reduce estrogen levels. They reduce the chance of cancer recurrence or spread by up to 65% when taken consistently.

However, these lifesaving medications can come with a difficult side effect: debilitating hand and wrist pain. This is something that Wanda Weimer, a certified hand therapist and occupational therapist at Torrance Memorial, understands firsthand—not just as a specialist but as a breast cancer survivor herself.

GROUNDBREAKING RESEARCH

Diagnosed at 43, Weimer faced a new reality. While her treatment was working, the medications meant to keep her cancer from returning were causing unexpected pain in her hands— affecting everything from her work to daily activities.

“I had that moment of, ‘What’s going on?’” Weimer recalls. “I started looking into the side effects and realized this was a very common problem—but there was hardly anything in therapy research about it.”

Determined to fill this gap, Weimer launched a groundbreaking, multiyear research study to examine how hand therapy could help breast cancer patients experiencing similar symptoms. Originally conceived in 2018 and published in the Journal of Hand Therapy in January 2025, her study, “The Effectiveness of Hand Therapy for Breast Cancer Survivors Experiencing Aromatase InhibitorAssociated Musculoskeletal Syndrome in the Hands and Wrists,” revealed that participants experienced: • Significantly less pain in their hands and wrists.

• Significantly improved upper extremity function, making daily tasks easier to perform.

16 PATR ON S | FALL 2 02 5

• Improved grip strength, though the most notable improvement was in pain reduction.

• Improved health-related quality of life, with benefits extending beyond hand function to overall well-being.

Physicians knew their patients were struggling but weren’t sure where to refer them,” Weimer says. “Now we have initial evidence that hand therapy can help.”

The study was a collaborative effort supported by Torrance Memorial’s Nursing Research Committee and guided by esteemed colleagues, including co-author and retired cancer survivorship coordinator Miriam Sleven, RN, who has research experience, and the late Dr. Linda Lillington, RN, who provided invaluable statistical analysis and guidance.

“The support I received from Torrance Memorial was invaluable,” Weimer says. “I truly hope others with a similar interest to study a topic they are interested in pursue it, because they will find there are so many tremendous people here willing to help.”

COMPREHENSIVE CARE

Weimer’s findings are significant. Hand therapy—including exercises, education and specialized equipment—can effectively reduce pain and improve function for women suffering from hand and wrist pain due to their cancer medication. But perhaps more importantly, her work can encourage more physicians and nurses to recognize these symptoms and refer patients for therapy.

David Chan, MD, director of Torrance Memorial’s breast program and author of Breast Cancer: Real Questions/Real Answers, has seen firsthand how Wanda’s work has transformed care for his patients.

“Wanda was one of the pioneers in developing hand and finger exercise programs to combat these side effects, and I have to say, a large majority of the patients I refer to her report significant improvement,” he says. “Her work has helped many women

“HER WORK HAS HELPED MANY WOMEN COMPLETE THEIR TREATMENT, AND THAT DIRECTLY IMPACTS SURVIVAL RATES.” — David Chan, MD, director of Torrance Memorial’s breast program

complete their treatment, and that directly impacts survival rates.”

Dr. Chan emphasized that AIs are most effective when taken for five to 10 years, but musculoskeletal side effects often lead women to stop early. “These medications don’t necessarily cause arthritis, but they can make underlying issues feel worse. Suddenly things like typing, opening jars, painting or gardening become difficult. For some women, it’s just too uncomfortable to continue.”

He emphasized that while symptoms often peak around the sixmonth mark and may improve with time or activity, that doesn’t make them any less disruptive. “This isn’t like taking an antibiotic for a week. These are long-term medications, and if joint pain becomes too disruptive, patients stop. What Wanda has done isn’t just helping patients here. Her work has national relevance. It’s going to translate to care in other states and likely other countries.

She’s really making an impact.”

EMPOWERING WOMEN

Beyond raising awareness in the medical community, Weimer hopes her research empowers breast cancer survivors to advocate for themselves. “A lot of women ‘power through’ because they feel grateful to be alive. But survivorship is a journey. If your hands hurt every single day, you don’t have to just live with it. Talk to your doctor, ask about occupational therapy, and get the help you need.”

For many survivors, small modifications can make a big difference. Whether it’s using an electric jar opener instead of struggling with lids or getting more help around the house, hand therapy isn’t just about exercises. It’s about making life better.

KEY FINDINGS FROM THE STUDY THE HAND THERAPY RESEARCH WAS CONDUCTED BY WANDA WEIMER AND MIRIAM SLEVEN, BOTH AFFILIATED WITH TORRANCE MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER.

Who Was Studied?

• 32 women who survived breast cancer and were taking a medication called an aromatase inhibitor, which can cause pain and stiffness, especially in the hands and wrists.

Why Was This Studied?

• Many women experience hand and wrist pain from these medications, but little research has been done on how hand therapy can help.

• The goal was to see if therapy could reduce pain, improve grip strength, improve upper extremity function and improve health-related quality of life.

What Happened in the Study?

• 29 women completed the study, which included painreducing modalities, exercises, education on reducing stress on the hands, adaptive equipment and custom splints.

• They were tested before and after therapy on pain levels, grip strength, functional levels and a health-related quality of life questionnaire.

CHANGING LIVES

The Results: • Less pain: Women reported significantly less pain in their hands and wrists.

• Better function: They could use their hands more easily for daily tasks.

• Slightly stronger grip: While their grip strength improved, it was not as significant.

• Improved health-related quality of life: Women felt better overall, not just in their hands but in their daily well-being.

With nearly 30 years at Torrance Memorial, Weimer has dedicated her career to helping people regain function and independence. But this study is more than just research. It’s deeply personal.

“I love working one-on-one with patients, building relationships and helping them feel better,” she says. “Knowing that this study might lead to more women getting the help they need—that’s incredibly rewarding.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing hand and wrist pain due to breast cancer medications, talk to your doctor about occupational therapy. Help is available—you don’t have to go through it alone. •

Other Important Findings • Aromatase Inhibitor medications: anastrozole (brand name Arimidex), letrozole (brand name Femara), exemestane (brand name Aromasin) • More than 60% of participants had trigger finger, a painful condition where fingers get stuck in a bent position.

• Health care providers can prescreen women for preexisting hand problems and educate them to watch for hand and wrist symptoms. Most participants had an improvement in 12 or fewer therapy sessions.

FAL L 2 025 | PATR ON S 17

Pro g r e s s N ote s

Torrance Memorial Physician Network medical assistant externship cohort class attends an orientation session before working in various office locations.

CHAMPIONING COMMUNITY EXCELLENCE THE TORRANCE MEMORIAL PHYSICIAN NETWORK MEDICAL ASSISTANT EXTERNSHIP PROGRAM INSPIRES FUTURE MEDICAL CAREERS—AND BENEFITS PHYSICIAN OFFICES. WRITTEN BY LAURA ROE STEVENS

W

hat do you get when you combine excellent teaching programs with practical, real-life experience? In one word, preparation. But the Torrance Memorial Physician Network medical assistant (MA) externship program does so much more. This unique partnership with MA programs at Southern California Regional Occupational Center (SCROC) and Harbor Occupational Center (HOC) fosters community support, inspires the next generation in medical careers, and benefits Torrance Memorial physician offices and the South Bay families they serve.

The Torrance Memorial Physician Network was formed in 2012 to serve primary care offices and simplify the complexities of office management so both senior and new physicians could focus on medicine—not administration. The network has grown exponentially to strategically optimize patient care and growth by including many specialties like pulmonology, OB-GYN, pediatrics, cardiology, endocrinology, rheumatology and urgent care. This growth has led to the demand for increasing support staff and the need for medical assistants.

18 PATR ON S | FALL 2 02 5

HOW IT WORKS

After completing 720 classroom training hours and 160 hours of unpaid practicum hours, MA students are offered an “externship” opportunity to complete their practicum hours in Torrance Memorial Physician Network offices. These externships can be in primary care or specialty offices. The externship provides valuable real-life experience that MA students need to be fully prepared, says Donald Legg, senior director of primary care operations for the Torrance Memorial Physician Network.

“It’s a mutually beneficial relationship. The MA students are well trained; however, an externship provides essential on-the-job experience,” Legg explains. “It also allows staff and physicians to assess a potential hire’s professional communication skills and patient interactions. These skills are critical but aren’t easy to teach outside of real-life experience.”

Torrance Memorial Physician Network staff dedicate time to mentor and train externs, thus helping the future MAs bolster confidence and competency and master office protocol, expectations and technology/systems necessary for the job.

Because of this valuable experience, many externs receive job offers too. In fact, nine out of 10 externs from the 2024 and 2025 cohorts were hired after completing externships and passing national certification exams.

For instance, HOC MA graduates Jennifer Chavez and Karen Rodriguez were hired after their recent externships, says Teresa Morales, MA instructor at HOC. Chavez now works at the Manhattan Beach primary care offices, while Rodriguez works at the Hermosa Beach primary care location. SCROC MA graduate Ruth De Los Santos now works at Hermosa Beach pediatrics offices and is considering nursing school.

ASSISTING DIFFERENT LEARNERS

Medical assistants participating in the externship program receive hands-on experience and training.

As a medical assistant instructor for 25 years, Melissa Moore knows that students benefit from on-the-job experience. While MA students are taught, tested and provided role-play simulation within the SCROC and HOC programs, externships can be especially helpful for students who naturally do well in a medical setting but may not test well.

“There are different learners. Some can ace a test no problem, but applying it in the real world is hard. Others excel smoothly with patients but have difficulty with testing. This is a great opportunity for our students and for the community,” explains Moore.

“It’s an absolute gem to have this partnership with the Torrance Memorial Physician Network.”

Morales, who became an MA at age 18 and worked

for 10 years until becoming an HOC MA instructor, agrees with Moore. Morales urges all those interested in a medical career to reach out and explore the programs available at their local occupational centers. Students may be eligible for assistance, so if taking time off from work to attend training is daunting, inquire to see what is available.

INSPIRING MEDICAL CAREERS

The next cohort of externs includes 25 MA students from both centers. It is the largest (and first simultaneous) externship cohort to be placed in Torrance Memorial Physician Network offices. This shows the success of the program and growing interest within the community, says Marcia Garcia, director of operations at Torrance Memorial Physician Network.

Garcia started her career in 1999 as an MA graduate from SCROC. She is a living testament to how valuable these MA programs can be—and that numerous opportunities can await students once they begin their medical career.

After six years as an MA, Garcia was promoted to lead MA, then supervisor and then clinical coordinator.

In 2013 she was hired as Torrance Memorial Physician Network’s manager of operations and was recently promoted to director of operations for the network.

“It’s super rewarding to help others on a similar path. When I do weekly site visits and check in with MA students, it’s like coming full circle. I can share my experience and let them know I was there, in their shoes, and know how they feel. I can answer questions and let them know I’m here for them,” says Garcia.

Today many high school graduates often delay college due to increasing costs. Attending medical or nursing schools can feel like impossible goals.

MA programs at SCROC and HOC—with externship opportunities—provide an affordable pathway into a medical career. They spark hope, mentorship and opportunities for our next generation of dedicated medical professionals. • TO LEARN MORE:

• Torrance Memorial Physician Network: tmphysiciannetwork.org • Southern California Regional Occupational Center: scroc.com/course-offerings/health-sciences • Harbor Occupational Center: harboroccupational.lausd.org/apps/pages/ medassistant

FAL L 2 025 | PATR ON S 19

Pro g r e s s N ote s

ED PROGRESS REPORT THE FIRST PHASE OF THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT EXPANSION PROJECT IS COMPLETE! REPORTED BY CONNIE SENNER, DIRECTOR OF DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

W

e’ve officially wrapped up the first phase of the emergency department expansion project! The temporary triage space is complete and opened to the public on Sunday, September 14. Construction has started on the first-floor triage phase II portion of the project, which will be the permanent home for ED triage. We expect this construction to be completed around April 2026, providing four fully equipped triage bays for patient assessment. This project also creates a new, updated look at the front door of the ED with an expanded reception desk. The second floor of the ED expansion is also moving along. We received approval and permits from the California Department of Health Care Access and Information and began the buildout in September. •

Rendering of the new temporary triage area, in use until April 2026.

Expected ED completion date is early 2027.

CENTRAL TOWER PROJECT

A mock column being built in the Lomita employee parking lot for seismic testing

20 PATR ONS | FALL 2 02 5

We’re making steady progress on the Central Tower seismic compliance project.

Our team is working closely with the California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) as we continue developing the construction documents. The meetings with the seismic compliance unit in Sacramento have been productive, and we’re seeing positive momentum. We’ve gone through many exercises to prove our seismic design for compliance meets the HCAI’s standards and our current state matches the original construction documents from 1968. This has included scanning existing structures and even chipping away existing concrete to check its strength and confirm the rebar placement. To take it a step further, we’re building a mockup of the Central Tower’s columns and beams for additional testing, inspection and approval.

am bas sad o r s co r n e r

Q&A WITH DR. ANHALT INSIGHTS AND PERSPECTIVE ON THE NEW ED

E

lisa Anhalt, MD, is a Southern California native whose career reflects both compassion and determination. After graduating from Mount St. Mary’s University, she pursued medicine at UCLA, completing her degree, residency and service as chief resident. A board-certified emergency physician, Dr. Anhalt has been caring for patients in Torrance Memorial’s emergency department since 1999 and served as chief of the ED from 2015 to 2018.

Dr. Anhalt’s commitment to service extends beyond the hospital. She has held leadership roles with the Lunada Bay Elementary and Palos Verdes Intermediate PTAs, the Palos Verdes Junior Women’s Club and the Peninsula Chapter of National Charity League. Married with two children, she values time with family and friends, traveling and skiing.

A founding physician member of the Young Physicians and Professionals Alliance, Dr. Anhalt joined the Ambassadors in 2020. She has become a strong supporter of Torrance Memorial fundraising efforts—whether attending the Fashion Show with ED colleagues or opening her home for a Chef Sam dinner with staff. She looks forward to the Holiday Festival each year as a signature celebration of philanthropy.

For Dr. Anhalt, being an Ambassador member means advancing innovative, accessible health programs that strengthen the South Bay community.

What does the emergency department expansion mean for the South Bay community?

Our current emergency department has served the community well, but we have outgrown its capacity.

The increasing demand for emergency services has highlighted the need for a larger, more modern space to accommodate our patients and staff effectively.

The new, state-of-the-art facility will provide expanded treatment areas, enhanced privacy and a more comfortable environment for patients and their families. With this additional space and advanced design, we will be better equipped to deliver timely, compassionate and high-quality care to everyone who turns to us in their moment of need.

How will the new space be different for physicians, nurses, staff, patients and families?

The open design of the new emergency department will foster collaboration, communication and efficiency among staff and physicians. By providing clear lines of sight across key patient care areas, clinicians will be able to monitor patients more effectively and respond swiftly to changes in their condition. The layout will promote teamwork by allowing staff to share information easily and coordinate care in real time.

Centralized workstations and strategically placed support areas will reduce unnecessary movement and streamline access to essential resources, enabling physicians and nurses to focus more time on direct patient care.

This thoughtful, open configuration will enhance both operational flow and the overall quality of care delivered to our patients.

Why Ambassadors?

It is truly remarkable how deeply our community supports Torrance Memorial Medical Center. The fact that the emergency department expansion will be fully funded through community contributions is a powerful reflection of that commitment. I am profoundly proud to have spent my entire career at Torrance Memorial, working alongside dedicated colleagues who share a passion for excellence in patient care. As we continue to grow and serve, I am honored to give back through annual giving in the Ambassador Program—supporting the hospital that has given me so much and ensuring that future generations will continue to benefit from its outstanding care. •

FAL L 2 025 | PATR ON S 21

Cli n i cal S potli g ht

A Culture of

NURSING Excellence HOW NURSES MAKE A DIFFERENCE AT TORRANCE MEMORIAL WRITTEN BY LISA BUFFINGTON & JULIE TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHED BY WENDY SAADE

N

urses are making a difference across the entire Torrance Memorial Health system. Comprising 28% of the hospital’s workforce—the largest percentage among all job classifications—nurses can be found at the bedside and beyond, including in outpatient clinics, operating rooms, specialized care settings and administrative offices.

Here’s a closer look at what it means to be a nurse at Torrance Memorial and the crucial role nurses play in providing patient-centered care.

Nursing by the Numbers

85% 100% 100% 56% 95

of clinical nurses have BSN/ MSN/DNP/PhD of nurse leaders have BSN/ MSN/DNP/PhD of nurse leaders have national certification of nurses have national certification new nurse graduates welcomed in 2024

22 PATR ONS | FALL 2 02 5

Where Our Nurses Work Torrance Memorial’s highly educated and expertly trained nurses contribute to outstanding specialized care delivery in numerous settings across the system.

Outpatient nurses care for patients who do not require hospital admission.

Specialized roles include: • Behavioral Health • Cardiac Rehab & Diabetes • Health Education/Community Outreach • Home Health • Hospice • Short Stay & Infusion

Nursing Across the Network With nearly 50 specialized roles across the Torrance Memorial system, nurses support patients in a range of care and hold advanced degrees—demonstrating their personal, educational and professional commitment to excellence in nursing.

“Our nurses are lifelong learners, and 85% hold a BSN degree or higher,” says Mary Wright, RN, MSN, CENP, senior vice president of patient services and chief nursing officer at Torrance Memorial. “We support a culture of continuous learning by creating educational pathways for our nurses—including partial tuition assistance for RNs with associate’s degrees who choose to pursue a BSN, or BSN-prepared nurses who choose to pursue a MSN or another type of advanced degree or certification.”

Outpatient/ Community Support

Inpatient/ Hospital-Based Care Inpatient nurses work inside the hospital to support patients during their stay. Specialized roles include: • Burn/Wound • Cardiovascular • Case Management & Utilization Review • Critical Care – ICU • Emergency Services • Labor & Delivery • Medical Surgical • Mother/Baby • Neonatal ICU • Neuro/Medical Surgical • Oncology • Pediatrics • Progressive Care/Telemetry • Transitional Care Unit – TCU

Procedural Care Procedural care nurses care for patients who need a medical procedure.

Specialized roles include: • Cardiac Cath Lab • Cardiac Rehab & Diabetes • Cardiothoracic Imaging • Electrophysiology • Endoscopy Center • Interventional Radiology • Kidney Dialysis • Operating Room • Peri-Anesthesia • Radiology Diagnostics FAL L 2 025 | PATR ON S 23

Cli n i cal S potli g ht

Pathways for Professional Growth

Advanced Practice Advanced practice nurses provide patient care in a variety of settings.

Roles include:

Nursing Programmatic Specialist Nursing programmatic specialists care for patients who need specialized treatment. Roles include: • Bariatric • Burn/Wound/Ostomy Care • Eating Disorders • ECMO • Heart Failure • Infection Prevention • Orthopedics • Palliative Care • Stroke • Structural Heart • Quality & Accreditation

From new graduates to long-time nurses, Torrance Memorial supports nurses throughout their career journey. According to vice president of nursing Shanna Hall, nursing is constantly evolving—which means today’s nurses need to be committed to staying current on research-based best practices while staying motivated to learn and grow.

“It’s all connected to helping patients,” says Hall. “Research shows when nurses participate in professional development, they experience greater job satisfaction and patient outcomes improve.”

• Clinical Nurse Specialist • Nurse Practitioner

Advanced Nursing Degrees

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – A four-year undergraduate degree for RNs. Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – An advanced degree for RNs preparing them for advanced practice and leadership roles.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – Along with a PhD in nursing, DNP degrees represent the highest level of education for nurses, preparing them for executive leadership and advanced practice clinical roles.

Doctorate in Nursing (PhD) – Along with a DNP in nursing, a PhD in nursing prepares nurses for research, quality improvement and system leadership roles.

Nursing Leadership Nurse leaders have advanced degrees and may specialize in:

Partial Tuition Assistance for Professional Development

• Administration • Education • Informatics • Research

Torrance Memorial encourages nurses to pursue advanced BSN/MSN/DNP degrees, as well as professional certifications in specialty care areas. The hospital offers a partial tuition assistance program for nurses who choose to continue their education.

24 PATR ONS | FALL 2 02 5

A Calling and a Career

For many nurses, caring for others in their most vulnerable moments is a calling they feel early in life.

“Nurses have a deep commitment to advocacy, service and high-quality patient care,” says Shanna Hall, MBA, BSN, RN, NEA-BC, vice president of nursing at Torrance Memorial. “It’s more than just a job, because those who are called to the nursing profession want to add value to the patient care experience.”

In addition to improving patient outcomes and experiences, nurses guide patients and families through life’s most challenging circumstances—from birth to death and many milestones in between.

“We receive letters and hear stories from our patients about the profound impact our nurses have when carrying them through a crisis — and it all starts with a calling and a sense of purpose,” says Hall.

Programs that support nursing career development include: Draft Days Draft Days are virtual events that allow experienced nurses to connect with nursing leaders from other units and departments—providing opportunities for nurses to make internal job changes and improving retention. Nurse leaders also offer in-house specialty training programs in oncology, perioperative care, critical care, NICU, maternal-child care and more. “We encourage internal movement and want our nurses to be able to pursue their goals and passions while remaining a part of the Torrance Memorial family,” says Maricarmen Luhrsen, DNP, RN, NE-BC, Magnet Program director at Torrance Memorial. “Our leaders work together to plan for internal transfers to other specialties by experienced RNs. This planning enables leaders to anticipate open positions that provide new graduate nurses an opportunity to join the Torrance Memorial team.”

New Graduate RN Residency Program In 2006 Torrance Memorial launched the New Graduate RN Residency Program—one of the first programs of its kind in southern Los Angeles County—to support nurses during their first six months of professional practice. The program holds an Accreditation with Distinction through the American Nurses Credentialing Center Practice Transition Accreditation Program—the highest recognition a transition program can receive that is held by select programs nationwide. Created by nurses for nurses, the program receives nearly 1,000 applications each year for 100 open spots, helping the hospital attract and retain the best nursing candidates.

Clinical Practice Pathway Program (CP3) The CP3 program has helped more than 400 nurses develop their skills since its inception in 2017. As part of the program, eligible nurses enroll in the program offered three times per year and submit clinical narratives describing their practice—including clinical decision-making skills, patient advocacy, and interdisciplinary collaboration—that are evaluated during an interview by a panel of their peers. With the approval of the panel, nurses advance from novice to expert status following Benner’s model of clinical competence, an educational model describing the progression through five stages as nurses work to enhance their skills.

Stages include: • Novice (Level 1 – New Graduate RN Residents) –No prior experience; relies on rules and guidelines.

• Advanced beginner (Level 2 – New Graduate RNs with less than two years of experience) – Some experience; can identify patterns and apply basic rules to situations.

• Competent (Level 3 – minimum of 2 to 3 years of nursing experience) – Can plan and prioritize some tasks with less flexibility and speed than expert nurses.

• Proficient (Level 4 – minimum of 3 years of nursing experience) – Able to analyze situations, make decisions, and adapt based on experience.

• Expert (Level 5 – 5 or more years of experience) – Deep understanding of complex clinical situations with advanced decision-making, assessment, and response capabilities.

FAL L 2 025 | PATR ON S 25

Patro n Pro f i le

26 PATR ONS | FALL 2 02 5

SMILE AND SAY “CHEESE SPREAD”

FOR DARRIN AND MICHELLE DEL CONTE, SUPPORTING TORRANCE MEMORIAL IS A FAMILY AFFAIR THAT HARKS BACK TO CHERISHED MEMORIES OF DEL CONTE’S RESTAURANT.

WRITTEN BY DIANE KRIEGER | PHOTOGRAPHED BY MICHEAL NEVEUX

A

Darrin and Michelle aren’t alone in wanting to preserve the Del Conte family legacy. A quartercentury later, fans continue to post nostalgic photos and appreciations of Del Conte’s Restaurant in online communities.

ttention, Torrance Memorial anesthesiologists! One lucky doc can lay claim to an authentic jar of Del Conte’s Restaurant’s famous garlic cheese spread. That’s pretty remarkable, considering the beloved Torrance establishment closed its doors in 1999.

But foodies with long memories still crave the killer garlic toast topper served by owner Gerry Del Conte. And one of those foodies happened to attend the birth of baby Serena Sasso, Gerry’s great-granddaughter.

The Del Conte garlic cheese spread recipe is a closely guarded secret. When Gerry passed away in 2012, he bequeathed it to his son, Darrin. “We keep it under lock and key,” he says.

Many have tried to reverse-engineer it, and a few have claimed success on social media. The Daily Breeze published a contender in 2017, but Darrin’s wife, Michelle, says emphatically: “Nope, that’s not it.”

Fast-forward to 2022, when the Del Contes’ daughter Andrea Sasso was in labor at Torrance Memorial Medical Center with her first baby. The attending anesthesiologist noticed her maiden name and inquired if she was related to Gerry Del Conte.

“That was my grandfather,” Andrea replied, between contractions. The anesthesiologist proceeded to rave about the amazing cheese spread at Del Conte’s, and Andrea offered him a jar from her mom’s next batch. But in the chaos and excitement of delivery, she didn’t write down his name.

That was three years ago, and “I’m embarrassed to say we never followed through,” Michelle says. Mystery anesthesiologist, there’s your cue to step forward!

Michelle whips up a batch of Del Conte’s famous cheese spread every year around the holidays—enough to share with family and special friends. The holidays are coming soon!

FAMILY TIES

The Del Conte family’s ties to Torrance Memorial reach back three generations.

“When my brother, Chris and I were kids,” says Darrin, “that was the hospital mom would take us to when we got hurt.”

“Darrin and I delivered our babies there,” Michelle adds, referring to the births of Andrea, now 32, and Allison, 31. The latest family member to come through Torrance Memorial is Andrea’s second daughter, baby Scarlett, born in July.

FAL L 2 025 | PATR ON S 27

Patro n Pro f i le Michelle and Darrin, along with Andrea and her husband Marc Sasso, are all Torrance Memorial Patrons. So are many of their childhood friends.

The Del Contes started supporting Torrance Memorial with a 2003 gift to the West Tower campaign. They’ve continued gifting, most recently in their support of the emergency department campaign.

Michelle’s sister and brother-in-law, Laura and Joe Gregorio, are also Patrons

28 PATR ONS | FALL 2 02 5

and longtime supporters of Torrance Memorial. They credit the Lundquist Lurie Cardiovascular Institute with saving Joe’s life after surgeons performed an emergency coronary artery bypass graft in 2018.

Joe Gregorio isn’t just Darrin’s brotherin-law. They have been close friends for over 40 years. Darrin has worked for Joe at Pacific Crane Maintenance Company for more than three decades. Joe is the founder and CEO of the Long Beach

maritime business, which employs nearly 1,000 longshoremen responsible for moving cargo across the West Coast. Darrin is chief commercial officer, overseeing corporate, customer and labor relations.

FLYING HIGH

For 30 years Del Conte’s Restaurant was a treasured part of the Torrance social scene. It hosted wedding receptions, surprise parties and milestone

anniversaries. The dimly lit steakhouse had a comfortable, old-fashioned atmosphere with dark wooden tables and vinyl booths. Its horseshoe-shaped bar attracted a regular crowd of barflies and businesspeople.

At its peak, the restaurant—known for huge steaks, lobster tails and king crabs, as well as the amazing garlic cheese bread and green goddess salad—served 500 dinners a night. A car dealership now sits

on the former site at 2900 Pacific Coast Highway. Gerry and Sandy Del Conte opened their eponymous restaurant in 1969 and operated it until their retirement in 1999. It was an all-consuming enterprise.

“Dad worked seven days a week. He spent many, many, hours down there. But he also had fun. He loved to fly. He had a pilot’s license and a plane across the street at Zamperini Field. Throughout the week, he would take an hour here, an hour there,

and go up and fly,” recalls Darrin who was a frequent passenger.

Despite the many hours at the restaurant, Gerry always found time to attend any of his sons’ school and athletic events with pride. Father and sons would also play golf together. For many years, they had a standing Saturday game until Gerry was no longer able to play.

Yet Darrin was never tempted to take over the family business. “Dad worked too hard,” he says. Instead, he went into the maritime trade.

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Michelle, Darrin’s wife of 35 years, comes from a long line of Croatian American fishermen and longshoremen (the Trutanich family). She spent her early years in San Pedro, and when she was age 11, her family moved to Rancho Palos Verdes. Michelle met Darrin during her freshman year at Miraleste High School.

He finished his bachelor’s degree in economics as a commuter student at UC Irvine while Michelle studied business administration at Loyola Marymount University. They dated for five years before tying the knot.

Clockwise from left: Michelle and Darrin Del Conte soak in the splendor of newborn Scarlett Sasso with beloved Teddy keeping a careful watch.

Daughters Allison and Andrea with their young families: Allison, Reese, Clay and Cormac Carey; Serena, Marc, Andrea and baby Scarlett Sasso

FAL L 2 025 | PATR ON S 29

Patro n Pro f i le

The Del Conte family ties reach back many generations, and Michelle and Darrin celebrate with their daughters and their growing families.

L to R: Andrea with baby bump Scarlett, Serena, Marc, Michelle, Darrin, Allison, Reese, and Clay holding Cormac

After college, Darrin briefly worked for a real estate developer. He switched to the Korean shipping company Hanjin before beginning his career with Pacific Crane Maintenance Company.

Michelle got her real estate license but quickly realized she wanted to stay home to raise her daughters. She continues to use her license occasionally, helping friends and family. As the girls grew older, Darrin made time to coach their sports teams, and Michelle threw herself into school-related volunteer and charity work.

Allison Carey now lives in Northern California with her husband, Clay, and their sons, Cormac, 2, and Reese, 9

30 PATR ON S | FALL 2 02 5

months. She is a Bay Area-based clinical psychologist, and Clay is the co-founder of a virtual financial services start-up for small businesses.

Andrea was an associate regional director for a New York-based art appraisal and advisory firm before stepping back to raise her children. Like her parents, she and Marc started as high school sweethearts.

Marc is now a finance director at a distribution company in Torrance. They live in Rancho Palos Verdes with daughters Serena, 3, and baby Scarlett.

At 59, Darrin works almost as many hours as his father once did. It turns out the maritime industry is nearly as

all-consuming as running a restaurant.

“It’s a 24/7 industry,” Darrin says.

“Except for the five days of the year when the harbors shut down, we’re never off.”

To decompress, he and Michelle retreat to their happy place: Hawaii. “We play cards and cribbage, drink mai tais and take naps. It’s the best,” Michelle says.

An impediment to such travel is Teddy, their beloved pit-lab-rottweiler mix. The pup they rescued almost 10 years ago has become a “huge” part of their life. (Darrin calls him “a big beast,” as Teddy weighs 112 pounds.) Only trouble is, “Teddy hates it when he sees the suitcases come out,” Michelle says.

Closer to home, the Del Contes enjoy unwinding with a weekend round of golf, pickleball with high school friends, and family dinners with the kids and grandbabies. Darrin is a two-term past president of Virginia Country Club in Long Beach, and Michelle has played Marine League tennis at the Jack Kramer Club in Rolling Hills Estates for over 25 years.

There are no equestrians in the Del Conte family, but for many years Michelle has devoted herself to the Peninsula Committee Children’s Hospital (PCCH), which organizes the Portuguese Bend National Horse Show, a three-day, allvolunteer run event every September.

Since its inception in 1957, PCCH has raised over $21 million for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles through the horse show and other fundraising events.

“This is my 17th show,” Michelle says. In 2024, she served as chair, which she found to be very rewarding. It’s an all-hands-ondeck weekend for PCCH families, but Darrin admits, “The women do all the real work.

Everyone is jumping in for the right cause.”

“I’m very grateful to have had two healthy children,” says Michelle, so PCCH is one way of giving back.”

Darrin feels the same way about supporting Torrance Memorial. “We’re giving back to the hospital where we had our babies and where one of our daughters had her babies,” he says. “It feels good to know we’re helping Torrance Memorial advance and do good things for our community.”

and shared information on his ancestors.

Darrin was very close to his paternal grandparents, Frank and Angelina (Lena).

Lena immigrated from Corato as a girl, and Frank’s parents and oldest brother also immigrated from Corato.

Michelle and Darrin aren’t alone in wanting to preserve the Del Conte legacy.

A quarter-century later, fans continue to post nostalgic photos and appreciations of Del Conte’s Restaurant in online communities.

“People still ask about the Garlic Cheese Bread and the green goddess dressing,” Darrin says. “We get requests all the time.”

Alas, the green goddess recipe is lost.

But for Andrea’s mystery anesthesiologist, the cheese spread is his for the asking. •

Clockwise from left: Michelle and Darrin find time to relax and take in the sunset in Hawaii.

Gerry Del Conte in front of the infamous family restaurant circa 1972.

Vintage glassware from Del Conte’s Restaurant.

PRESERVING THE PAST

Michelle and Darrin are thinking more about things like preserving legacy and building out the future. In early October they traveled to Southern Italy to uncover lost Del Conte roots.

While in Corato, Darrin enlisted the aid of a local tour guide, who researched FAL L 2 025 | PATR ON S 31

F utu r e Fo cu s

THE UPLIFTING POWER OF TRUST, FAITH & SERVICE WRITTEN BY LAURA ROE STEVENS

A

s I walked into The Healing Garden at Torrance Memorial Medical Center to meet Elaine Booth-Carnegis, I approached a woman with an inviting smile, a friendly demeanor ... and a little sparkle. Dressed in summer navy and white, Elaine wore elegant jewelry that perfectly matched her outfit, accompanied by white athletic shoes studded with faux diamonds.

The former nurse and Torrance Memorial volunteer for 20 years exudes fun, positivity and fashion— something I didn’t anticipate, considering all she has endured. Yet Elaine would likely tell you that everything in her life—the good and the challenging times—has been a gift from God. “I have a plaque at my house from a friend I adore.

It says, ‘I trust the next chapter because I know who the author is.’ That’s exactly how I feel,” Elaine shares with a smile.

A two-time cancer patient, Elaine lost her husband, George Carnegis, in 2019 and has a daughter who battles leukemia. Even though Elaine survived breast cancer and was diagnosed with and receives treatment for neuroendocrine cancer, she lives life on her own terms. In fact, the day we met, Elaine was preparing to leave for “a bucket-list trip” with a friend to visit Calgary and Banff, Canada.

While Elaine has lived in Rancho Palos Verdes for 40 years, she was born in Philadelphia, raised in Ohio and graduated from The Ohio State University. She proudly tells anyone: “I’m a Buckeye!”

32 PATR ON S | FALL 2 02 5

GRATITUDE & GIVING

George died on Abraham Lincoln’s birthday in 2019 and was buried on George Washington’s birthday— something Elaine finds fitting for a man who loved history and engineering. In fact, George played a role in U.S. history by being on the design team for the Surveyor 1 spacecraft, which made the first American lunar landing on June 2, 1966.

“He was my knight in shining armor,” Elaine says proudly of George, who went in for a checkup. because he was feeling a bit tired. That’s when interventional cardiologist James Matchison, MD, and Matthew Ostrom, MD, an electrophysiologist in cardiology, ran tests and learned that George had

Elaine BoothCarnegis in the healing garden next to The Healer’s Touch statue.

“I TRUST THE NEXT CHAPTER BECAUSE I KNOW WHO THE AUTHOR IS.” experienced a heart attack six days earlier. If they had not discovered this, he might not have received the proper care or lived five additional years—giving him valuable time to spend with family.

“I’m so appreciative to all who cared for him at Torrance Memorial,” says Elaine. “We were able to share even more special moments with our daughter, Cara Genberg, an operating room nurse at Miller Children’s Hospital of Long Beach, and her husband, Bob Genberg, a retired firefighter paramedic, and our granddaughters, Sarah Raasch and Kelly Genberg.”

Elaine became a member of the Heritage Society to honor

her husband and chose to include Torrance Memorial in her estate planning as part of the hospital’s Planned Giving Program. This initiative allows individuals to create a legacy through wills, trusts or other planned gifts, ensuring future generations receive the same compassionate care both she and George received. These gifts not only support vital hospital programs and advancements but can also provide financial benefits to donors, such as tax advantages and income during retirement.

“The care I received for both my cancer treatments—and that George benefited from—was tremendous,” she says. “I am forever grateful.” •

PROFESSIONAL ADVISORY COUNCIL

HOW TO MAKE A BEQUEST Making a bequest through your will or living trust is the easiest of planned gifts. With simple language within your will or trust, you can support Torrance Memorial upon your death, and your heirs also enjoy a tax benefit. Contact your estate planning attorney for guidance in reviewing and updating your will or trust, or reach out to Torrance Memorial’s Office of Planned Giving. Please let us know if you have included the hospital in your estate plan so we can acknowledge your advance planning and include you in our Heritage Society.

For more information on ways to give, please visit TorranceMemorial.myplannedgift.org or scan the QR code.

Nadia Antii, CRPC Beti Tsai Bergman, Esq. (Co-Chair) Stephanie Bezner, Esq. Kevin Bidenkap, CFP®, ChFC, CLU, CEPA Gene Brown, CLPF Yvonne Chavez, CLPF Chris Cordoba, CFP® Claire Durand, CFP® Nancy Gragg, CWS (Co-Chair) Suzanne Grudnitski, CLPF Eric Harris, Esq. Brandon Hohm, CPA Carol Kulencavich, CPA Angela Park Sheldon, CFP®, AEP Karen Pryor, CRMP Gregory Schill, CFP® F. Thomas Schlappatha, CFP® Grace Greer St. Clair, Esq. Larry Takahashi, CFP® Tiana Takenaga Sylvia Thompson Mark Tsujimoto Stuart Tsujimoto, CFP® Abby Waddell

FAL L 2 025 | PATR ON S 33

YPPA When Kurt and Erin Hansen met while volunteering at a summer camp for children and adults with developmental disabilities, their connection was immediate.

DOING WELL BY DOING GOOD DR. KURT HANSEN AND ERIN HANSEN PRIORITIZE HELPING OTHERS WRITTEN BY NANCY SOKOLER STEINER PHOTOGRAPHED BY WENDY SAADE

V

olunteering comes naturally to Kurt Hansen, MD, and his wife, Erin Hansen, who have devoted themselves to helping others since their teens. In fact, that’s how they met. Both were high school

34 PATR ONS | FALL 2 02 5

student volunteers at Rising Above Disabilities Camp for children and adults with developmental disabilities.

They spent the week paired up with a special needs “buddy,” providing care and assistance.

The Orange County camp enables buddies to enjoy activities that might not otherwise be available to them, while their caregivers receive a week of respite.

After spending a day together with their buddy at Disneyland, the connection between Erin and Kurt was immediate. “He asked for my number, and the rest is history,” Erin says. That was in 2005.

Fast-forward to today, and the Hansens remain involved with the camp. They have also chosen to support Torrance Memorial Medical Center as members of Young Physicians and Professionals Alliance (YPPA). The group brings together doctors, business professionals and community leaders who enjoy social gatherings for causes that blend community, impact and philanthropy. YPPA’s mission is to support the medical center’s high-level expert care in the South Bay. Dr. Hansen is an emergency department physician and co-director of emergency medicine at Torrance Memorial. As parents of three boys, ages 7, 11 and 13, he and Erin have busy schedules. But they make time to attend YPPA events because of the benefits they’ve reaped.

“It’s been an amazing experience for us to meet other members of the community—even the physicians I know on the medical side—in a social context,” Kurt says.

Erin agrees: “We’ve made a lot of new friends and connections, especially as parents.”

The couple has attended Casino Nights, St. Patrick’s Day at Hennessey’s, and family-centered activities such as barbecues and picnics. Dr. Hansen has also represented YPPA at some events.

He says participating in YPPA has enhanced his relationship with colleagues. For example, he and orthopedic surgeon John Andrawis, MD, and their wives bonded over their mutual experience of having three children. They’ve seen each other socially as a result.

Dr. Hansen had an affinity for the sciences since he was in high school. As a senior he broke his hand playing football, and his orthopedist made a big impression.

“It blew me away that he knew so much about something under the skin. I thought his knowledge was incredible,” he shares of the doctor’s impact, which along with Dr. Hansen’s interests in both science and sports reinforced his inclination to explore the medical field. He thought he might like to work in orthopedics or surgery.

While an undergraduate at UCLA, he worked as a transporter for the radiology department at St. Joseph Hospital in Orange, taking patients to get ultrasounds and CT scans. He then transitioned to working as a physical therapy aide. He enjoyed the interaction with patients and enrolled in medical school at UC Davis.

His preference of specialty changed when he did his emergency department rotation. “It just fit: the people, the pace of work, the patients. The choice was obvious for me.”

Kurt and Erin, who married while he was in medical school, were thrilled when he matched with Torrance Memorial. He marked his eighth year here in September.

Working as an emergency department physician has both challenges and rewards. There’s no way to control the volume or flow of patients, Dr. Hansen notes. For example, the emergency department saw 363 patients the day after Labor Day—an extremely high number.

In addition, “You never know what’s going to come through the door, so you have to be prepared for everything,” he says.

At the same time, “It’s so rewarding to use your knowledge, hard work and skills to really have an impact on someone else’s life. People come in scared and in pain, and it’s gratifying to provide answers and peace of mind—to take someone in a terrible state mentally, physically and medically and quickly help them.”

Erin, who grew up in Fullerton, majored in criminal justice at San Diego State University and worked to support her husband while he attended medical school. The Hansens agreed that Erin would stay home when the couple’s first child Eli was born in 2011. A second child Leo, came along two years later, and Jack their third arrived soon after Dr. Hansen started at Torrance Memorial.

Erin has remained involved with RAD Camp since high school. A previous volunteer with Special Olympics, she learned about the camp from a teacher at school. “It was really eye-opening,” she says. “As much as we were helping our buddies, we got so much love and understanding in return from them as well.”

Today she coordinates schedules for the camp kitchen volunteers and helps in any way she can, whether in the classroom or with a buddy. Dr. Hansen took a break during medical school but now serves on the camp’s board of directors. He also helped them form a medical board and serves as the camp physician.

The Hansens like to stay active. Erin is a long-time runner, and Dr. Hansen ran his first half-marathon with her in Nashville earlier this year. Dr. Hansen is also an avid golfer. Their boys play baseball and soccer, and the Hansens are big Dodgers fans.

Nevertheless, “I think some of our most enjoyable days are just being at home together,” he says.

The Hansens clearly find giving back to be a fulfilling and worthy part of their busy lives. They encourage others to consider joining YPPA. “You can’t imagine the people you’re going to meet and how those relationships will impact your future, the way you see the world and the opportunities you’ll have,” says Dr. Hansen. “We’ve had some of the most interesting conversations and friendships come out of YPPA. When it’s rooted in your own community, it’s an investment in your stake in the South Bay.” •

L to R: The Hansen family—Kurt, Jack, Leo, Erin and Eli

FAL L 2 025 | PATR ON S 35

I n Yo u r Co m m u n it y

DENIM AND DIAMONDS CELEBRATION Torrance Memorial’s Denim and Diamonds celebration kicked off the hospital’s Centennial Celebration weekend in sparkling style.

Held under the big white tent, the evening brought together more than 300 guests. The event sparkled with festive energy as guests dined, danced and celebrated a remarkable 100 years of exceptional care and community.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY PHILICIA ENDELMAN & ED MCCLURE

1

5

2

6

3

7 1.

2.

3.

4.

4

36 PATR ONS | FALL 2 02 5

5.

6.

7.

Tim Stratton, Michele Stratton Vimal Murthy, MD, Madeline Schumacher Craig Leach, George So, MD, Judy Leach Roy Fu, MD, Peter Weinstein, Tracy Bercu, MD, Ally Shen, Alex Shen, MD Keith Hobbs, Merilee Hobbs, Jen Croft, Bryan Croft Mary Ford, Bharti Sheth, Judy Gassner, Jennifer Hennessey Karen Pryor, Jim Sala, Andrea Sala, Sophia Neveu

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

8

10

9

Saxon Nowotka, Priscilla Hunt, Wes Kauble, Juan Pablo Di Pace Jerry Marcil, Laura Schenasi, Pat Theodora Dave Klein, Dan Finnegan, Alex Schumacher Nicholas Maddox, Erin Fiorito, Davy Cohen, MD Marilyn MacLeod, Tracy Bracken Front: Beatrice Sheng, Mimi Liu, Bob Liu, May Su; Back: Michael Tung, Betty Tung, Lynn Shih, Peter Shen, Nancy Shen, Allison Shen, Alex Shen, MD, Lee Su Greg Halvorsen, Laurie Inadomi-Halvorsen, Ryan Halvorsen

11 12

13

14

FAL L 2 025 | PATR ON S 37

I n Yo u r Co m m u n it y 15. Roy Melendez, MD, Sunny Melendez, MD, Jackelyn So, MD 16. Eric Nakkim, MD, Lisa Nakkim, Marc Schenasi 17. Anthony Chen, MD, Jennifer Chen, Tracy Rogers, Chris Rogers 18. Michaela Andrawis, John Andrawis, MD 19. Brenda Nowotka, Judy Leach, Priscilla Hunt, Craig Leach 20. Stephanie Tang, DO, Gretchen Lent, MD 21. Luke Dauchot, Jackie Geiger, Greg Geiger 22. Rebecca Philipson, MD, Daniel Philipson, MD, Wade Welch, Thyra Endicott, MD, Susan Welch, Jonathan Chute 23. Regina Finnegan, Song Klein, Caitie Cleeland, Helaine Lopes

18 19

20

21

15

16

17

38 PATR ONS | FALL 2 02 5

22

23

24

26

29

25

27

28 24. Richard Lundquist, Nancy Pasquali, Cindy Valleriano, Melanie Lundquist, Janet Esposito 25. Todd Schenasi, Amanda Schenasi, Joanne Chang, Stanley Chang, MD 26. Jeff Neu, Tiffany Neu, Andrea Zislis, Michael Zislis 27. May Su, Betty Tung, Mimi Liu, Joanne Chang, Beatrice Sheng 28. Mark Lurie, MD, Lisa Humphreys, MD, Barbara Demming-Lurie 29. Tim Reid, Bernie Reid, Gerhard Eberhart, Heidi Assigal, Shanna Hall, Jack Hall, Mary Wright, Steve Wright

FAL L 2 025 | PATR ON S 39

I n Yo u r Co m m u n it y

GOLF TOURNAMENT The 39th annual Torrance Memorial Foundation Golf Tournament was a sold-out success, with proceeds supporting the Lundquist Leach Emergency Department campaign. On June 2, 136 golfers enjoyed a beautiful day at the Palos Verdes Golf Club, beginning with a stampede putting contest and ending with a cocktail reception, silent auction, dinner and awards presentation. City National Bank proudly continued its sponsorship of the tournament under the leadership of tournament chair Rick Higgins.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY ED MCCLURE

1

2

3

4 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

5

40 PATR ON S | FALL 2 02 5

6

Nancy Anantavara, Keith Hobbs Scott Rouse, Mark Rouse, Jarrett Rouse, Chris Profeta Twanna Rogers, Nancy Anantavara Tim Rogers, Nick Battaglia Andy Johnson, Virgina Brown, Eric Chessmore, Cameron Kilar Nick Burdiak, Elizabeth Adlam, Chris Adlam, Zach Matos

7 11

8

9

12

13 7.

10

Allan Delman, Alan Goldstein, Jeffrey Parker, Michael Goldstein 8. Tom McCarthy, Greg Davis, John Mavredakis, Sam Sheth 9. Adam Congdon, Jordan Lopez, Keith Hobbs, Brian Matthews 10. Daniel Leach, Craig Leach, David Leach, Paul Leach 11. Liz Benardo, Janet Ma, Veann Bracken, Song Klein, Stephanie Mancia 12. Kurt Hansen, MD, Adam Goodman, MD, Michael Fiore, PA, David Oliver, MD 13. Armon Wright, Brian Wright, Mary Wright, Steve Wright

FAL L 2 025 | PATR ON S 41

I n Yo u r Co m m u n it y

14

17

18

15

19

16

42 PATR ON S | FALL 2 02 5

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

Steve Lopes, Helaine Lopes, Lowell Hill Mike Klein, Sam Carmack, John Katnik, Scott Stone Jon Lund, Tracy Bracken Marc Schenasi, Madeline Schumacher, Alex Schumacher, Damon Hoover Rob Young, Satish Joshi, Teri Young, Marzi Mistry Lowell Hill, John Moody, Keith Hall, Pete Ricci

20. Erik Higgins, Jeff Higgins, Rick Higgins, Ted Fisher 21. Steve Calvillo, Hudson Meyer, Harrison Kerscher, Jon Lund 22. Dave Klein, Steve Lopes, Dan Finnegan, John Kirk 23. Daniel Scriba, Aaron McGuiness, Jerry Soldner, Jim Scriba 24. Kurt Hansen, MD, Laura Schenasi 25. Martin Byum, Brian Kim, Andy Han, William Lee 26. Ken Baronsky, Lisa Baronsky, Erin Sloves, Andrew Sloves

20

24 21

22

23

25

26

FAL L 2 025 | PATR ON S 43

I n Yo u r Co m m u n it y

YPPA TRIVIA NIGHT Victory belongs to the wise! Vimal Murthy, MD, was the quizmaster at the Young Physicians and Professionals Alliance Trivia Night at The Brews Hall in Torrance, held June 12. The evening was filled with friendly competition, laughter and community. This brain-energy event highlighted the camaraderie and engagement of local professionals and physicians.

4

5

PHOTOGRAPHED BY ED MCCLURE

6

1

7 2

8 4.

5.

3

6.

1.

2.

3.

Sarah Wohn, PsyD, Stanley Chang, MD, Michael Chang, Joanne Chang, Matthew Chang Brandon Hohm, Nadine Bobit, Ty Bobit, Christy Abraham, Elisa Anhalt, MD, Sunil Hebbar, MD Sophia Neveu, Andie Self, Stephanie Mancia, Alda Mancia, Nicholas Maddox

44 PATR ONS | FALL 2 02 5

7.

8.

Greg Brown, Vimal Murthy, MD, Robert Cerami Amit Pandit, Kate Madorin, MD, Swati Sikaria, MD, Brian Miura, MD Mario Reyes, MD, Aashini Shah, MD, Swetha Vakkalanka, MD, Annsley Marshall, Matthew Marshall, Swati Sikaria, MD, Amit Pandit Jaime McKinnell, MD, John Mackenbach, Susie Rossick, Heidi Makenbach,David Mackenbach, Lisa Taft Brian Miura, MD, Brandy Van Zitter, Danielle Boujikian, Sherry Hechanova, Stephanie Bezner

WINE PROCUREMENT PARTY Guests gathered with wine donations in hand on Sunday, August 17, at the home of Song Klein and David Klein to launch the support of Torrance Memorial’s Holiday Festival. More than 100 bottles were collected to donate to the live and silent auctions at the Gala, which is scheduled for December 5. The party provided a fun atmosphere with cocktails, heavy appetizers and music by Jam Sessions Live.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY ED MCCLURE

1

2

3 6

4

7 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

5

7.

8.

8 Song Klein, Dave Klein Allyson Shen, Alex Shen, MD Justin Holcher, Allison Holcher Doreen Myhre, Helen Hitzel, Michelle Gavin Wine donations Angela Furkioti, Kate Cocke, Laura Schenasi, Christy Abraham, Janice Tecimer David Stocke, Holly Stocke Dan Finnegan, Regina Finnegan

FAL L 2 025 | PATR ON S 45

I n Yo u r Co m m u n it y

EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT SALON On September 14, physicians, community members and Torrance Memorial board members came together at the Palos Verdes home of Allyson Shen and Alex Shen, MD, for an engaging afternoon in support of the Lundquist Leach Emergency Department Campaign.

The program celebrated the community’s generosity and reinforced how the emergency department expansion will benefit everyone in the South Bay. Guests were inspired by remarks from Eric Nakkim, MD, emergency medicine, who traced the history of Torrance Memorial’s role as an early adopter of emergency medicine and shared how the hospital is now creating space for the future of 24/7/365 care.

4

5

PHOTOGRAPHED BY ED MCCLURE

6

1

7

2 8 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

3

46 PATR ONS | FALL 2 02 5

9

9.

Ally Shen, Alex Shen, MD Janice Tecimer, Timur Tecimer Alan Goldstein, Mark Lurie, MD, Ty Bobit Sam Sheth, Barbara Demming-Lurie Craig Leach, Judy Leach, Song Klein, Dave Klein Jenny Luo, MD, Brian Miura, MD, Dana Kennedy, MD Lori O’Hern, Christy Abraham Michelle Wroan, Doug Wroan, Keith Hobbs, Merilee Hobbs Janette Mandema, Jaap Mandema

10. Tony Lee, MD, Tom O’Hern, Doug Laurin, Bryce Fukunaga, MD, Allan Goldstein, Nicholas Maddox 11. Darrin Del Conte, Andy Gregorio, Justine Gregorio, Alex Schumacher 12. Nadine Bobit, Kurt Hansen, MD, Erin Hansen 13. David Bentley, Laura Schenasi, Barbara Bentley, Jerry Marcil, Carol Marcil 14. David Bentley, Barbara Bentley 15. Tonny Lee, MD, Lisa Nakkim, Eric Nakkim, MD 16. Noelle Giuliano, Madeline Schumacher, Michelle Del Conte, Ally Shen 17. Gretchen Lent, MD, Jenny Luo, MD, Dana Kennedy, MD, Alex Shen, MD, Brian Miura, MD, Amanda Clauson, MD, Stephanie Tang, DO, Elisa Anhalt, MD, Kurt Hansen, MD, Eric Nakkim, MD

10

14

15

11

12

13

16

17

FAL L 2 025 | PATR ON S 47

I n Yo u r Co m m u n it y

HERITAGE SOCIETY LUNCHEON Torrance Memorial Heritage Society members were acknowledged for their visionary giving at the annual luncheon at Palos Verdes Golf Club on June 19. They were joined by donors who have contributed annually for 10 or more consecutive years.

Jamie McKinnell, MD, infectious disease specialist, spoke about “Understanding Vaccine Risks.” Heritage Society members have designated Torrance Memorial with a gift in their estate plan.

4

5

PHOTOGRAPHED BY ED MCCLURE

6

1

2

7 1.

2.

3.

3

48 PATR ON S | FALL 2 02 5

4.

5.

6.

7.

Rick Rounsavelle, DDS, Kirsten Wagner, DDS Karen Mohr, Karen Gottlieb Marilou Lieman, Henry Frankenberg, Stuart Tsujimoto, Rita Meistrell, Joe Meistrell Enda Campbell, Carol Brown Elisa Anhalt, MD, Brian Miura, MD Sandra Sanders, Keith Hobbs, Julie Sanders Jamie McKinnell, MD

8

11

14

9

10

12

13

15 8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

16

Cheryl Gutierrez, Hector Gutierrez Carol Kulencavich, Dan Hovenstine, MD, Cheryl Melville Michael Stull, Pat Brewster Frances Fleming, Donna Helstrom Gayle Brierly, Robert Brierly Elisa Anhalt, MD, Mark Lurie, MD Song Klein, Stephanie Bezner, Laura Schenasi Karen Gottlieb, Karen Pryor, Karen Mohr, Larry Takahashi, Tiana Takenaga PAC Advisory Board: Suzanne Grudnitski, Tiana Takenaga, Yvonne Chavez, Beti Bergman, Stuart Tsujimoto, Grace St. Clair, Carol Kulencavich, Nicholas Maddox, Kevin Bidenkap, Karen Pryor, Nadia Antii, Larry Takahashi, Gregory Shill, Abby Waddell

FAL L 2 025 | PATR ON S 49

S u ppo rte r s

TORRANCE MEMORIAL GIVES SPECIAL THANKS FOR OUR MANY DONORS GIFTS FROM MARCH 1 – AUGUST 31, 2025

$16,000,000

$50,000+

O. Allen Alpay

Louise Bahar Linda and Zan Calhoun Coull Foundation Linda and Don Griffith Peggy and Pei Huang Sandy and Karl Jackson Kala and Surendra Jain, MD Lori and Art Kaiser, DDS Evelyn D. Lapham Scott Lasky Caren and Jordan Libit Cathy and Major Lin Ben and Jeannine Lochtenberg Lori and Joel Marfield Laurie and Thomas McCarthy McMillen Family Foundation Jane and Ajay Mehra Denise and Michael Mileski Terrie and David Mileski Thipnongnuch and Larry Miller Susan Frances Moley Doris and Gregory Morton Phyllis Pelezzare Tamara Ritchey Powers Lynn and Richard Shih Michele and Steven Snyder Ellen and Charlie Steinmetz Torrance Memorial Medical Staff Lynda and Paul Yonamine

$5,000,000 United States Charitable Gift Trust

$4,000,000 Melanie and Richard Lundquist

$1,000,000 Priscilla Hunt TF Educational Foundation

$300,000–$500,000 Henry and Jessica Chen Janice and Timur Tecimer

$250,000+ Anonymous Donor Madhavi and Kamlesh Doshi Gail and Timothy Lappen Robert and Mimi Liu Judy Ryan Cindy and Craig Waldman

$100,000+ $25,000+ Michelle and Darrin Del Conte Clair Eitel Al Hill† Lisa and Robert Margolis, MD Susann Norton Carleen and Paul Schwartz Kinecta Community Foundation

50 PATR ONS | FALL 2 02 5

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center City National Bank Herbert Clarkson Employee Ambassador Program Donna Helstrom Jody and Eric Jonsson Timothy Keenan

Norm Koutek Audrey Reynolds-Lowman Carol McCully Lisa and Chuck Noski Sejal and Maneesh Penkar, MD Susan Greenberg Rudich and Howard Rudich Janet and Ian Teague

$15,000+ Steve Booth Edna Campbell Terry and Joe Hohm Pat and Richard Lucy Payden and Rygel South Bay Hyundai Torrance Emergency Physicians Grace Yuan

$10,000+ Luminaries of Torrance Memorial Sandy Behrens Louise and John Bretney Kristen Brosseau and Oliver Mindur Elwin Chin Vicki and Michael Curran Randy and Luke Dauchot Reza Ghanian, MD Eve and Rick Higgins Dora Hsu, MD Millie Kruger Miller Environmental Inc. Patricia and William Nault Optum Services Inc. Laura and Marc Schenasi Erin and Andrew Sloves Solid Rock Structural Solutions, Inc. James Yukevich

$5,000+ Valerie and Chris Adlam Anonymous Donor Arroyo Insurance Services – John Moody Ayne and Jack Baker Lisa and Ken Baronsky James Camel Chevron U.S.A. Nancy Peterson and Dick Chun CSI Electrical Contractors Jan and Cliff d’Autremont Ofelia and Emmanuel David EMCOR Services Mesa Energy Regina and Dan Finnegan Melanie Friedlander, MD George and Reva Graziadio Foundation Ronnie and Alan Goldstein Carol H. Griest Keenan and Associates William E. Kim, MD, and Kay Kim Judy and Craig Leach Mascari Dinh Architects McCarthy Building Companies David McGowan Rita and Joe Meistrell Karen and Michael Melideo Eric and Anna Mellor, MD Nagamani and Rama Nadella Lori and Tom O’Hern Christina and Phil Pavesi Twanna and Tim Rogers James Scriba Torrance Pathology Group/Torrance Memorial Medical Center Torrance Radiation Oncology Associates Torrance Radiology Medical Group Triton Pacific Construction Group West Coast University Inc. Kathleen Whiting

$2,500+ Michaela and John Andrawis, MD Angel Care Health Network, LLC Nadia Antii Tortuga Wealth Management Kevin Bidenkap

Joanne and Stanley Chang, MD Moya and Peter Collins Karla Burns and Brett Dillenberg Bruce Goodman Bruce Hoerning Ron Howell Jen and John Katnik Jackie and Vince Kelly Juhye Kim Patricia Kromka Tracy and Andy Livian Heidi and John Mackenbach Mockett, Inc. MS Rouse Company Paris and Veronica Nourafchan Kimberly Po Porsche South Bay Marge Schugt Sam and Kay Sheth Running Point Tax and Consulting, LLC – Marty and Brooke Sigler Jim Specht Michele† and Tim Stratton Lisa and Mike Wilson Mary and Steve Wright YPPA of Torrance Memorial Medical Accounting Service – Brandon Hohm Ann and Gary Zimmerman

$1,000+ Gina Albi Elisa I. Anhalt, MD and Douglas Laurin Robert F. Appell, PharmD Kathie and Randy Avakian Peggy and Cliff Berwald Stephanie and Brian Bezner William Brewer Alida and Stevan Calvillo Priscilla and Frank Clark Pam Crane Disney Matching Gift Program Suzann and Don Douthwright Mariann and Matt Fragner Elaine and Byron Gee Teresa Gordon Karen Gottlieb Green Hills Memorial Park

Merilee and Keith Hobbs Erin Hoffman and Heidi Hoffman, MD Jenn and Brandon Hohm Valerie and Edward Kelly Savannah Kimball, MD and Wayne Jr. Kimball Song and David Klein Gigi and David Kramer Patricia and Thomas LaGrelius, MD Linda Lee Charlotte and Russ Lesser Helaine and Steve Lopes Mona Madani, MD Erik Milanez Karen and Gene Naftulin, MD Warren Oda and Juliet Chang Karen and John Odom Maureen and Mario Palladini Nancy and Larry Pasquali Karen and Dan Pryor Donna Schauwecker Stephanie and Brad Sherman Phyllis and Steven Spierer Spierer, Woodward, Corbalis and Goldberg Rose and Patrick Straub Michael Arriola and Gina Sulmeyer, MD Teletracking Technologies Inc. Irene Terrell Torrance Anesthesia Medical Group Mary Jo and Jerome Unatin, MD Russell Varon Victor Elementary School Patricia and Richard Vincent Susan Walker Stan Wong

$500+ Christy and Jay Abraham Martin Adler Kartik Ananth, MD Heidi Assigal and Gerhard Eberhart Marcia and Lawrence August, MD Cindy and Matt Bandy Barbara and David Bentley Tracy E. Bercu, MD, and Peter Weinstein Karen S. Black, MD, and James Black, MD Paula and Edward Bold, MD Elena and Larry Bruns

FAL L 2 025 | PATR ON S 51

S u ppo rte r s Laurie and John Bucher Rex Chang, MD, and Thuy-Chung Nguyen, MD Cody Charnell Julie Che Potter and Josh Potter Eugene Cheng Young and Christy Cheng Lisa Cook, MD Harv and Ruth Daniels Sara and Omer Deen, MD Sally and Mike Eberhard Carissa and Benjamin Ellis Jeannine and Dennis Frandsen Karen and John Freeman Deborah and Moe Gelbart, PhD Laurie Glover Meredith Graham Violette Gray, MD, and Zachary Gray, MD Cindy and Bill Hagelstein Shanna and Jack Hall Redondo Van & Storage – Laurie Inadomi-Halvorsen and

Melanie Lundquist and Gretchen Lent, MD

52 PATR ON S | FALL 2 02 5

Greg Halvorsen Erin and Kurt Hansen, MD Amelia Sulkowski and Bruce Harvey Nancy and Keith Hauge Edward Haus Jennifer and Paul Hennessey Carole Hoffman Kalpana Hool, MD, and Hugo Hool, MD Richard Bruno and Daniel R. Hovenstine, MD Richard Huynh, MD Lindsay and Peter Imwalle Satish and Shima Joshi Junior Steel Co. Vicki and Jeff Kern Anne Kienberger and Michael Schenauer Lynn Kim Cenna and Jeffrey Kim, MD Stanley Klein, MD Susan and Lawrence Kneisley, MD Pooja Kumar, MD Joseph Lanphen

Paula and Bill Larson Kathryn Lee Gretchen Lent, MD Martha and David Leveille, MD Barbara Demming Lurie and Mark Lurie, MD Marilyn MacLeod Lisa and Christopher Martz Del McCulloch Kak and David McKinnie Sunny Y. Melendez, MD, and Ron Melendez, MD Julie Meyer Silvino Marzi Mistry Hasham and Shireen Mukadam Lisa and Eric Nakkim, MD Mary and Dennis Noble Katy Orr Kelli and Edward Piken, MD Michelle and David Rand, MD Bernie and Timothy Reid Debbie and Rolly Reyes Martin Richards

Vincent Rios Kelly and Chris Rogers Nancy and Michael Rouse Andrea and Jim Sala Cheryl Sanders, MD Sandra Sanders Kathy and Romolo Santarosa Denise Scarpetti Marcia and Michael Schoettle Angela and Hank Sheldon Allyson and Alex Shen, MD Sam and Monica Sim Laura and Tom Simko, MD Monty Ahlawalia and Deepjot Singh, MD Grace and Greg St. Clair Lynda Stoodley Liz and Arnie Streland Rita Tenenbaum, MD Marta and Mike Thomas Torrance Chamber of Commerce Michelle Nguyen and Nhat Tran, MD Shiela and Mark Tsujimoto Jan and Don Van Buren Terri and Dennis Cammarano Patrick Wecker Cyn and David Weitzel Susan and Wade Welch Gina and Bill Whittlesey Kathy and David Willock Yungcheng Yu

$250+ Susan Alexander Melissa Andrus Lauren Bauer Susan and Derek Berz Heather Burt and Donald Legg Ingrid Cobb Lindsay Colker Sapna Dangaran Heather Davis Seema Dhir Linda Dobie Dunn and Associates Janet Esposito

Kimberly Flores Roy C. Fu, MD and Denise Fu Aziz Ghaly, MD Michelle L. Holman Deborah and John Jones Donna LaMont Estela Levin Mahsa Madani, MD Annsley and Matthew Marshall Vimal Murthy, MD Jeanell Novak William Oberholzer Susan Osa Brandon Parise Angela Park Lizzette Perdue Alberta Prager Iris Reekie Mary and Timothy Richardson Suzanne Rowland Adele Ruxton Nicholas Sanders Barbara L. Schulz, MD Phyllis and René Scribe Uma Sethi Heather and John Shay Bharti Sheth Garrick Chak and Jessica Siak, MD Jatin Singh Kay and Chuck Song, MD Cassie Parra and Jeffrey Su Jacqueline Sussman Majd Tarakji Liji Thomas Tiffany T. Trinh, MD Julie Valentine Neal Verga Nancy Weisel Robyn Westfall Sarah Wohn, PsyD Tram and Oren Zaidel, MD

$100+ Yomi Arokoyo Lindsay Ashcraft Susan and Alan Atlas Elizabeth Bamgbose

Carol A. Beecher Marla Berkey Ruth V. Borges Danielle Boujikian Beth Bowen Kathy Braasch Brian Burke Jamie Calvert Josephine Chan Irene and Nick Chipeska Kristen and Drew Damon Anne and Ray Destabelle Cheryl Ely Marissa Farol Friday Nite Live Frontstream SPV, LLC Terry and Pat Furey John Genter John Giurini Pooja Goel Eve and Rener Gracie Chih-Ming and Shirley Ho Vivian Holmes David and Tracy Isenberg Shi Johnson Brian Kavanaugh Lisa Kido Kent Komae Karina Kraines Sherry and Ian Kramer, MD Debbie Landes Lavender Blue, Inc. Keith Lee Alicia and John Maniatakis Patty and Jacob Mathew Jeffrey Mihovilovich Moonlite Eva Muchnick Sophia and Philippe Neveu Karol and Bob Plocky Sweet Sugar Bath Trudi and Timothy Tessalone The Treasured Accessory Eleanor Thompson Judith and George Unrine Carol Wexler Heather Woolard Boyang Zhou

FAL L 2 025 | PATR ON S 53

S u ppo rte r s

AMBASSADORS VISIONARY Sandy Behrens Louise and John Bretney Timme and Kurt Gunderlock Cindy and Bill Hagelstein Nancy and Steve Novokmet Jonathan Po, MD, and Harriet Po Celia and Robert Rothman Elaine Scott Liz and Rich Umbrell Diane and Bill Wingerning

PREMIER Valerie and Chris Adlam Jan and Cliff d’Autremont Jean Breedlove Susan and David Chan, MD Diane Liebenson and Thomas Duralde, MD Patricia and Paul Francis Melanie Friedlander, MD William E. Kim, MD, and Kay Kim Mansour Family Foundation Marilyn and Frank Miles Jacquelyne and Steven Miller Christina and Phil Pavesi Mary and Timothy Richardson Terry and Jim Witte

PLATINUM Kathleen and Milton Campbell Patricia and Dick Carlson Jim and Julie Chen David S. Chung, MD, and Shannon Chung Nancy Combs Alyson and Dean Decker Juli and Michael DiLustro Donna and R. Stephen Doan Dorothy and Bill Farris Ann and George Hartmann Jr. Lindsay Heaphy Eve and Rick Higgins Stan and Barbara Levine

54 PATR ON S | FALL 2 02 5

Trish and John Peterson Robert Stephenson Ellen and Pat Theodora Jan and Doug Van Riper Gina and Bill Whittlesey Lisa and Mike Wilson Dwight and Kay Yamada

GOLD Peggy and Morton Bauchman Peggy and Cliff Berwald John D. Blakey, MD Trudy Brown Elena and Larry Bruns Jim Cabaniss Vinh Cam, MD, and Judy Nei Edna Campbell Priscilla and Frank Clark Pam Crane Don Culler Judy Dabinett Marina D’Souza, MD Cindy and Steve Dennis James C. Ding, MD, and Marcia Ding, MD Suzann and Don Douthwright Mariann and Matt Fragner Jeannine and Dennis Frandsen Angela and Dean Furkioti, DDS Judith Gassner Karen Gottlieb Christine Hanson Donna Helstrom Merilee and Keith Hobbs Erin Hoffman and Heidi Hoffman, MD Kalpana Hool, MD, and Hugo Hool, MD Kim and Donald Inadomi, MD Sandy and Karl Jackson John Johnson, MD Rachel A. Knopoff, MD, and Russell Dickerson, MD Harold and Linda Koletsky Gigi and Ian Kramer, MD Patricia Kromka Patricia and Thomas LaGrelius, MD Monica K. Lee, MD and Ernest Kwok

George and Christina Legg Charlotte and Russ Lesser Tracy and Andy Livian Laurie and Steve Love Sudy and Bud Mayo Sunny Y. Melendez, MD, and Ron Melendez, MD Karen and Gene Naftulin, MD Warren Oda and Juliet Chang Karen and John Odom Melanie R. O’Regan Phyllis Pelezzare John and Theresa Pujol Laura and Marc Schenasi Marlene Schultz and Philip Walent Fay and Mitchell Sklar, MD George J. So, MD and Hsin-Yi Lee, MD Ruth Sve Irene Terrell Charles Turek, MD Mary Jo and Jerome Unatin, MD Karen Varon Susan Walker Susan and Wade Welch Brigid and James Wethe, MD Susan and Matthew Whelan Cynthia L. Williams, MD, and Alan Gahleb Peter and Monica Wong

SILVER Christy and Jay Abraham Michaela and John Andrawis, MD Robert F. Appell, PharmD Marcia and Lawrence August, MD Cindy and Matt Bandy Michele and Robert Bell Diana and George Brandt Anita Canfield Ittie and Warren Cutting, DDS Farnaz and Lawrence Flechner, MD Karen and John Freeman Elaine and Byron Gee Deborah and Moe Gelbart, PhD Nancy and Keith Hauge Chih-Ming and Shirley Ho

Song Klein, Barbara Bentley, Janice Tecimer

Daniel R. Hovenstine, MD, and Richard Bruno Lindsay and Peter Imwalle Susan and Lawrence Kneisley, MD David S. Kim, MD Donna LaMont Martha and David Leveille, MD Andrea and Jaime Lewis, MD Kenneth Libkin Marjory McKeeve Vicky and Winston Mar Lisa and Christopher Martz Ann and Daniel Miller Roxanne and Ramin Mirhashemi, MD Joanne and Marc Moser Ann and Daniel Mueller Vimal Murthy, MD Elizabeth Paul, MD Robyn and Al Peacock III

Candace and Larry Poindexter Alfons and Louise Ribitsch Janette and Russ-Roberts Kathy and Romolo Santarosa Suellen and Abraham Santiago Jr. Carmen and Gordon Schaye, MD Marcia and Michael Schoettle Barbara L. Schulz, MD Carol and John Stratton, MD Elliot T. Sumi, MD and Nani Sumi William Tarng, MD Robyn Westfall Mary and Scott Wheatley Kathy and David Willock Ann and Gary Zimmerman

LIFETIME Gail and Doug Allen

Achara and Thomas† Cowell, MD Virginia and Dennis Fitzgerald Sherry and Thomas Gossett, MD Patti and Al Hermann Carole Hoffman Terry and Joe Hohm Kathleen and Richard Krauthamer, MD Sylvia and Robert Laxineta, DDS Judy and Craig Leach Pat and Rich Lucy Carol Magee Allison and Rick Mayer Cheryl Melville Genevieve and Hugh Muller Robin and Norman Panitch, MD Ellen and Fraser Perkins, MD Kelli and Edward Piken, MD Carlene and Edward Reuscher Patricia Sacks, MD

FAL L 2 025 | PATR ON S 55

S u ppo rte r s Beya and Robert Schaeffer Jr., MD Laura and Tom Simko Kimberly and David Stone, MD

Tina and Peter Vasillion Erin and Patrick Yeh, MD Andrea and Michael Zislis

YOUNG PHYSICIANS & PROFESSIONALS ALLIANCE (YPPA) Christy and Jay Abraham Charlotte Adlam and Zach Matos Michaela and John Andrawis, MD Elisa Anhalt, MD, and Doug Laurin Nadia Antii

Melanie and Benjamin Archer Alejandra Arrendondo Liz Bamgbose, PhD Cindy and Matt Bandy Megan and Andrew Bark

Bret Barrett Dawn Barry Lauren Bauer Stephanie Bezner and Brian Bezner Tasneem Bholat, MD, and Sam Alherech

Sophia Neveu, Stephanie Bezner, Nadine Bobit, John Andrawis, MD, Vimal Murthy, MD, Nadia Antii, Kevin Bidenkap

56 PATR ON S | FALL 2 02 5

Kevin Bidenkap Nadine and Ty Bobit Danielle Boujikian Dani Rodriguez-Brindicci and Ricc Brindicci Tuscan Butardo John Campo, MD Erin and Quint Carroll Joanne and Stanley Chang, MD Rex Chang, MD, and TC Nguyen, MD Rosalyn Chapman Cody Charnell Pam Chitamitara, MD, and Dana Kennedy, MD Christine Chui Amanda Clauson, MD, and Sanjay Arora, MD Lisa Cook, MD Susanna Wolfe-Corpus and Ronald Corpus William and Josh Cunningham-Corso Shoshana and Phillip V. Cutler Kristen and Drew Damon Heather Davis Sara Deen, DDS, and Omer Deen, MD Angela and Eric von Detten Ujjwala Dheeriya, MD Alice Diego-Malit, MD Donna and R. Stephen Doan Carissa and Benjamin Ellis Kang Family Joseph Friedrich, MD Denise and Roy Fu, MD Aziz Ghaly, MD Laurie Glover Teresa Gordon Justine and Andrew Gregorio Lori and Jerome Haig Ryan Halvorsen Erin and Kurt Hansen, MD Charlie Hargraves and Jennifer Irwin Edward Haus

Erin Hoffman and Heidi Hoffman, MD Jenn and Brandon Hohm Michaelle Luna Holman Richard Huynh, MD Surja and Sushan Joshi, MD Kathleen Jucar Jennifer and John Katnik Lynn Kim Terrence Kim, MD Savannah Kimball, MD and Wayne Jr. Kimball Chiaki and Aaron Klapper Pooja Kumar, MD Connie and Jeffrey Lai, MD Gretchen Lent, MD Kathy Levy Catherine and Stephen Leys Cynthia Libertini and Federico Libertini Jeffrey Love Beth Lowerison Jenny Luo, MD, and Bryce Fukunaga, MD David Mackenbach Heidi and John Mackenbach Mona Madani, MD Courtney and Ryan Mansour Annsley and Matthew Marshall Colleen and James McKinnell, MD Lisa Humphreys, MD, and John McNamara, MD Kimberly McNeil Chaitali and Akshay Mehta, MD Maki and Clark Michel Kristen and Oliver Mindur Brian Miura, MD Katy and Samuel Morris Vimal Murthy, MD Nadav Nahumi, MD Sophia and Philippe Neveu Lisa and Dan Nguyen Jeanell Novak Walter Nunez

Maria Olton and Dru Olton Sarina Pai, DO Jennifer and Victor Pan Francine Park, MD Sejal and Maneesh Penkar, MD Luis Peralta Lizzette Perdue William Rehrig Vincent and Juliana Rios Maggie Rodriguez Nick Sanders Maria Sass Goldstein and Jared Goldstein Andrea and Marc Sasso Andrew Schumacher, MD Madeline and Alex Schumacher Angela Park-Sheldon and Hank Sheldon Allyson and Alexander Shen, MD Stephanie and Brad Sherman Karen Shum Brooke Sigler and Marty Sigler Julie Meyer Silvino Julie Sim, MD Kristin and Baker Smith Cyndy and Joseph Spierer Cassie Parra and Jeffrey Su Gina Sulmeyer, MD, and Michael Arriola Stephanie Tang, DO William Tarng, MD Natalie Thorpe and Dave Thorpe Wynne Torqueza Shelly Trites Brandy VanZitter Meg and Anthony Walker Colleen and Jim Watson Dave Weitzel Cyn and David Weitzel Mollie Williams Sarah Wohn, PsyD Terri Zajec

Ayne and Jack Baker Lenore Bemis Elaine Booth-Carnegis

Jan and Virgil Bourgon Lucy Bradley Robert† and Patricia Brewster

HERITAGE SOCIETY Georgina Albi James Andrews Karen† and Robert Armstrong

FAL L 2 025 | PATR ON S 57

S u ppo rte r s Gail and Robert Brierley Mimi Brody† Maria Buechler James Philip Burt James R. Cabaniss Marie† and James Campbell Janet and Arun Chaudhuri Kim McCarthy and

Benjamin Cheng Francine and Phillip Cook Melody and Gary Cooper Vicki and Michael Curran Joyce and Robert Daniels Ruth and Harv Daniels Manjri and Rajendra Dhami Ginny Dixon and John Dixon

Elaine Booth-Carnegis, Tim Richardson, Mary Richardson

58 PATR ONS | FALL 2 02 5

Sheri and Casey Dodge Arlene and Dale† Dorman Thyra Endicott, MD, and Jonathan Chute Judy English and William Crudup, MD† Janet Esposito Jack Feldman and Darla Valliant

Rose and Sam Feng Frances and Harry Fleming Myrna Frame Jeanina and Herbert Franck Henry Frankenberg Judith and Robert Frinier Sidney Gamber Susan Glessner

Rebecca Gonzales and James Ng Susan Goodlerner, MD, and Edward Wolfman Karen Gottlieb Patricia Hansen Patricia and Gary Hathaway, MD Donna Helstrom Patricia and David Hempel Joan Henderson Eve and Rick Higgins Kitty† and Alfred† Hill Keiko and Allen Hochstein Carole Hoffman Daniel Hovenstine, MD Donald† and Priscilla Hunt Gary Hunter Maude Infantino David and Tracy Isenberg June Kaneoka Ronna and Robert† Katz Amy Kim Robert Koch

Micki and Norman Lasky, MD Scott Lasky Judy and Craig Leach Irving Levine Ian and Cynthia Logan Hilary Lord Patricia and Richard Lucy Melanie and Richard Lundquist Barbara Demming-Lurie and Mark Lurie, MD Judith Maizlish Larry Maizlish Franceen† and Michael McClung Del McCulloch Carol McCully Kak and W. David McKinnie Sandra and Kenneth McKivett Linda Severy McMahon and Jerold McMahon Carol and Karl† McMillen Rita and Joseph Meistrell Catherine Melton Cheryl Melville Richard Meyer, DDS

Luise and Myron Miller Evie Perrone Mitchell Doris and Gregory Morton Steve Nash Susann Norton Colleen O’Neill Kenneth O’Rourke Lore and Marvin Patrick Christina and Phillip Pavesi Nancy Peterson and Richard Chun Fran and Rod Peveler Judy and Daniel Platus Donna and John† Prysi Deborah and Rolly Reyes Mary and Timothy Richardson Betty Jane and Ernest Rivera Karen and Tom Roa Lavonne and Jerome† Rodstein Kristen Wagner, DDS, and Richard Rounsavelle, DDS Laura and Marc Schenasi Diane and Eric Schott Barbara Schulz, MD

Elaine and David Scott, MD† René and Phyllis Scribe John Sealy, MD Steve and Christine Sheng Judith and Sherrill† Sipes Joan F. Stahura Joan and Herbert Stark Deborah and Donald Stewart Thelma† and Phil Steinberg Michael Stull Nancy and Douglas Teulie Inge Thompson Frances and Stuart Tsujimoto Carolyn† and Charles Turek, MD Sandy VandenBerge Marcela and John Vanhara Susan Warner Lily Weckerly Nancy Weisel Carol A. Wharton Lois and Richard Winters Teri and Rob Young Frances and Stanley Zee

Lance Bommelje Joy Burkhardt Heather Burt Agnes Butardo Tuscan Butardo Alan Chung Phil Cutler Sandra E. Daos Josefina David-Engel Elaine Dawson Tami and Tanu DeVine Jann and Dan Dickson Mary E. Espinoza Don Florentino Estrada Justin Ficke Erin Fiorito Kimberly Flores Tammy Ginder Herna Joy Gonzalez John Harber

Jeremiah Hargrave Keith Hobbs Linda Howard Barbara Jane Ignacio Carolyn Ito Mike and Janet Johnson Anne Kienberger Carrie Kikuno Daniel Klein Alicia Kosmides Min Min Kyaw Steve Lantz Bill Larson Donald Legg Fernando and Eva Sophia Magdaleno Patricia Mann Cindy Manson Wei Q. Mao Marguerite McCormick

EMPLOYEE AMBASSADORS PREMIER $1,000+ Heidi Assigal Dan Bauman Mary Bradfield-Smith Jessica Burkle Shannon Cabrera Zenaida Carrillo-Ramo Dolores Cellier Robert Clayton Peggy Crabtree Mary Ford Debbie Griffin Shanna Hall Christina Hicks Rickell Howard Naiwai Hsu Paul Kantor Dennis Kikuno Wilfred Jay Lazarte

Wildredo Lazarte Nicholas Maddox Mary Matson David Rand Chris Rogers Laura Schenasi April Shirakawa Gina Sulmeyer, MD Julie Taylor Mary Wright

BENEFACTOR $500+ Catherine Agpaoa Melissa Andrus Cecilia Ani Kathie Avakian Aley Arredondo Cecilia Banania Bret Barrett

FAL L 2 025 | PATR ON S 59

S u ppo rte r s Elaine McRae Maria L. Mendoza Melany Merryman René Miller Anne Milliken Rhoda M. Newman Young Oh Ronald Padilla Rose Pavlick Marissa Peate Ann Raljevich Bernadette Reid Addy Rodriguez Shayeste Rodriguez Susan Santos Catherine Sarcona Amanda Schenasi Connie Senner Heather Shay Michael R. Steele Devi Sutrisna Natalie Thorpe Veronica Urbano Arce Villalobos Patrick Wecker Betty Wilber Sean Yokoe Joanne Yoshida

SPONSOR $250+ Mary Ann J. Alvarez Gwendolyn Bailey Lisa Bargar Irene L. Bayan Jennis Belen Susan Castillo Changrong Cheng Heidi (Hae) Chong Danielle Cosgrove Jeanette M. Cutuli Lety De La Torre Carla Duhovic Maria Eclevia Cheryl Ely Carlos Fernandez Alfrenda Gonzales Kathy Hagemeier Natalie Hassoldt

60 PATR ON S | FALL 2 02 5

Debbie Hoagland Rosario Jarquin Changkyun Kim Susan Koch Julie A. Krueger John Kumashiro Esther Lopez Maricarmen Luhrsen Patrick Matteo Anne McCormick Pamela Michael Janice Miyashiro Glenda M. Moore Mary Ong Shirley Rose Pasion (Maderazo) Paty Pearce Vilma Plagata Armando and Faye Ramos Debbie Reyes Sam Rodriguez Arceli Salanguit Susan Sions William Soto Kelie Wu Tabangay Dianna Tyndall Aileen N. Ungab Maria Valdivia Larry Villalba, Jr. Lori Woodman Philip and Sylvia Yim Richard and Martha Lopez Rosie Zamora

DONORS $100+ Susie Kim Adams Tomoko Akazawa Bibi Ali Maria Arteaga Jose Albert Rey Asis Sara K. Avakian Mary Beehler Melissa Benoit Maricela Bordenave Carly Brandt Liliana Brankovic Evelyn Calip Crystal Castillo Rosalinda Catamisan

Julie Che-Potter Ingrid Cobb Coral Cortez Carolyn Cruz Mina Dastgheib Geraldine De La Cruz Heather Dixon Linda Dobie Kimberley Duarte Margaret J. Doran Mary J. Eddy Juliana S. Enge Ana Maria Espejo Helen Flores Tom Fox Carol E. Fukuchi Jill Golden Zorayda Gozun Cathy Guthrie Michael Harada Jacqueline Hemmah Mary Hersh Bruce A. Hershberger Vickie Hershberger Nathan Higashigawa Suellen G. Hosino Lisa G. Hughes Keisha Idago Valerie Ishihara Cynthia Keus Freda Khan Cassandra Krutsinger Chance Krutsinger Jenna Krynen Gerald and Trisha Lanphen Judy Grace Lebrillo Kristina Lenehan Chi Leung Mary Jane and Nolan Lew Liki Lima Christine Lopez Elizabeth Lowerison Elizabeth Marquez Karla Marmol Johnny Medina Lauren Mitchell Rosalyn Modeliste Allisha Nazareth Edward Nazareth

Maricel Olvera Doris Paloma Michele Palombo Maria Wendy Pangindian Winston Pascual Donna Patch Jennifer Patten Jaquelina Patti Marco Pech, Jr. Patricia Perez David Phung Gigi C. Portugal Karen Provin Felicia Quintana Sherry L. Rafters Christopher Rama Denzil Ramdhanie Laura Renfro Dottie Rudinica Ana Salinas Angela Salva Isabelo Salva Alia Schiltgen Ernesto Segura Christine Serra-Harris John Singh Lorraine Smith Madhu Subherwal Lisa Takata Remer Tangoan Keith Tate, III Steven Thompson Wynne and Alan Torqueza Mei Tsai Vivian Tsang-Harada Cesar Valle Tara E. Victoria Wendy Vilca Bao Vu Lani Walker Yasmin Yap-Mariano Tiffani Zanelli

FRIEND $50+ Alicia Alcazar Mei Amano Kent Amano Arlene Amigable

Ashley Archuleta Aley Arredondo Jacqueline Ayres Dawn Barry Lauren Bauer Marnie Bay Marisa Bay Kyomi Bolender Josephine Boyon Caroline Cabilogan Felicidad Cabuena Cathrine Cainglet Thelma Carbonell Luzviminda B. Cartera Yan C. Bobbie Arliene P. Chang

Elizabeth Cinco Linda Diaz Ian Dickson Priscilla Ednilao Lauren Epstein Tiffany Finau Maria D. Gonzalez Michael Hanson Corrine Hidalgo Tokiko Imai Nirachorn Intaruk Lynn Jagger Blanca Lardizabal Vivian Lee Devi Legaspi Susan Lieu

Liza Lumanlan-Domingo Erica J. McClister Matthew Morales Sanjeshni Murphy Nooshin Naghsheh Sophia Neveu Sue-Ann Nouchi Eliza Oliveros Melissa O’Malley Randy Patman Pat Quan Sophia Ramirez Maria D. Rangel Laura Tweedt Roybal Anna Salas Amanda San Clemente

May Santos Rinnah T. Sapitanan Vilma H. Sapitanan Jamie Schneider Khalid Shariff Manette Sinkus Richard Tejada Shelly Trites Bertha Turk

RETIREE Betsy Biggins Kathryn Braasch Sandra Nazareth Bert Stewart

IN-KIND DONATIONS Christy and Jay Abraham Valerie and Chris Adlam Val and Chris Adlam Anette and John Aguirre Lori and Dave Baldwin Maria Ballinger Leslie and Sean Bennett Stephanie Bezner Veann and Tracy Bracken Heather and Glenn Burr Frederique and Doug Popovich Carver Jennifer and Anthony Chen, MD Amie and Erik Chessmore Kate and David Cocke Randy and Luke Dauchot Inge and Duane Davis Patti and Steve Delcarson Gayle and Richard Devirian Eric Dickerson Michael Emenhiser Vanessa and Chris Farentinos Regina and Dan Finnegan Bob and Amber Fullerton Angela and Dean Furkioti, DDS

Judith Gassner Michelle and Kevin Gavin Giuliano’s Delicatessen and Bakery Kathy and Rich Goldstein Jackie and Craig Halverson Erin and Kurt Hansen, MD Eve and Rick Higgins Helen and Dave Hitzel Carole Hoffman Allison and Justin Holcher Karen and Chris Hutchinson Kathy and Kirk Johnson Michelle and John Katnik Song and David Klein Rachel and Steve Larkin Judy and Craig Leach Tracy and Andy Livian Helaine and Steve Lopes Rich and Pat Lucy Carra Graziadio and Jonathen Lund Barbara Demming Lurie and Mark Lurie, MD Patti and Brian Lynch Judy and Gene Matsuda

Karen and Mike Melideo Cessie and John Moody MS Rouse Company Erlend and Doreen Myhre Lisa and Gerry Van Nortwick Colleen and Craig Quinn Chris Riegel Laura and Marc Schenasi Patti and Rich Severa Allyson and Alex Shen, MD Kay and Sam Sheth Terrie and Steve Solomon South Coast Botanic Garden Holly and David Stocke Janice and Timur Tecimer Neal Verga Susan and Wade Welch Elaine McRae Kathleen and Chris Wilson Elizabeth Winston Ann and Gary Zimmerman

Deceased †

Disclaimer: Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of this Honor Roll of Philanthropy. Please contact the Torrance Memorial Foundation at 310-517-4703 with any questions.

FAL L 2 025 | PATR ON S 61

Th e L ast Wo r d

“IN EVERY PATIENT INTERACTION, THERE IS A STORY OF SURVIVAL. IN EVERY ACT OF COMPASSION, A REMINDER THAT HEALING BEGINS NOT IN MEDICINE ALONE BUT IN THE RECOGNITION THAT WE ALL ARE CONNECTED BY A SHARED HUMANITY.” Rashaan Ali-Jones, MD

62 PATR ONS | FALL 2 02 5

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

3330 LOMITA BLVD. TORRANCE, CA 90505 310-325-9110 WWW.TORRANCEMEMORIAL.ORG

PERMIT NO. 381 TORRANCE, CA

42 YEARS

Holiday

42 YEARS

Festival

DECEMBER 2 – 7, 2025

Located in the white tent at Skypark Drive and Medical Center Drive

Enjoy beautifully decorated holiday trees, boutique, food court and local entertainment Public Exhibit – Boutique Shopping Tuesday, December 2 ........................................1:30 - 3:30 pm Wednesday, December 3 ................................10 am - 3:30 pm Thursday, December 4 .........................................10 am - 8 pm Friday, December 5 ......................................... Closed to Public Saturday, December 6* ........................................10 am - 8 pm Sunday, December 7* ..........................................10 am - 4 pm

Sponsored Opportunity Drawing

GRAND PRIZE: $10,000 2ND PRIZE: $5,000 3RD PRIZE: $2,500

Chances: 1 for $25 I

3 for $50 I 7 for $100

Call 310-517-4703 to purchase tickets.

*Free Health Screenings Saturday and Sunday 10 am - 2 pm

Drawing will be held on Sunday, December 7 at 1p.m. Winner need not be present.

Ticketed Events

Giving Opportunity

Tuesday, December 2........................................... Fashion Show Friday, December 5 ............................................................ Gala Call 310-517-4703 for further information or to make a reservation

In Honor of Our Centennial Celebration

Admission is FREE

Heroes Tree

Honor your community hero to be recognized on the Heroes Tree in the Lundquist Tower Lobby Donation levels: $5,000 • $2,500 • $1,000 $500 • $250 • $100 $100 minimum donation per honoree

All Proceeds to benefit Emergency Department Campaign

for all public hours.

3330 Lomita Blvd., Torrance, CA 90505