OUR EXPERT TEAM HAS ONCE AGAIN RANKED FIRST AMONG SOUTH BAY HOSPITALS BY U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT. Combined with Newsweek rankings, Torrance Memorial places in the top 1% in the nation, further solidifying our position as the number ONE hospital in the South Bay. Torrance Memorial’s quality results and rankings far exceed any other hospital in the community. Learn more at TMGetTheFacts.org
A Publication of the Torrance Memorial Health System
3330 Lomita Blvd., Torrance, CA 90505 310-325-9110
EDITOR
Jill Biggins Gerbracht
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MARKETING
Erin Fiorito
PUBLISHER CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Vincent Rios
ART DIRECTOR
Wendy Saade
COPY EDITOR
Laura Watts
CONTRIBUTORS
Lisa Buffington
John Ferrari
Moe Gelbart, PhD
Kevin Herrera
Noel Le, RDN
Diane Krieger
Laura Roe Stevens
Melissa Bean Sterzick
Nancy Sokoler Steiner
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Siri Berting
Philicia Endelman
Ed McClure
Michael Neveux
Vincent Rios
©2025 Torrance Memorial Medical Center. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.
This publication is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as medical advice. It has not been designed to replace a physician's medical assessment and medical judgment. Always consult first with your physician regarding anything related to your personal health.
We all witnessed the destruction and devastation caused by the wildfires that raged this winter, destroying neighborhoods and forever altering the lives of so many Angelenos. With recovery efforts now underway, we express our unwavering support for those still struggling through this time of distress and heartache. While the South Bay was spared, we feel the weight of such suffering so close to home and stand in solidarity with those affected—including our health system partners Cedars-Sinai and Huntington Health and their team members. We want to share a note of deep appreciation to all those who continue to show up for our communities, keeping health care facilities open in the face of so much loss. Even in the most trying times, health care heroes remain steadfast in their mission to provide care and foster healing.
At Torrance Memorial, we know suffering and loss. But we also know resilience, determination and the power of community. This year Torrance Memorial Medical Center proudly celebrates our centennial, marking 100 years of compassionate care and groundbreaking achievements in health care. We’ve remained committed to cultivating care and fostering hope across the South Bay, navigating challenges with a commitment to improving the overall well-being of our community.
The same spirit that drives us to overcome adversity—whether it’s through acts of kindness, innovation in health care or unwavering dedication—is at the heart of our legacy. As we reflect on the past century, we’re inspired to carry on with the same service and care that has defined us over the past 100 years.
The outstanding individuals among us define who we are, and Pulse magazine is proud to highlight their inspiring stories. This issue not only focuses on our medical achievements and advancements but shares stories of perseverance like the formerly down-on-their-luck Daniels family, whose successful foundation empowers local youth and families by providing support, mentorship and life skills education. We also feature the legendary Bark family, often referred to as the royal family of prone paddling, highlighting their recent achievements and contributions to this unique sport in our Zest for Life feature.
We hope you will enjoy the many patient- and community-oriented stories throughout these pages. We invite you to share your stories with us—please reach out to publications@tmmc.com to spotlight someone remarkable in our community.
At Torrance Memorial, you will always have a home—a community of care that will live on for another 100 years and beyond.
Keith Hobbs President/CEO Torrance Memorial
Medical Center
If you do not wish to receive future issues of this publication, please email publications@tmmc.com with your name and complete address as it appears on the mailing panel.
23 SERIOUS AS A HEART ATTACK
Cardiogenic shock program offers fast treatment for a life-threatening condition.
New
28 NUTRITION
Nutrition is key to health and wellness, and the foundation of a healthy life.
34 NEW TECHNIQUE LIGHTS UP LUNG CANCER
Cytalux lets surgeons see lung cancer cells during surgery.
40 ZEST FOR LIFE:
Young Barks Take a Big Bite
The Bark family is synonymous with paddleboarding. What will the royal family of prone paddling do for an encore?
44 COMMUNITY BENEFIT:
The Do Good Daniels Family
How two dancing elves became full-time do-gooders.
46 HELPING HANDS:
The Richstone Family Center
Providing 50 years of healing and hope to South Bay families, focused on child abuse treatment services and more.
48 OUR COMMUNITY VIPS
A South Bay resident creates foods designed as medicine for the body; a local trail design builder enhances outdoor landscapes nationwide; and a longtime youth golf instructor imparts life lessons.
Siblings Jack and Emily Bark swept the men's and women's titles in the 2024 Catalina Classic Paddleboard Race, and dad Joe is legendary in the sport as a board shaper and competitor.
Souper-charged nutritional soup recipes.
A VITAL ROLE IN PATIENT HEALING
The comprehensive role of the Torrance Memorial rehabilitation services team.
EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT EXPANSION GROUNDBREAKING
Construction is underway for the two-story emergency department, opening in 2026.
TORRANCE MEMORIAL CENTENNIAL
Torrance Memorial celebrates 100 years in 2025—centennial timeline and celebrations.
INSPIRING OTHERS AFTER DIAGNOSIS
Debra Breckheimer shares a message of hope after lifestyle changes lead to long-term remission from her cancer diagnosis. 18 CARING COMPANIONS
Providing a compassionate witness for patients alone during their final hours.
20 THE RISE OF GLP-1 MEDICATIONS
What every patient should know.
3 LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT/CEO
AWARDS AND ACCOLADES 32 ASK THE DOCTOR
Managing the physical and emotional effects of cell phone use.
38 MENTAL HEALTH CORNER:
The undeniable power of a handwritten note.
FOCUS: Gardening with your kids.
58 MD LOCAL: John Andrawis, MD 60 FLASH EVENTS 70 LOCATION DIRECTORY
Torrance Memorial Physician Network
Torrance Memorial Medical Center is a certified DNV GL
Torrance Memorial Medical Center is a certified DNV GL Healthcare Comprehensive Stroke Center, reflecting the highest level of competence for treatment of serious stroke events based on standards set forth by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association. This affirms that the medical center addresses the full spectrum of stroke care—diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and education—and establishes clear metrics to evaluate outcomes. Comprehensive stroke centers are typically the largest and best-equipped hospitals in a given geographical area that can treat any kind of stroke or stroke complication. In a growing number of states, stroke center certification determines to which facility a patient should be taken for the most appropriate, reimbursable care.
The Emergency Nurses Association again recognized the Torrance Memorial emergency department with the 2024 Lantern Award. The Lantern Award showcases an emergency department’s accomplishments in incorporating evidence-based practice and innovation in emergency care. Emergency departments are encouraged to share stories that highlight a commitment to care of patients and the well-being of nursing staff. The award serves as a symbol of our commitment to quality, safety and a healthy work environment.
Torrance Memorial’s 5 West has been awarded the Silver Beacon Award. The Beacon Award signifies exceptional care in a unit that puts patients first. The award highlights the caregivers in units whose consistent and systematic approach to evidence-based care and hospital culture optimizes outcomes.
Torrance Memorial Medical Center received an “A” Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, a national distinction recognizing Torrance Memorial’s achievements protecting patients from errors, injuries, accidents and infections.
Torrance Memorial has received The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval in several categories. The Joint Commission is an independent nonprofit organization that accredits and certifies more than 19,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States and is recognized nationwide as a symbol of quality. Accreditation is required to participate in the CMS program as well as by most major health insurers and HMO providers. Organizations accredited by The Joint Commission can also earn certification for programs devoted to chronic diseases and conditions. Torrance Memorial has received Joint Commission accreditation in the following areas:
• Torrance Memorial Medical Center
• Home Health, Hospice & Home-Based Palliative Care
• Clinical Lab & Blood Bank
• Spine Surgery
• Maternal Child Health
• Total Knee & Hip Replacement
Written by Noel Le, RDN, Torrance Memorial Clinical Dietitian
As the winter chill gives way to spring’s first warm days, there’s no better time to enjoy the rich flavors and nutritional power of soup. February 4 was National Soup Day, but really, every day is a great day to enjoy this versatile meal. Whether it’s a cozy winter stew or a lighter spring sip, soup is an ideal way to pack in fiber-rich vegetables, whole grains and nourishing legumes to keep you healthy through the changing seasons.
We often hear about the importance of protein, healthy fats and antioxidants, but fiber? That’s the unsung hero we tend to overlook. Eating fiber-rich foods not only promotes a happy gut but also reduces the risk of heart disease and helps with weight management.
Despite all its benefits, the average American adult consumes only 10 to 15 grams of fiber daily, less than half the recommended 25 to 38 grams. Soups, though, with their blend of veggies, grains and legumes, make it easy (and delicious) to help bridge that fiber gap. Fiber is found in plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds—imagine all the flavors and textures you can enjoy in just one bowl of soup!
When boosting your fiber intake, it’s best to go slowly to avoid uncomfortable bloating or gas. Drinking plenty of water is also key, as fiber acts like a sponge, absorbing water to help it move smoothly through your digestive system, preventing issues like constipation or nausea.
The beauty of soup is that it’s often a one-stop shop for both fiber and plant-based protein. Many fiber-rich ingredients also deliver a healthy dose of protein, packing every spoonful with nutrients. If you’re looking for a meal that delivers flavor and wellness, a plant-based soup is the perfect choice. Plus they’re incredibly satisfying, helping to keep hunger at bay and energy levels steady throughout the day.
Here are two soup recipes that highlight seasonal ingredients. These fiber-filled bowls will keep you “souper-charged” through the changing seasons—leaving you healthy, nourished and satisfied.
One of the best ways to make the most of seasonal ingredients for your soups is by visiting your local farmers market. Not only will you find the freshest produce and legumes at their peak, but you can also talk to the vendors to learn more about the fruits and vegetables they grow. They often have great tips for selecting the best produce and ideas for incorporating these ingredients into your meals.
Servings: 4 • Prep Time: 30 minutes • Cook Time: 30 minutes
This soup combines the natural sweetness of butternut squash, sweet potato and Honeycrisp apple with the earthy, creamy richness of cannellini beans. Packed with nutrients and bursting with flavor, it’s the perfect dish for easing into spring. Versatile and satisfying, it offers cozy comfort with a bright seasonal twist.
Ingredients
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 large leeks (white and pale green parts only), chopped
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
• 2 cups cubed butternut squash
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 Honeycrisp apple, peeled, cored and sliced ¼-inch thick
• 2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans, drained, rinsed (or 3½ cups cooked)
• 1 quart low-sodium vegetable broth
• ¼ cup dry white wine
• ½ cup plain yogurt
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground sage
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped chives, for garnish
Directions
1. Sauté Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Add leeks and onion, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Simmer the Base
Stir in the sweet potato, squash, carrots, apple, beans, broth and 1 teaspoon salt. Stir well. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the sweet potato and squash are tender.
3. Blend to Perfection
Carefully puree the soup in batches using a blender or immersion blender. Once smooth, return the soup to the pot. Stir in white wine, yogurt, nutmeg and sage. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Simmer gently for an additional 5 minutes to meld flavors.
4. Serve and Garnish
Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of chives.
Tips
Save time: Use frozen, pre-cubed butternut squash and sweet potato for quicker prep. Boost Flavor: Roast the squash and sweet potato beforehand for a richer and deeper taste. Vegan-Friendly: Substitute the yogurt with plain coconut yogurt for a creamy vegan option.
Nutritional Profile: Calories: 270 kcal, Protein: 10 grams, Carbohydrates: 52 grams, Fiber: 12 grams, Total Sugar: 14 grams (Added Sugar: 0 grams), Saturated Fat: 2 grams, Cholesterol: 10 mg, Sodium: 470 mg
This vibrant, nutrient-packed soup combines the earthy richness of lentils with the bold flavors of green curry and the creamy texture of coconut milk. Perfect for chilly days, it’s a comforting yet zesty meal that comes together in under an hour.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
You can find the recipe for this delicious Thai-inspired Green Curry Lentil Soup at TorranceMemorial.org/healthyliving/blog/souper-chargednutrition or by using the QR code.
Written by Laura Roe Stevens
Photographed by Michael Neveux
When a patient survives what once felt insurmountable—a life-threatening disease or a traumatic accident—euphoria from the successful outcome can quickly dissipate into fearful thoughts about the future. Will they be able to resume “normal” life and activities? How much stronger can they realistically get? Will they truly heal? And what can they expect once they are back at home or work?
It’s essential to recognize each patient’s journey to recovery is unique, and thriving and enjoying life as a survivor is possible. That’s where rehabilitation therapy plays a vital role in a patient’s healing and quality of life.
Torrance Memorial Medical Center Rehabilitation Services offers a 360-degree, comprehensive program of diagnostic, preventive and therapeutic services to return patients to their physical best following illness, injury or surgery. Torrance Memorial’s nationally recognized programs provide rehabilitative treatments for nearly all needs—including emergency room care, post-op care and home services.
“When you come to Torrance Memorial for rehabilitation therapy, our expert team evaluates your condition(s), needs and goals before creating a specific program just for you,” explains physical therapist Tracey Mullan, Torrance Memorial’s director of rehabilitation services.
Whether a patient requires occupational, physical or speech and swallowing therapy—or a combined therapeutic approach—the therapists treat each patient uniquely, utilizing proven therapeutic techniques to treat a host of needs. The 108 talented therapists and staff members provide each patient with an individualized treatment plan— from simple to complex.
“We see a wide variety of patients and treat all age groups at the hospital. Our therapists can assist more people than most realize,” Mullan says.
For instance, the rehab team assists children with speech and genetic swallowing disorders—as well as adults recovering from strokes, neurological conditions, heart attacks, cancer, orthopedic surgery and more. They also help patients with less complicated conditions, such as sports injuries and arthritis.
The experienced rehabilitation therapists at Torrance Memorial often think outside the box to better assist patients with multiple health issues. For instance, a cancer survivor who had positive outcomes with surgery, chemo and radiation treatments may seek physical therapy to ease frozen muscles around the shoulders, chest and neck that cause pain, headaches, sleep disruption and limited mobility.
During the consultation, the patient reveals difficulty chewing and mentions joint pain in her
hands and wrists—a common side effect of post-treatment medications. Her therapist takes note of the patient’s swollen arms and legs due to stagnant lymph flow. This patient will benefit from a multidisciplinary team approach with a swallowing specialist, a lymphedema expert and a certified hand therapist to ease joint pain.
In addition, shadow conditions spurred from the patient’s painful conditions limiting exercise, sleep and range of motion must be addressed. Has the patient gained significant weight? Do they exhibit signs of prediabetes? Are they depressed? If so, the patient will need referrals for further testing or to see a psychologist for depression/anxiety.
“Our therapy staff have a diverse scope of expertise and evaluate all patients’ needs to optimize treatment plans, find additional resources and maximize outcomes for success,” explains Mullan. “It is also important to communicate what skilled therapists should not be ordered for—to dress and/or groom patients, perform as a personal trainer, or for patients who are at their functional baseline.”
She says the ultimate goal for all the rehabilitation therapists—no matter the approach, specialty or treatment plan— is to help patients move from simply enduring their painful conditions to living well, enjoying life and navigating their future with support and confidence.
The medical center’s rehabilitation services department offers a full range of therapeutic services. Each type has a unique function and purpose:
Physical Therapy (PT) – According to the American Physical Therapy Association, physical therapists are trained and licensed movement experts who can diagnose and treat a large range of injuries, disabilities and health conditions. Therapists aim to improve a person’s range of movement and quality of life and to prevent further injury or disability.
At Torrance Memorial, two-thirds of PT treatment is done at the West Tower for orthopedic diagnoses and even more at South Bay Ortho Rehab. More physical therapists work in America than ever before, and the number of certified therapists has doubled since 2022. For patients who suffer from a wide range of conditions—including sports injuries, disabilities, traumatic accidents, lymphedema, neurological disease and other mobility challenges—PT has proven to be an integral part of recovery
Speech and Swallowing Therapy – The Torrance Memorial speech and swallowing rehabilitation program offers a comprehensive range of services. Therapists assist people of all ages, from young children to seniors. Evaluation and treatment services are available for speech
and language disorders, neurological conditions, geriatric-related conditions, swallowing disorders and voice and articulation disorders. Therapists work within the hospital (all units) and with outpatients, including those undergoing radiation for head and neck cancer.
“The Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) team provides assessment and treatment for patients with various diagnoses and utilizes a multidisciplinary approach to serve our patients best. The acute-care SLP therapists work with the radiology team when performing videofluoroscopic swallow studies and collaborate with respiratory therapists when working with patients with tracheostomy tubes,” explains speech pathologist Jennifer Karmelich.
The SLP team works with radiation oncology staff to complete baseline swallow evaluations for patients undergoing radiation for head and neck cancer. SLP therapists work with physical and occupational therapists to provide functional treatment for both pediatric and adult outpatients.
“As a team, we value the patients and the goals they have set for themselves, and we include their family members in optimizing treatment outcomes,” Karmelich adds.
Occupational Therapy (OT) – This therapy aims to help individuals with injuries or disabilities regain independence and self-sufficiency in performing daily living skills, such as eating, dressing and working. OT provides individualized rehabilitative treatment, as well as assistive devices and durable medical equipment evaluations. Patients and families are instructed on the proper and safe use of appropriate equipment to improve safety and independence.
“Occupational therapy treatments are individually tailored to improve a myriad of physical, neurological and psychosocial issues that may have developed from an accident, surgery, or a developmental or medical condition,” says
occupational therapist Wanda L. Weimer.
Torrance Memorial’s OT team has established treatment regimens for hand injuries, upper-extremity orthopedic or neurological conditions, arthritis, traumatic brain injuries, stroke and Parkinson’s disease, developmental delays, lymphedema, cancer, ergonomics and difficulties with daily activities.
A therapist will base rehab programs around the occupations that matter most to a person. Depending on the setting, these occupations can look quite different on the surface.
For instance, in a school setting, occupational therapists focus on developmental milestones and help children develop skills to function appropriately in a classroom. For in-home health, therapists prioritize home safety and create occupation-based treatments—allowing individuals to safely navigate their home activities and environment. In an outpatient clinic, treatments address upper-extremity injuries that limit performance at work, at home, or in a sport or hobby.
When it comes to acute care, occupational therapists focus on assessing and treating patient activities of daily living skills, assisting in early mobilization, and performing therapeutic interventions that directly impact a patient’s chances of recovery and their overall discharge plan.
Certified Hand Therapists – The OT team also includes three certified hand therapists who assist with hand and wrist issues. There are only 6,044 certified hand therapists in America today. The Torrance Memorial team has recently developed an effective new treatment protocol in decreasing hand pain in breast cancer patients who suffer when taking Aromatase inhibitor medications.
Rehabilitation Therapy – Whether OT, PT or SLP, this has the multifaceted benefit of being both recuperative and preventive. The critical and immediate aspect of therapy is to assist patients with balance, mobility, strength, flexibility or recovered speech, motion or ability. On the other hand, therapy has the ripple effect of prevention by thwarting shadow health conditions that often appear months and years after injury, illness, surgery and/ or disability.
It’s important to address the big picture of a person’s recovery plan—and that is what the Torrance Memorial rehabilitation therapists do best. •
108
Number of therapists and support staff, including therapists certified in physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT), and speech and language pathology (SLP)
72% & 83%
PT mostly treats orthopedic diagnoses, making up 72% of PT evaluations in the West Tower and 83% at South Bay Ortho Rehab
75%
Percentage of OT evaluations that include hand therapy, performed by three certified hand therapists
5,315
Number of treatments provided by pediatric OT/PT/SLP therapists last year, for 700 patients
3% & 7%
Certified lymphedema therapists work within OT and PT, making up 3% of the PT volume and 7% of the OT workload
6 + 1
The ergonomic program consists of six OT professionals and one from PT who perform worksite assessments for Torrance Memorial employees at the request of management
3
Number of PT professionals in the growing vestibular program
15%
Percentage of South Bay Ortho Rehab's volume of patients evaluated at their off-site clinic who receive pelvic floor therapy
On September 24, 2024, Torrance Memorial Medical Center officially broke ground for its new two-story emergency department. Major donors, hospital leadership and physicians gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking—and wall-smashing—of the Lundquist Leach Emergency Department expansion project. Set to be completed in 2026, the expansion will double treatment spaces, incorporate a flexible design and elevate safety with cutting-edge technology.
This expansion will enable the hospital to better serve the community’s health care needs. It will increase patient capacity, reduce wait times and improve the overall patient experience by integrating the latest medical technologies and creating additional private treatment rooms. The expansion aims to ensure the hospital’s emergency department remains a state-of-the-art facility capable of delivering critical care efficiently, especially as patient volumes grow.
The expanded emergency care facility will feature:
• More than 80 treatment spaces—double the department’s current capacity
• An open-concept design, including spaces that can be used for multiple purposes or modified depending on staff and patient needs
• Rooms with glass partitions for enhanced viewing, safety, security and privacy
• Enhanced technology to improve efficiency and safety •
If you would like to learn more about supporting this important project, contact the Torrance Memorial Foundation by visiting TorranceMemorialFoundation.org or calling 310-517-4703.
Mrs. Jared Sidney Torrance donated the deed to a new 32-bed hospital in Torrance to Dr. J.S. Lancaster, former president of the Torrance Hospital Association.
During the first 10 years of operation, the Jared Sydney Torrance Memorial Hospital staff cared for 10,711 patients and delivered 1,701 babies.
The first major expansion of the Jared Sydney Torrance Memorial Hospital was the opening of a 23-bed wing. This increased the hospital's capacity to 96 beds.
Six women met to organize a women’s auxiliary to support Torrance Memorial Hospital.
This April, Torrance Memorial will proudly celebrate its 100th anniversary. Our Look Back section has been building up to this moment as we have reflected on the storied history of our beloved hospital. This timeline shows key milestones from the past 100 years.
The Luminaries, a volunteer fundraising group, was formed and the pet visitation program was launched.
Torrance Memorial pioneered South Bay health care by installing an inhouse MRI machine, revolutionizing diagnostic imaging.
Torrance Memorial launched the TLC (Torrance Loves Children) program, allowing parents to continue working while their children were mildly ill.
ILas Amigas sponsored the first Festival of the Trees event to raise funds for hospital advancements.
n 2025, Torrance Memorial Medical Center has reached a historic milestone with its 100th anniversary. A series of events and speakers will celebrate a century of care and innovation since 1925. In that time, Torrance Memorial has grown from a local nonprofit hospital to a regional leader recognized as one of the top 3% of hospitals in the state. The first hospital in the South Bay has become the first choice in the region for expert care with state-of-the art facilities, expert multidisciplinary services and groundbreaking research. Our progress is inspired by all of the trailblazers and visionaries, physicians, nurses, employees and volunteers who have given back to help us go forward.
An outpatient chemical dependency program was formed. The Cancer Resource Center opened its doors.
The 40-bed Transitional Care Unit (TCU) opened.
Torrance Memorial Family Medicine Center –Carson opened.
Manhattan Beach office opened. Torrance Memorial Home Health and Hospice expanded.
Torrance Memorial celebrates 100-year anniversary.
Torrance Memorial launched its journey to becoming a teaching hospital.
The Torrance Memorial Specialty Center was renamed the Lundquist Lurie Cardiovascular Center.
El Segundo MultiSpecialty Medical Complex opened.
The Vasek and Anna Maria Polak Breast Diagnostic Center opened.
COVID-19 pandemic began.
The Riviera Community Hospital was established in Torrance and discussion began on a potential merger and the development of a new hospital campus.
Groundbreaking for construction of the new $8 million Torrance Memorial Hospital.
Torrance Memorial and West Torrance Convalescent Center were leaders in a “uniform revolt,” allowing nurses to wear colored pantsuits instead of traditional white dresses as uniforms.
The new $8 million, 247-bed Torrance Memorial Hospital opened its doors at 3330 Lomita Boulevard.
Torrance Memorial expanded its capacity and modernized its facilities with the opening of the fivestory, 78-bed North Wing.
A group of women dedicated to promoting quality, costeffective health care at Torrance Memorial formed Las Amigas to strengthen the hospital's ties to the community.
The sleep disorders unit opened as one of only 23 such centers nationwide. The Torrance Memorial Foundation was established to support the hospital through individual and community fundraising efforts.
The new threestory East Wing opened, housing a day surgery center, radiation therapy and oncology departments, hospital auditorium and education area, remodeled nursery, new labor and delivery area and new Critical Care Wing.
Emergency department expanded from 14 to 20 beds.
Cancer Center opened.
Gastrointestinal lab underwent a major transformation, becoming a state-of-the-art endoscopy center.
Cedars Sinai affiliation was established, redesigned NICU opened and new pediatric/adolescent unit opened. Torrance Memorial achieved Comprehensive Stroke Center accreditation.
The Thelma McMillen Center opened.
New mother/baby unit completed with expanded capacity and larger rooms.
Miracle of Living, a community health education series, was launched.
A Laminair air flow room debuted, providing the highest level of surgical sterility. The hospital's first hip replacement, first open-heart surgery and first burn and neurosurgical procedures were performed there.
Torrance Memorial's Hospitalist program was established.
A new cardiac rehabilitation program was launched, providing exercise equipment and patient education on heart health. A blood donor center, the first such center in a South Bay community hospital, also debuted.
New technologies were introduced to patients including ultrasound, and the hospital’s first dedicated heart catheterization lab debuted.
You are invited to join us this April for special centennial community events and a health fair to celebrate this historic milestone in caring for the South Bay community we call home.
A $37 million renovation of the North Tower (now Hunt Tower) was launched. Emergency department annex opened, adding 14 beds.
Torrance Memorial Physician Network was established.
Lundquist Tower opened.
Torrance Memorial was awarded its first designation as a Nursing Magnet Hospital.
Torrance Memorial Specialty Center opened.
Former El Camino College dean shares message of hope after expert care, a healthy lifestyle and a positive attitude lead to long-term remission.
Written by Lisa Buffington | Photographed by Vincent Rios
When Debra Breckheimer learned she had high-grade, lymph node-positive breast cancer in February 2012 at age 52, she knew she was facing a challenging diagnosis. But she also knew she had a lot to live for—including her two children, who were in high school and college at the time.
“I lost my husband to glioblastoma in 2004, and although I was shocked and scared when I was diagnosed, I knew I had to keep fighting,” said Debra. “There was no way my kids were going to be without a parent at their ages.”
Inspired by her late husband’s strength, positivity and determination during his life and throughout his illness, Debra did everything she could to boost her chances of treatment
success. Under the care of Torrance Memorial Medical Center breast medical oncologist David Chan, MD, whom Debra described as her “champion,” she underwent a double mastectomy followed by chemotherapy, radiation and longterm anti-estrogen therapy. She also participated in a few clinical trials at different stages of her treatment, including one long-term study that lasted 10 years.
“Debra had a large tumor that measured 9 cm, and all 56 of her lymph nodes tested positive for cancer,” says Dr. Chan. “But what was most remarkable about Debra was how hard she worked to make lifestyle changes that would give her the best possible chance of a good outcome.”
That included eating nutritious foods, exercising and taking steps to prevent side effects—even during the most challenging stages of her treatment. “After having so many
“I’m thankful for the care I received, and I am passionate about nutrition and exercise. I want to give back; I am hoping my story and what I learned will inspire others to have hope and try to fight this frightening disease from every angle.”
lymph nodes removed, I was at high risk for swelling and loss of mobility in my arm due to the large axillary dissection and swelling from lymphedema,” says Debra. “I didn’t need a swollen arm on top of everything else, so I did all the exercises my care team told me to do. I also walked outside almost every day—even when I felt my worst. After I was allowed, I started lifting weights. I did as much as I could.”
During her nine months of treatment, Debra only took eight weeks off from her job as an English professor at El Camino College. Her students, she says, helped her stay busy—and watching her children grow into adulthood kept her in the fight. When her treatment and breast reconstruction were in the rearview mirror, Debra continued to keep up with her healthy habits. She accepted a new position as dean of humanities at El Camino College in 2018 and maintained her active lifestyle. Today, after being in remission for more than a decade, Debra says she is feeling healthy, fit and “beyond grateful.”
“Regular exercise and a healthy diet improve immune function and lower insulin levels, resulting in more than a 50% reduction of recurrence risk,” says Dr. Chan. “At Torrance Memorial, we incorporate lifestyle changes into our cancer care recommendations, and as a result our patients have better long-term survival rates. Debra took our advice to heart.”
“I had rough days, for sure, but I did my best to live by the adage that attitude determines experience— but sadly, not always outcome,” said Debra. “However, it helps you and those on the journey with you to do your best to stay as positive as you can.”
Since retiring in June 2023, Debra has been traveling and enjoying her free time. But now, she’s ready to share her message of positivity, resilience
As part of Debra's recovery, she was encouraged to exercise and maintain a healthy lifestyle. She continues to include weight training and walking in her weekly routine.
and hope through a new venture. She is working on a certification in holistic nutrition and hopes to launch a second career as a certified nutrition coach helping people who face a cancer diagnosis—or any other diagnosis where good nutrition can help promote well-being.
“I’ve spoken to many people who’ve been diagnosed with cancer over the years, but I want to do more,” said Debra. “I’m thankful for the care I received, and I am passionate about nutrition and exercise. I want to give back; I am hoping my story and what I learned will inspire others to have hope and try to fight this frightening disease from every angle.” •
“At first, volunteers are worried about what they should do. The beautiful thing is everyone brings their own special humanity to how they spend time with the patient.”
Written by Melissa Bean Sterzick
In early 2024, Torrance Memorial quietly implemented a specialized program to help a rare type of patient. For its many awards and accreditations—including a CMS 5-star rating for overall hospital quality—one important service had been missing.
While most people have friends or family stay with them during their final hours of life, some patients do not have those connections. For others, their closest relatives are unable to visit them or live too far away to arrive in time.
Caring Companions: A No One Dies Alone (NODA) program takes an important place in the hospital’s continuum of care. It unites staff and volunteers to activate and carry out a plan that ensures no patient will die alone.
During his rounds and through interactions and study with other hospital chaplaincies, Rev. Jan Arthur Lee, a chaplain in the Torrance Memorial spiritual care office, saw the need to provide a human presence for patients who are alone during their final days.
“It is our privilege to sit with them as they die, to be a gentle presence and offer a gesture of hospitality to the very end,” he says. “There is something sacred and beautiful about it.”
Rev. Lee and the hospital’s bioethics director, Andy Shen, MD, initiated the research and development of the program, networking with other hospitals that have NODA programs and creating an interdisciplinary team that includes the spiritual care office, palliative care, clinical education, marketing and communications and volunteer services.
The mission of Caring Companions is to ensure dignity, compassion and support for dying patients by offering bedside companionship to anyone who is alone at the end of life. Dr. Shen says Caring Companions is uplifting to the entire medical center—patients, physicians, nurses and staff members.
“Rev. Jan has said the program is ‘good for the soul of the institution,’ and that’s a powerful statement,” he says. “After experiencing a few of the vigils myself, I felt that play out in real life.”
The program is designated for individuals who are expected to die within 48 to 72 hours and are without family or friends to stay with them until the end. It is set in motion when a registered nurse, palliative care provider, case management provider, physician, social worker or spiritual care provider identifies a patient in need.
Then, nursing or medical staff activate Caring Companions with a phone call to the Volunteer Services office, which notifies its volunteer pool and creates a schedule of three-hour shifts. The scheduler will also share the schedule with the charge nurse of the patient’s unit. During nights and weekends, the on-call bioethics doctor will organize vigils.
“It’s very reassuring and comforting for the hospital staff, especially the nurses, when they have a dying patient—knowing if they can’t spend time at the bedside, someone else can stay with the patient,” says Dr. Shen. “And it gives the doctor comfort knowing their patient is being well loved and cared for, and not just medically. A doctor can’t be there, but they want to know someone is there for the patients when they are dying.”
The first group of volunteer companions received training in February, and four patient vigils have taken place at the hospital since. Another training is planned for late summer. Rev. Lee says nurses and hospital staff involved in these vigils have shared their gratitude and relief.
“The nurses absorb a lot. This alleviates the caseload of a nurse to reserve their strength for other patients,” he says. “We can pick up that emotional, spiritual, existential weight.”
Mary Matson, director of service excellence, patient experience and volunteer services, says Caring Companions is evolving and growing. Each vigil has taught participants more about the needs of dying patients and the program’s potential to meet those needs.
Caring Companions volunteers are instructed on the use of personal protective equipment, isolation protocols, safety and confidentiality. They are also trained about the dying process, ways they can comfort the patient and how to care for their own feelings throughout the experience.
Any information available about the patient’s preferences or beliefs is shared with the volunteers, with related resources included in a binder for companions. “With the information we have, we are respectful of what the patient would and wouldn’t want. This is not a religious program, but we know health and healing involve all aspects of the individual,” Matson says.
Caring Companions volunteers and team members debrief after a patient’s vigil. They share what they learned, what improvements could be made to the process and how their involvement affected them.
“At first, volunteers are worried about what they should do. The beautiful thing is everyone brings their own special humanity to how they spend time with the patient,” says Dr. Shen. “Those who’ve experienced the process have universally talked about how emotionally powerful it felt to be part of these vigils.”
At present, Caring Companions are selected from Torrance Memorial’s current volunteers.
“We started with our volunteers because they are known to us and can add this periodic assignment to their current weekly schedule. We’ve reached out to inform and encourage inpatient care teams to use this resource,” Matson says.
“And we’ve received wonderful feedback from staff, who have always done their best to tend to patients in these circumstances before Caring Companions. They are proud and grateful we have this program.” •
The use of GLP-1 medication is on the rise in transforming diabetes and weight management, one dose at time. The tools of transformation include a vial and injection needle.
Written by Kevin Herrera
GLP-1 medications, like semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy), are making waves in health care. Originally created to treat Type 2 diabetes, these drugs are now popular for their ability to help people lose weight and possibly improve other health problems, like heart disease. With millions of prescriptions written in the United States in 2023 (around 51.9 million) and widespread attention in the medical field and on social media, many wonder: Are GLP-1s the breakthrough we've been waiting for, or do they come with important warnings? Here, Torrance Memorial physician Soohan Mansuri, MD, shares his perspective.
Have you noticed more patients asking about GLP1s for weight loss or other health problems?
Yes, interest has grown a lot. Many of my patients, young and old, are asking about medications like semaglutide for weight loss and managing health conditions.
* Patients must meet a certain medical criterion, such as a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes or obesity with associated health risks, to be prescribed a GLP-1 medication. Additionally, insurance coverage varies widely and many insurers do not cover GLP-1 medications for weight loss alone unless certain conditions are met.
Patients may require prior authorization or proof of medical necessity and should check with their insurance plan for coverage.
What are some concerns to keep in mind?
1. Long-term Use:
Staying at a healthy weight with GLP-1s often requires using the medication for life. Studies, like the STEP trials, show that stopping the medication can lead to weight gain. This could be a problem if insurance no longer covers it or if the cost becomes too high.
2. Risk of Pancreatitis:
While rare, pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) can happen, especially in people with risk factors like gallstones or alcohol use. It’s important to talk to your doctor about these risks.
3. Pregnancy Safety:
GLP-1 medications are not recommended during pregnancy because there isn’t enough information available to confirm their safety for the baby. People who could become pregnant should plan carefully and use birth control while on the medication. We also need more research on how rapid weight changes might affect pregnancy if one were to stop using these medications when they become pregnant.
4. Regular Checkups:
Lab tests are needed to monitor things like kidney and thyroid health, especially when starting the medication or changing doses. Some people who get these medications online or from weight loss clinics may not get proper testing or medical advice as patients might not follow up with them after starting medication.
5. Muscle Loss and Protein Needs:
Losing weight quickly with GLP-1s can lead to losing muscle along with fat. This can affect your overall strength and health. Eating enough protein and doing strength exercises, like weight lifting, can help protect your muscles. Work with your doctor to create a plan that supports muscle health.
What kinds of results are you seeing?
The results have been impressive for many patients:
• Weight loss: Many patients have lost a significant amount of weight.
• Improved health conditions: Problems like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol often improve with weight loss.
But success depends on factors like taking the medication as directed, using the right dose, and making lifestyle changes like eating healthier and exercising.
Are GLP-1s the solution for many health problems, and are you as excited about them as others seem to be?
These medications are groundbreaking. They can help with serious health challenges like obesity and diabetes. That said, they aren’t perfect and need to be used wisely. Deciding to use them should involve weighing the benefits and risks based on the patient’s needs. While they are powerful tools for improving health, they’re not meant for short-term goals like looking better for a vacation. •
Soohan Mansuri, MD, practices at Torrance Memorial Physician Network Madison, 3640 Lomita Blvd., Suite 200, Torrance. He can be reached at 310-944-9344.
Cardiogenic shock program offers fast treatment for a lifethreatening condition.
Written by John Ferrari
Aheart attack is a life-threatening medical emergency, but about 1 in 10 heart attack victims experience a condition that can make a heart attack even more serious: cardiogenic shock. How serious? Without quick diagnosis and treatment, the survival rate of 30 days or to hospital discharge has been around 50%.
Although cardiogenic shock can be caused by other conditions, such as heart failure or end-stage cardiomyopathy, myocardial infarction—heart attack—is the most common cause, says Christopher Matchison, MD, an interventional cardiologist with Torrance Memorial. The most noticeable symptom is hypotension—low blood pressure—leading, ultimately, to an inability of the heart to adequately circulate blood.
However, while cardiogenic shock can seem like a worst-case scenario, there is some good news. “Early diagnosis can really change the course of a cardiogenic shock patient’s hospital stay and outcome,” says Dr. Matchison. To help ensure critical early diagnosis and treatment, he has spearheaded a cardiogenic shock program at Torrance Memorial.
“The program is essentially a protocol,” he explains. “It encourages early identification of cardiogenic shock in
the emergency department by the ER physician, followed by activation of specialists including interventional cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, critical care intensivists and other medical technicians. It makes rapid treatment of cardiogenic shock a collaborative effort.”
Once a patient is initially diagnosed as suffering from cardiogenic shock, he or she is moved to the hospital’s cardiac catheterization lab for more tests and monitoring. Getting the patient to the cath lab is important for a definitive diagnosis of cardiogenic shock versus other conditions because treatment is different in each case.
“In cardiogenic shock cases,” Dr. Matchison says, “there’s a dynamic, rapid deployment of our technology, and decisions to intensify or de-intensify treatment. Once out of the cath lab and into the ICU, there’s continued monitoring of patients. With cardiogenic shock patients, we check more factors, more often to help guide us in deciding what steps to take. Those checks are now done in a standardized way.”
Torrance Memorial’s treatment
options include Impella—a small but powerful heart pump normally used to assist the heart for short periods, but for longer periods if needed—and ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation), an emergency life support machine that oxygenates and circulates blood, essentially replacing the patient’s heart and lungs when they are too weak or injured to function.
“The cardiogenic shock program leverages resources we already have,” Dr. Matchison notes. “It brings subspecialties together for rapid diagnosis and treatment. To carry the program forward, we’ve identified physician champions in different departments. They socialize the program’s protocols with others in their department.”
The outcome? Survival rates for cardiogenic shock have risen from 50% to 70%, Dr. Matchison says. “We see these cases once or twice a week, so it’s not a rare condition. Focusing on this type of cardiogenic shock and bringing all our subspecialties and capabilities together in a systematic way really makes a difference.” •
New neurology imaging techniques improve diagnoses and surgical precision.
Written by John Ferrari
The human central nervous system (CNS)—the brain and spinal cord—contains roughly 87 billion neurons: 86 billion in the brain and 1 billion in the spinal cord (give or take a few). It is the most complex system we know of.
Yet to treat conditions ranging from Parkinson’s disease to back pain, medical specialists must operate adjacent to and within the CNS to reach the affected area while minimizing damage to the surrounding nerves. So when new ways to visualize and navigate the CNS become available, you can be sure Torrance Memorial physicians—neurosurgeons, endovascular surgeons, interventional radiologists and other specialists—are keen to evaluate, understand and employ the capabilities they offer.
“There’s a lot to talk about in terms of advancements in neuroimaging,” says Paula Eboli, MD, Torrance Memorial medical director of neurosurgery and endovascular surgery. First, though, it’s important to understand what medical imaging means. It’s more than just the two-dimensional X-rays you might imagine.
Some medical imaging systems can create three-dimensional maps of the area to be operated on. Working together, medical imaging equipment and image processing software can
overlay a 3D map created before surgery onto a video screen of the area being operated on in real time—during the procedure—guiding the surgeon with a precision that would have been unattainable just a few years ago.
The O-arm Surgical Imaging System is one such system. “It’s like an X-ray that spins 360 degrees so you can get 3D visualization,” explains Dr. Eboli. Imagine a large plastic donut standing on edge; that, essentially, is the O-arm.
The ring opens into a C shape to allow patients
The O-arm System is an intraoperative 2D/3D imaging system designed to meet the workflow demands of the surgical environment. It can be used in variety of procedures including spine, cranial and orthopedics. With the system’s high-quality, versatile imaging capability, it provides surgeons additional guidance in clinical decision-making.
Working together, medical imaging equipment and image processing software can overlay a 3D map created before surgery onto a video screen of the area being operated on in real time—during the procedure—guiding the surgeon with a precision that would have been unattainable just a few years ago.
to be easily moved in and out of the donut hole, which is a little over 3 feet in diameter. The ring contains imaging equipment that can spin to create 2D fluoroscopy (a real-time X-ray “movie”) or 3D images.
“The O-arm can create virtual images that are then superimposed on the real image during a procedure,” explains Dr. Eboli. “This lets us see details that would otherwise be occluded.”
By enabling greater precision, the O-arm allows procedures to be less invasive, with smaller incisions and less impact on healthy tissue surrounding the area being treated—all of which leads to less pain and speedier recovery times.
“The O-arm has been in service for less than a year, but it’s proven technology,” Dr. Eboli says. “We use it primarily for spine surgery but also for deep-brain stimulation,” a procedure in which electrodes are placed at precise points in the brain to alleviate tremor.
The latest advances in medical imaging don’t have to revolve around equipment. Sometimes there’s an app for that, like Torrance Memorial’s RapidAI (actually an AI-enabled software suite that includes a mobile app). RapidAI is designed to help medical providers quickly diagnose and respond to strokes.
The software processes and analyzes CT images of suspected stroke patients, highlighting large blood vessel blockages within five minutes. The RapidAI app sends alerts and images to on-call physicians so they can make a diagnosis and respond, assembling a team and beginning treatment immediately.
“At Torrance Memorial, RapidAI is in widespread use for stroke,” says interventional radiologist George So, MD. “If a patient comes in with
a large vessel that is occluded, we can go in and take it out. But we have to know that is what is going on and where the occlusion is.”
Dr. So continues: “When a patient comes to the hospital with a suspected stroke, the emergency department gets a CT scan. RapidAI analyzes the imagery and gives physicians information, including perfusion defect.” That is a region of reduced blood flow indicating an ongoing stroke.
These alerts “can get the whole team ready,” he points out. “The idea is to save time, and RapidAI saves hours. We use it every day, every hour.”
Like RapidAI, DaTscans also save time—in this case, when diagnosing Parkinson’s disease. “We’ll see a patient with a tremor that could be Parkinson’s or another movement disorder,” explains Dr. So. “Typically the doctor prescribes medication to see if it reduces the tremor. This can provide a diagnosis, but it takes time. Other diseases can mimic Parkinson’s; it’s a very difficult thing to diagnose, and the process can take months. DaTscans let us see if the brain has lost dopamine neurons, helping us make an early diagnosis without using medications.”
A DaTscan, or dopamine transporter scan, images an injected tracer drug that attaches to a molecule found on dopamine neurons. Parkinson’s patients typically have reduced dopamine neurons in specific areas of the brain.
“We order a lot of DaTscans now,” Dr. So says, “often one or two cases a day, and the rate is increasing as more and more people are diagnosed with movement disorder. Whatever the issue, with DaTscans and other imaging techniques, we have better tools to sort it out. We keep moving forward.” •
Nutrition is the foundation of a healthy life. From fueling your body to supporting long-term wellness, every bite plays a role in your health journey.
Written by Lisa Buffington
“Nutrition is about so much more than just weight loss. Our registered dietitians support individuals with all types of health conditions, dietary needs, lifestyles and preferences— enhancing overall health while ensuring their nutritional needs are being met in a way that fits their age and stage of life.”
hether you want to control your weight, manage a chronic disease or reduce your risk of health problems as you age, nutrition can play a crucial role in improving your overall well-being. But no matter what your nutrition goals may be, it's key to take a personalized, sustainable approach, according to Dani Rodriguez-Brindicci, MS, RDN, the director of clinical nutrition at Torrance Memorial Medical Center.
“Nutrition is about so much more than just weight loss. Our registered dietitians support individuals with all types of health conditions, dietary needs, lifestyles and preferences—enhancing overall health while ensuring their nutritional needs are being met in a way that fits their age and stage of life.”
Here’s how Torrance Memorial’s team of registered dietitians can help people manage common health conditions and improve wellness:
Erica Drost, MS, RDN, LDN: “The American Institute for Cancer Research’s nutrition-focused recommendations for cancer prevention emphasize a diet rich in plant-based foods while limiting red/processed meats and highly processed foods high in saturated fats, sodium and added sugar. Dietitians develop personalized nutrition plans to help patients manage the side effects of treatment, maintain strength and energy, and promote recovery.”
Andrea Guastamacchio, RDN, CDCES: “Lifestyle modification is the cornerstone of diabetes management. Dietitians support patients in managing diabetes by creating individualized meal plans, helping manage challenges, monitoring progress and adjusting plans to promote long-term success. For patients with prediabetes, dietitians help prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes by providing tailored nutrition strategies to improve insulin sensitivity, maintain healthy blood sugar levels and support weight management. Also, dietitians work with pregnant women to manage blood sugar levels and support a healthy pregnancy.”
Michele Manarino, MS, RDN: “Nutrition is a cornerstone of treatment for disordered eating, with dietitians working alongside doctors and therapists in a multidisciplinary approach. Dietitians provide personalized guidance to help individuals restore balanced nutrition, develop a healthy relationship with food, and support physical and emotional recovery. By addressing the physical and psychological aspects of eating disorders, dietitians play a crucial role in the recovery journey, empowering patients to reclaim their health and well-being.”
Noel Le, RDN: “Dietary changes tailored to individual needs can alleviate symptoms of gastrointestinal and metabolic disorders by more than 50%, offering significant relief and supporting overall well-being for people with irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease.”
Rebecca Tran, MS, RDN: “Dietary patterns like the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) and Mediterranean diets—which are rich in fiber and healthy fats and low in saturated fat and sodium—have been shown to lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels and support overall heart health. Dietitians encourage heart-healthy food choices by educating people about fats and cholesterol, sodium intake and other dietary risk factors.”
Kenny Lin, RDN: “A well-balanced diet is essential for strengthening the immune system and enhancing the body’s ability to fight off pathogens. Nutrient-rich foods provide vital vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other micronutrients that support immune function. Dietitians
support immune health by assessing nutrient intake, recommending nutrient-dense foods and supporting gut health.”
Frank Albano Jr., MS, RDN: “When kidney function becomes inefficient, proper nutrition guided by a registered dietitian is essential to prevent additional strain and optimize remaining kidney function. Dietitians play a critical role in tailoring dietary recommendations to the patient’s specific stage of kidney disease, helping alleviate the burden caused by waste and excess nutrients from the foods consumed. For individuals with kidney disease, managing the intake of certain nutrients is crucial to preserving kidney function, enhancing quality of life and reducing the risk of progression to kidney failure.”
Rebecca Tran, MS, RDN:
“Diet- itians ensure older adults have adequate calcium, vitamin D and protein intake through food or supplements, helping strengthen bones, preserve muscle mass and reduce the risk of fractures. Aging often brings challenges such as reduced appetite, difficulty chewing or changes in digestion and nutrient absorption. Dietitians provide practical solutions, such as recommending easy-to-eat, nutrient-dense foods and addressing conditions like lactose intolerance or vitamin D insufficiency.”
Kristen Hung, MPH, RDN: “Dietitians play a key role in ensuring that pediatric nutrition needs are met, even when food allergies are involved. Dietitians help parents and caregivers navigate allergen-free foods rich in essential nutrients, ensuring the child’s diet remains balanced and nutritious.”
Kenny Lin, RDN: “Nutrition is crucial for athletic performance, providing the energy, strength, endurance and recovery necessary to excel. Key factors to consider in sports nutrition include pre- and post-exercise meals, hydration and electrolyte balance—elements vital for optimizing performance and preventing fatigue or injury.”
Hannah Bodenhamer, MS, RDN: “Balanced, regular meals help regulate blood sugar, sustain energy and prevent weight fluctuations. Nutrient-dense foods offer anti-inflammatory benefits, lower chronic disease risk, and can prevent or reverse metabolic syndrome. Dietitians work with adults to develop sustainable nutrition plans tailored to individual needs, preferences and health goals. Dietitians also promote healthy habits in children and adolescents to support growth and development while addressing weight concerns.”
Marissa Minderler, MS, RDN: “Dietitians help women navigate specific health challenges, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and menopause. Dietitians provide guidance on managing insulin resistance and supporting energy levels and hormonal balance for women with PCOS. During menopause, dietitians emphasize calcium and vitamin D intake for bone health, recommend phytoestrogen-rich foods like soy to alleviate hot flashes, and encourage heart-healthy eating patterns to manage increased cardiovascular risk. Tailored nutrition strategies can also help reduce weight gain and manage mood swings during this transition.” •
Whether you’re looking for a medical nutrition program tailored to a specific health condition or want some guidance and motivation as you pursue your health goals, Torrance Memorial Medical Center offers two programs that can help.
The NEW program is designed for people who need guidance, support and motivation on their nutrition journey. With no physician referral required and options for all needs and budgets, the team will provide tailored recommendations for meal planning, grocery shopping, food journaling, mindful eating and other strategies tailored to your goals, lifestyle and preferences.
If you have questions or want to learn more about how to build a healthy and nutritious lifestyle, contact the Torrance Memorial Nutrition Services team at 310-891-6707.
The MNT program takes a therapeutic approach to treating medical conditions and their symptoms using a specially tailored diet. A physician referral is required, and services may be covered by insurance. “From one-on-one consultations to classes to support groups, we have something for everybody and every budget—and we can help you find the right dietitian for your needs,” says Dani Rodriguez-Brindicci, Torrance Memorial’s director of clinical nutrition.
Written by Lisa Buffington
Maria Vollucci, DO, practices at Torrance Memorial Physician Network, 2900 Lomita Blvd., Torrance. She can be reached at 310-257-7260.
Smartphones are undoubtedly a fixture of everyday life, with many people using them for everything from texting to ordering groceries. However, even though smartphones have made many tasks more convenient, they also have the potential to affect us physically and emotionally.
Maria M. Vollucci, DO, a board-certified family medicine and primary care provider
at Torrance Memorial Physician Network, describes some of the effects of smartphone use she sees in her practice—and offers solutions to help manage the impact.
How does smartphone use affect the body?
Smartphone use involves repetitive motion of the fingers and thumbs, which can lead to tendonitis. This condition
Parents can start by setting a good example with their smartphone habits. Set limits on smartphone use, such as establishing “no phones at the dinner table” or “no phones in the bedroom” rules for children and teens.
occurs when the tendons that attach muscles to bones become inflamed and irritated due to overuse. As devices become larger, heavier and more awkward to hold, people can also develop wrist pain from excessive use. Smartphones are also extremely portable, which encourages more frequent use. This can lead to neck pain from hunching over and eyestrain caused by prolonged exposure to blue light from the screen.
How do smartphones and other screens affect the sleep cycle?
Many of us spend much of our day looking at screens: smartphones, TVs, computers. Research shows that exposure to the blue light emitted from screens—mainly when it occurs close to bedtime— has been linked to sleep disturbances. Sleep deficiency has been linked to many chronic health problems including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, certain cancers and cognitive problems. Therefore, sleep hygiene and stopping digital stimuli to prepare for sleep are very important.
How do smartphones affect mental health?
Smartphones are portable and convenient, which is one benefit. However, constant access to news and information can lead to overconsumption, which can increase anxiety. It’s important to be aware that much of the content available on the internet is specifically designed to provoke emotional responses that keep you scrolling, clicking and reading. Turn off your newsfeed, uninstall an app or limit the amount of content you consume if you feel yourself becoming upset, anxious or unproductive.
How can people reduce the physical impact of smartphone use?
One of the most important—and most challenging—ways to reduce the physical impact of smartphone use is to set limits on your screen time. Viewing your phone as a productivity tool—instead of a constant source of entertainment or information—can be a good first step.
Other tips include:
• Turning off or silencing unnecessary notifications will help you reduce the number of times you check your phone.
• Putting your phone face down when not in use will help you resist the urge to respond to every notification.
• Set a timer to limit the amount of time you spend on your device.
• Avoid using devices close to bedtime to reduce exposure to blue light.
How can parents guide children and teens in responsible smartphone use?
Parents can start by setting a good example with their smartphone habits. Set limits on smartphone use, such as establishing “no phones at the dinner table” or “no phones in the bedroom” rules for children and teens. Also, consider setting phone “curfews” or using the “do not disturb” function to limit your child’s phone use and sleep disruptions overnight.
If someone suspects that smartphone use is affecting their physical or mental health, what should they do?
If you think your smartphone use might be causing physical or mental health problems, talk to your primary care provider—the sooner, the better. Your primary care provider can help to diagnose your problem and suggest strategies to help, including:
• Changing how you hold, view or use the device to reduce strain on your body.
• Recommend conservative treatment, such as over-the-counter medication, rest, ice/heat or physical therapy.
• Provide a referral to another health care provider if additional treatment is needed.
Even though smartphones are a staple in today’s society, they don’t have to take a toll on your well-being. Understanding the potential pitfalls of smartphone use can go a long way in helping you prevent device-related physical and mental health problems. •
Written by John Ferrari
All images courtesy of On Target Laboratories
Removing lung cancer is a balancing act, says Clark Fuller, MD, Torrance Memorial’s medical director of thoracic surgery. “It can be difficult to be sure we’re removing all of the cancerous cells, so we end up excising tissue around the cancer,” he explains. “We cannot compromise a safe margin around the cancer, but we want to preserve as much normal lung as possible too.”
Torrance Memorial’s new Cytalux tool tips the scales in surgeons’ favor, allowing them to spot, target and remove individual lung cancer cells—eradicating the cancer and preventing it from spreading.
Cytalux literally lights up cancer cells. Before surgery, patients are administered a single dose of the drug—a compound combining a form of folate (vitamin B9) with a marker dye. The folate binds to cancer cells, and the marker dye fluoresces when illuminated with a near-
infrared light, making it easy for surgeons like Dr. Fuller to spot them during surgery. Last year Torrance resident Diane Booth became the first patient to benefit from the new technique at Torrance Memorial. Booth had already beaten gallbladder cancer, but a routine follow-up scan analyzed by an artificial intelligence imaging system revealed a small nodule in her lung—too small to be seen with traditional imaging techniques. The nodule was also too small to be biopsied and definitively diagnosed as cancer, so she was scheduled for surgery to identify and remove the nodule in a single procedure. Booth was administered Cytalux through a standard IV about an hour before surgery. “When I actually looked in her chest and saw this color right where I anticipated it would be, it was enormously comforting,” recalls Dr. Fuller. “I knew then that the operation was going to be efficient and successful.”
“I didn’t experience any significant side effects,” says Booth. “I woke up feeling good, although there was definitely some pain. They were on top of it though; they were great with pain management.”
The comparison with her treatment for gallbladder cancer is “like night and day,” she says. With the precision and confidence Cytalux afforded Dr. Fuller and his team during the operation, “they were able to pinpoint it and get all of it, no guessing. I didn’t need chemo or radiation, and I was in the hospital for less than a week. Of course we’re monitoring it to make sure I’m good.”
Cytalux was approved for use in lung cancer treatment by the FDA in 2022, and Torrance Memorial is the only Southland medical center to offer it as a treatment option. “We run a very high-performing thoracic oncology program here,” says Dr. Fuller. “I hear about a lot of cutting-edge products, including Cytalux. After some
The addition of Cytalux to Torrance Memorial’s surgical toolkit comes as the improved lung cancer screening protocols are leading to more early-stage lung cancer diagnoses and an increase in cases exhibiting a particular type of tumor.
research, it became clear to me it would be a very useful aid during procedures.
“With the advent of new lung cancer screening programs, in particular here at Torrance Memorial, we are seeing more lung cancer cases. And the majority of our lung cancer detections are Stage 1 or 2. Treating lung cancer early is critically important in preventing local recurrence. Cytalux is extremely effective at picking up very small, very early cancers of the lung. The visual aid helps me surgically control and eradicate cancer in those very early stages.”
The addition of this targeted imaging agent to Torrance Memorial’s surgical toolkit comes as the improved lung cancer screening protocols are leading to more early-stage lung cancer diagnoses and an increase in cases exhibiting a particular type of tumor, Dr. Fuller says. “It’s less dense—more spread out than solid and tight. We’re seeing more of this type of tumor, mostly in women with no history of smoking, possibly because the improved screening program leads to more early diagnoses.”
Cytalux can be especially beneficial in these cases. “Cytalux is not used in every case but most often used for cancer nodules that are less than 2 cm in size, and for those more diffuse nodules.”
The ability to see the cancer’s boundaries allows surgeons to dramatically decrease the amount of lung they need to remove to be sure they’ve gotten it all. “For instance, in Diane’s case I could literally mark right on the surface of the lung right where I wanted to separate it from the rest of the lung while preserving the majority of the upper lobe,” Dr. Fuller says. “This new tool helps us shift from removing an entire lobe to about one-third of the lobe.”
The extra efficiency it brings to the procedure also means patients need less general anesthesia and may be able to recover from the surgery more quickly. In Booth’s case, that meant being able to leave the hospital just days after surgery. She was able to return to work in about a month.
“We are the landmark institution on the West Coast for this procedure,” Dr. Fuller notes. “This is the kind of advance that saves lives.” •
Jill Gerbracht, wrote 366 notes in 2024, and says a handwritten note is one of "life's secret weapons."
Jill Gerbracht sent personal, handwritten notes each day of 2024.
Written by Nancy Sokoler Steiner | Photographed by Siri Berting
As a Torrance Memorial marketing and communications team member, Jill Gerbracht knows
how to write. And as the creator of a boutique stationery business called Social Butterfly Designs, she loves all things related to pa-
per. Gerbracht combined the two endeavors in a challenge she set for herself last year: She would send or deliver a handwritten note to a different person each day in 2024.
“I’ve been creating, designing and selling cards for 25 years,” Gerbracht says. “I’ve always believed a handwritten note is ‘life’s secret weapon.’ It’s an outlet away from screens to be thoughtful, impactful and meaningful.” Her process includes thinking about the recipient and articulating what she appreciates about them.
Gerbracht has sent notes to family, friends and strangers. She’s written to Diana, her favorite Starbucks barista; Emma, a beloved Torrance Memorial cafeteria cashier; Vinny, her new mailman; and several of her colleagues at Torrance Memorial. She even handed a note to actor Ewan McGregor after discovering he was sitting right behind her on a flight. He ended up chatting with Gerbracht and showing her photos of his family when they landed.
“You connect with people in a way you would never otherwise through a handwritten note,” she points out.
Gerbracht didn’t expect her project to have such a strong impact on others. Recipients regularly tell her the gesture made their day. One keeps Gerbracht’s note on her bedstand.
Elaine McRae, Director of Torrance Memorial University, has had some interactions with Gerbracht but did not know her well. She received a note from Gerbracht acknowledging a difficult time (McRae lost her husband a few years ago) and including specific, glowing feed-
back about her work and the program she runs.
“It just touched me because you make all this effort, but you don’t think anyone notices,” McRae says. “That act of unsolicited kindness was amazing, and the fact that it was a handwritten note was truly special.”
Finding people to write to has not been as challenging as some people think, Gerbracht says. “It makes me pay attention to everyone around me every day—people who are genuinely doing something kind or just noticing small things, like a smile and a hello.”
Gerbracht noticed a woman regularly sitting on a bench on the Redondo Beach Esplanade. Although the woman sat with friends, she always made eye contact with Gerbracht and greeted her. Gerbracht wrote a note addressed to “Dear Beautiful Lady on the Esplanade,” expressing her appreciation for the woman’s friendliness. They have since become friends.
Gerbracht kept up her commitment while on vacation. And if she was in bed and realized she’d forgot-
ten that day’s note, she would get up and write one.
As the year came to a close, she was asked if she would continue going forward. While Gerbracht doesn’t plan to write notes daily, she expects to write at least twice weekly. The practice, she says, has “really deepened my gratitude in life. It’s increased my joy, strengthened my existing relationships and created new relationships I wouldn’t have had. It’s as much a gift to myself as it is to the recipients.”
While she’s more comfortable writing about others than being profiled herself, Gerbracht hopes her story inspires others to handwrite personalized messages more often. She says, “If everybody wrote a note a week, our world would be a much happier place.”
Practicing kindness is good for your health. “The benefits of kindness and caring are clearly studied and documented,” notes Moe Gelbart, PhD, Torrance
Memorial Medical Center’s director of behavioral health. “One of the unique things about acts of kindness is they not only benefit the recipient of those acts but improve the physical and mental well-being of the person acting in a kind and caring way.”
The act of doing kindness releases oxytocin, a neurotransmitter that fosters a sense of bonding, and nitric oxide, which helps maintain healthy blood pressure. Studies indicate oxytocin reduces inflammation in the body while healthy levels of nitric oxide lower the risks of heart attack, stroke and dementia. Being kind can also increase levels of serotonin, a hormone that helps boost mood and inhibit anxiety and depression.
Waguih William IsHak, MD, a professor of psychiatry at Cedars-Sinai, says a single act of kindness isn’t sufficient to benefit long-term health. Instead, acts of kindness must be repeated. So do yourself a favor and adopt a daily habit of kindness— whether by writing notes, volunteering or finding other opportunities to do something nice for others. •
Gerbracht's dog Lola is a constant companion at home and in her office, where she typically keeps her stationery "stash" and note writing tools.
South Bay board shaper Joe Bark was already a legend in the paddling world when his son and daughter swept the Catalina Classic. What will the royal family of prone paddling do for an encore?
Written by Diane Krieger
Photographed
by
Michael Neveux
August 28, 2024, is a day Jack Bark and Emily Bark won’t soon forget. At 6 a.m., the siblings pushed off from Two Harbors in the 47th annual Catalina Classic Paddleboard Race—considered the iron man of prone paddleboarding. Chin up, knees tucked or lying flat on their bellies, using their hands as oars, the siblings hauled themselves across the channel on a 32-mile course from Isthmus Cove to the Manhattan Beach Pier.
Emily and Jack rode on custom boards designed by their father, legendary South Bay shaper Joe Bark. But so did nearly everyone in the 129-person race, which drew competitors from as far away as Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii and Ireland. Bark Boards, the Torrance-based family business, famously makes the world’s fastest custom prone paddleboards.
When Emily and Jack emerged as the 2024 champions in both the men’s and women’s categories, it marked a milestone in Bark family history. An iconic photo captures the Bark men carrying a triumphant Emily and her lime-green Bark paddleboard on their shoulders onto the beach.
It was Jack’s 15th try at the Catalina Classic trophy and Emily’s fifth attempt at unseating reigning women’s champion Liz Hunter.
Jack, 31, left nothing to chance. He trained furiously for six months, seven days a week. He paddled in the dark before beginning his 6:30 a.m. shift at the firehouse in Paramount, then hightailed it back to the beach for a few more hours of evening paddling. On his days off, the Los Angeles firefighter trained even harder—wrapping morning and afternoon paddles around gym workouts and his regular workload at his dad’s factory in Torrance, where Jack has been shaping custom boards since he was 14.
He'd come close to winning before, but in 2024 Jack resolved “to leave no stone unturned. I wanted to make sure that if I didn't win, it wasn’t because someone had worked harder than me.”
Jack’s self-discipline entailed meeting strict nutritional targets and swearing off beer. A bit of spousal rivalry may have provided added incentive: his wife, Katie Hazelrigg, won the Catalina Classic women’s title in 2017.
In the end, the race wasn’t even close. By the halfway point, Jack enjoyed a commanding lead. The crew on his escort boat didn’t let up. The men’s record was in reach, so they goaded him to paddle harder.
No one had ever finished the 32-mile course in less than five hours. On that day, Jack finished in just 4:54:45, beating the previous record (5:02:12) by nearly eight minutes.
For Emily, 26, the race was a nail-biter from the get-go. Locked in an hours-long duel with fourtime consecutive winner Liz Hunter, Emily defeated the defending champion in a photo finish. Her winning time was 6:12:13.86, only 1.35 seconds less than Hunter’s 6:12:15.21.
Emily’s training regimen had been less brutal than Jack’s. All summer she’d paddled five to six days a week, at least an hour a day, before heading to dad’s shop on Western Avenue, where she works full time.
In addition to shaping boards, she handles everything from shipping and receiving to run-
ning the Bark Boards social media accounts and designing graphics for its branded merchandise. The company markets custom prone and stand-up paddleboards, surfboards and big-wave guns all over the world.
Emily and Jack have paddled the channel many times. “My dad got us out there young,” Jack says. “We were so blessed he was making boards. We all had our own by the time we were 10.”
As kids, all four Bark siblings—Gemma, Jack, Sam and Emily—participated in events up and down the coast from Santa Cruz to San Diego. Emily was a third grader when she paddled her first race, the 2-mile Pier-to-Pier from Manhattan to Hermosa. Growing up, the Bark children never missed the Rock 2 Rock race, founded by their dad in 1997. The 22-mile course runs from Two Harbors in Catalina to Cabrillo Beach and is open to relay teams.
Their dad had a hand in the revival of the Catalina Classic too. Established unofficially in the 1930s, the race had stalled out by 1960, but Joe’s fascination with paddleboards helped resuscitate it in the early ’80s.
He didn’t just build paddleboards. He evangelized for the sport. From 1983 to 2021, Joe competed in 38 Catalina Classics, winning the men’s trophy in 1988 and 1989.
By 1992, according to a Los Angeles Times article, Joe was building 80% of the boards used in the Catalina Classic. His shaping gig, he told the reporter at the time, was “just for a hobby—there’s no money in it.”
A Redondo Beach firefighter by profession, Joe had grown up in Palos Verdes deeply immersed “in waterman culture,” according to a 2019 feature in Men’s Journal. His father was a swim and water polo coach at Mira Costa High School, and Joe competed in both those sports.
But his passion was surfing. He started shaping boards in 1976, at age 16. In the early ’80s, paddleboards caught his attention. “Only a few old guys were doing it back then,” he recalls.
A lot has changed over the decades. Stand-up paddleboarding became a global phenomenon, and in California, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Tahiti, prone is taking over. “It used to be just people at the beach. Now it’s on every lake, river, reservoir. It’s everywhere,” Joe says.
Though the Catalina Classic is brutal, prone paddling in general, he says, “is really mellow. It’s a very social environment. Unlike surfing, which is ‘one person, one wave,’ you can have 50 people paddling in a group, just talking and heckling each other. Everybody’s welcome.”
To the Barks, paddleboarding is a way of life. Joe’s wife, Aimee, a retired schoolteacher, paddles recreationally. Their other two children paddle as time permits. Gemma Wood, 33, now works full time in software sales. Back in 2012, she finished the Catalina Classic with a time of 7:05.
Joe’s other son, Sam, 27, competed in his first Catalina Classic last summer, finishing with a time of 6:37. Unlike Jack and Emily, Sam doesn’t have the freedom to train aggressively. He is second mate on a container ship and work takes him out to sea for long stretches. When ashore, he helps out at the Bark factory. Joe taught all his children the shaper’s craft.
At 64, Joe isn’t focused on winning trophies anymore. He paddled his last Catalina Classic in 2021. Last summer, he helmed Emily’s escort boat. “I’m pretty much just paddling short distances now,” he says.
Emily feels lucky to have been born into this world. “My parents raised us in the best way possible,” she says. “To love the ocean. To appreciate the ability to move our bodies. To work hard and accomplish goals. To do the things we love with people we love. And to feel gratitude for life and not waste it. Winning the Catalina Classic was the embodiment of all of that for me. It was probably the most special moment of my life.”
For Joe, shaping stopped being a hobby long ago. Bark Boards has become a thriving family business. Emily and Jack are determined to keep the tradition alive when their dad retires.
Joe is optimistic they’ll succeed. He isn’t a grandfather yet, but both Gemma and Jack are married. Nothing would please Joe more than shaping child-sized boards for a new crop of seafaring little Barks. •
With the Do Good Daniels Family Foundation, Robert and Christi Daniels are changing lives through the filter of their own experience.
Written by Diane Krieger | Photographed by Siri Berting
Robert Daniels remembers the day providence smiled on him. He was trudging uphill, pelted by rain, along his usual postal delivery route. The contents of his mailbag were soggy. His knees hurt.
Tears gathering in his eyes, he looked up and defiantly addressed the Almighty: “Listen, you can’t tell me I’m supposed to be doing this for the rest of my life?”
And lo and behold, the clouds opened and sunshine broke through. “The next day, we got a call from The Ellen Show,” recalls the 47-year-old father of four.
Today, Robert and his wife, Christi, 41, are full-time philanthropists. But they aren’t your usual philanthropists. They’ve faced the fear of eviction. They’ve felt the blow of having a car repossessed. Yet their Do Good Daniels Family Foundation has distributed more than $1.5 million in services, programming and direct support since its launch in 2020.
Ellen DeGeneres (yes, that Ellen) had taken an interest in the Daniels family after they appeared on her show as dancing elves during the “12 Days of Giveaways” event in 2018. A few weeks later, the TV host invited the couple back, along with their four boys. The Daniels family went home with $150,000 in prizes—free trips, new beds, appliances, and gift cards.
“We got so much stuff we couldn’t even use,” Christi recalls. So they started their own “giveaway” event—passing unneeded prizes to people in need, sometimes strangers.
The show producers noticed, and a third invitation came
just after Robert’s cri de coeur to the heavens. This time, Ellen presented the Daniels family with the biggest gift in the show’s history: $1 million. Half to spend on themselves, the other half— courtesy of a Cheerios sponsorship—to pay forward “to deserving people and organizations.”
In a fourth appearance on The Ellen Show, the Daniels family returned to talk about their first major gift: $25,000 to support a homeless college student. As their giving continued, Ellen’s YouTube channel produced a series of short videos documenting their philanthropic choices.
Pretty soon the family was rolling out its own 501(c)(3) nonprofit and leaving steady jobs to become full-time do-gooders. In just a few years, they have made a tangible impact.
In 2023 alone, the foundation provided stable housing for 42 people, connected 25 youths with mentors and delivered educational support to 700 schoolchildren. The Do Good Daniels Family Foundation also served 880 nutritious meals, organized personal development workshops for 450 adults and hosted community engagement events for 1,500 people.
Their flagship program, I Am Breaking the Chains, delivers financial literacy workshops, life skills education, diversion programs and parent engagement services at 55 schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District. The Daniels family runs a private publishing company to supplement Do Good’s educational programming, producing interactive workbooks and tailored instructional materials.
The foundation operates the House of Do Good, a 10-bedroom, 25-bed facility in South Los Angeles for women and children who have experienced domestic violence. Since its inception in 2021, the shelter has transitioned some 80 families into permanent housing.
The original $500,000 grant from Cheerios is long gone, but the family
has since learned the ropes of the nonprofit world, gaining skills in grant writing, fund development, compliance and housing. They’ve set a fundraising goal of $1.7 million for 2025—enough to cover essential programs, direct client support, operational costs and salaries for a growing professional team.
In September they began the buildout of a Long Beach service hub. The 4,000-square-foot facility will allow the foundation to offer walk-in client services and host on-site workshops.
Robert and Christi met at a karaoke bar in 2011. At the time, he was a single father of three young boys. They started dating and, says Christi, “my family thought I had lost my mind!” In 2014, a fourth son came along.
They had good-paying jobs. Christi was a business analyst with Nordstrom’s e-commerce division. Before becoming a mail carrier, Robert had been a teacher. Still, finances were shaky.
“From the outside looking in, people think you’re OK because you’re working. But you’re really not. That was us,” Christi says.
At the low point, she says, “we were just one step away from being homeless ourselves. We didn’t have enough money for rent. We received a three-day notice. One of our cars got repossessed. Thank God, everything worked out.”
Such personal crises inform Robert and Christi’s philanthropy. “That’s why it’s important for us to help not just families experiencing homelessness but all families,” Robert explains. “We love everyone, no matter the shape, no matter the color, no matter the size, no matter the religion. We love people, and we love them wholeheartedly. We want to see them thrive.”
It turns out there’s a steep learning curve to becoming philanthropists. “In the nonprofit world, there are things you can and can’t do,” Christi says.
“There has to be a process. You have to keep records and stay on top of everything.”
To bypass these hurdles, the Daniels family initially would dole out their own money. “Everybody needed help. A lot of people still call us thinking we have $500,000. And if we didn’t help,” Christi pauses to get her emotions under control, “well, we had to break with some relationships.”
Ellen had hinted this might happen. “Get out of debt, buy a home, put some away for your boys,” the celebrity advised early on. “And we were able to do those things,” Christi says. (They bought a house in San Pedro, showcasing their new home in a video.)
Today, the Daniels family enjoys economic security. Dylan, 17, Tristan, 16, and Houston, 10, are still at home. The oldest, RJ, 19, is a youth advocate for the foundation and studying business through online college courses.
All four boys are involved in Do Good’s work. Inculcating service values is a top priority for Christi. “We want the foundation to be a legacy for our children,” she says. “We are blessed, but we can always do better and do more.”
Seeing the ripple effects of their work is what brings Christi and Robert the greatest joy. Many early recipients of Do Good services stay in touch. Some give back as volunteers and make small donations. Occasionally someone will recognize them from the Ellen Show and say: “You inspired me so much. You made me feel anything is possible.”
That’s when everything comes full circle for Christi. “It feels like God is saying, ‘This is your work. This is where I need you. Just keep doing what you're doing.’”
Reflecting on that rainy day when he questioned his place in God’s plan, Robert feels vindicated. “I always knew I had something big to do in the world: to wrap my arms around people and be of service. I love that.” •
Written by Laura Roe Stevens
In 1974, pediatrician Wyman Sanders, MD, was shocked to discover Los Angeles County did not provide therapy to children who were victims of abuse and trauma. Dr. Sanders approached Bea Richstone for help, who provided $6,000 in seed money. Thus the Richstone Family Center was founded at the Hawthorne YMCA.
Fifty years later, the Richstone Family Center still provides child abuse treatment services but also offers a full array of in-house and partnership programs. The goal is to provide 360-degree holistic health services that include counseling, education and treatment to benefit children—and their families—to eradicate violence and the effects of generational trauma.
“We are dedicated to treating—and preventing— child abuse and trauma; strengthening and educating families; and preventing violence in families, schools and communities,” explained Richstone president and CEO Roger Van Remmen. “We have many programs now to provide comprehensive
services—from mental health education to a host of family support initiatives—with the ultimate goal to foster healing, hope and resilience.”
Richstone has grown exponentially since 1974, and last year the organization assisted 3,033 children and families. With that said, the need within Los Angeles County is “enormous.” At press time, there were more than 300 children and individuals
after-school tutoring and creative activities for kids, as well as classes on nutrition and fitness, and trauma recovery services.
waiting to receive services from Richstone.
“We are at capacity,” explained Van Remmen. “We have a wait list of over 300 people. It breaks my heart and destroys our clinical team to know there are so many in crisis.”
Children and victims of domestic violence experience extreme stress and anxiety that has a ripple effect on every aspect of their life, explains Van Remmen. The pressure they endure “is unbelievable and comes with dire health consequences.”
For instance, Van Remmen explained those who leave their abuser often don’t know where to go or where their next meal will come from. Children of abuse have an extremely hard time at school, as chronic worry and fear can hijack their minds and make it difficult to concentrate.
Van Remmen has been with Richstone since the 1980s and has been CEO and president for 11 years. During this time, he has witnessed the need for and success of additional programs created to better serve families. A holistic approach works, says Van Remmen, but requires multiple programs, individualized care, and expert assistance to treat the whole family and not just one individual.
“It’s important to understand you can work with a child one-on-one and have much success, but if you just work with the child and not with their
The Richstone Family Center is committed to creating safe and resilient families in which children can grow and thrive.
family or community, it’s not enough. In the end, you’ll be sending the child back into the same environment and hoping for a better outcome. You must work with their whole family and community to create meaningful change and to break the intergenerational cycle of abuse. And that’s exactly what we do.”
Some Richstone services include mental illness therapy; anger management and domestic violence programs; home-visitation assistance for young mothers of children ages 1 to 5; nutrition and fitness classes; co-parenting classes; trauma recovery services; after-school tutoring and creative activities, and more.
To learn more, consider volunteering or donating—or asking your corporation if they’d like to get involved. Even a small amount might pay for a year of life-changing therapy for a child in need. •
To learn more please go to richstonefamily.org.
Manette Jen McDermott creates foods designed as medicine for the body.
Written by Nancy Sokoler Steiner | Photographed by Philicia Endelman
What’s happening in your gut? Manette Jen McDermott believes the answer plays a major role in health. “As Hippocrates said long ago, the gut is the foundation of our health and the beginning of all disease,” she says.
In November 2022, McDermott and her business partner, Bill McCalpin, opened muun chi (pronounced MOON CHEE), their fermenting kitchen and storefront in Redondo Beach. The name combines chi, the Chinese life force energy, and the moon, representing nature.
“When you’re in line with nature, your chi is in balance,” McDermott says. “The body was designed to keep you well. And when it doesn’t recognize real food, it starts to inflame and we start to have health issues.”
Before establishing the company, McDermott was a self-described sugar addict who kept licorice twists in her purse so she’d always have something sweet within reach. Her daughter enlisted McDermott to join her in a two-week sugar fast, and something unexpected happened.
Before the sugar fast, McDermott suffered from stabbing sciatic pain. She couldn’t drive for more than 15 minutes without pulling over in agony. But by the time the two weeks without sugar had elapsed, her pain had disappeared.
Determined to eliminate refined sugar from her diet, McDermott searched for satisfying snacks free of refined sugars and artificial sweeteners. When she couldn’t find any, she started making her own using such ingredients as banana and orange peels that juice stores would otherwise have discarded. She also earned certification as a health and wellness coach from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, where she learned more about the gut’s role in health.
To help her mother, who was struggling with constipation, McDermott created a dairy-free kefir—a fermented food containing live bacteria and yeast, and a beet kvass—a fermented tonic containing gut health-promoting bacteria. Between orders from friends and family and sales at the Redondo Beach farmers market and elsewhere, McDermott and McCalpin saw demand for their products grow. At the urging of McDermott’s mother, they formed muun chi in 2019.
Muun chi offers probiotic and prebiotic foods designed to balance the digestive system’s microbiome—the trillions of microorganisms living there. All products are free of dairy, gluten, refined sugars, grains, dyes and processed or artifi-
cial ingredients, which McDermott and McCalpin believe can cause inflammation.
In addition to the kefir and kvass, muun chi produces more than 30 other products, including cacao and vanilla hemp mylks, a variety of chia puddings, and protein fiber bites designed to replace sugary energy bars. The store uses glass packaging so customers can return the jars to be reused repeatedly. The light-filled shop, designed to look like an outdoor patio, also hosts informational presentations by local physicians and dieticians.
McDermott says muun chi is committed to educating young people about the importance of the microbiome and has met with students in the biotech program at Mira Costa High School and exhibited at the TEDx Changemaker event there in October. She has also met with environmental studies students at Leuzinger High School, which receives donated compost from muun chi.
McDermott and McCalpin believe real food from nature has functional benefits, but not to the exclusion of traditional Western medicine. They note, “We are grateful for access to the wonders of modern medicine combined with healthy lifestyle options. We acknowledge we are not medical doctors.”
“Instead of seeing food as an addiction, we’re looking at how foods benefit our bodies,” McDermott says. “There are thousands of different plants on Earth, and each has a functional benefit. Our mission is to create a supportive community that educates people about their choices.” •
Jay
Hoeschler
designs and builds trails for hiking and biking.
Written by Nancy Sokoler Steiner | Photographed by Micheal Neveux
Jay Hoeschler worked as a creative director for advertising agencies for 25 years, specializing in marketing for large real estate developers. When a client wanted to build a golf course, Hoeschler suggested the funds might be better used for other outdoor amenities. Market research indicated a desire for hiking and biking trails, and the client agreed with that idea.
But when Hoeschler and his marketing partner, Justin Lax, tried to find a company specializing in trail design, they came up empty. Lax eventually found the man who built most of the trails in Park City, Utah. Although he was no longer doing that work, he agreed to mentor Hoeschler and Lax. The pair soon decided to create their own company.
That was 2013. Today their business, Avid Trails, employs 15 people and has planned, designed and built trails for public and private clients around the country. In Bountiful, Utah, the firm built more than 19 miles of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail for hiking and biking. In Big Sky, Montana, Avid Trails created a master plan for summer and winter trails. And when the developers of the Bay Creek community in Cape Charles, Virginia, chose to convert nine holes of golf back into a nature preserve, they turned to Avid Trails to create a network of trails providing access to the shoreline.
The best thing about his job, Hoeschler says, is creating spaces that draw people outdoors. “It’s good on so many levels. It’s good for health, and it’s good to get people into
nature. That’s really fulfilling to me.”
Around seven years ago, the firm began receiving requests for mountain bike parks. They recently completed the design for a 300-acre mountain bike park for the city of Santa Clarita.
“It’s this big bowl that’s surrounded by a mountain ridge, and we have a central gathering/picnic area at the bottom along with a couple of asphalt pump tracks and jump lines [trails for jumping bikes],” he says. “A trail goes up around the top of the ridge, and mountain bike trails come down that ridge—like at a ski resort. It’s going to be a gem here in California.” He estimates construction will begin in 2024 and finish in 2026.
Pump tracks combine rollers and berms, allowing bike riders to use their body weight and momentum to pump and propel themselves without pedaling. “No matter your ability on a bike, you can ride a pump track,” Hoeschler says. An avid hiker and mountain biker, he also joins those who skateboard on pump tracks.
Hoeschler serves on the El Segundo Planning Commission, which reviews land use issues for the city. The commission is currently examining pedestrian accessibility in Smoky Hollow, the historic business zone that is being reimagined and rezoned.
“It’s really important to me to get kids to walk and ride their bikes to school and have people walk to restaurants if they can instead of driving,” says Hoeschler, who similarly encourages Avid Trails’ clients to retain open spaces and create access to nearby destinations.
He has been involved with Tour de Pier, which raises funds for pancreatic and brain cancers, since its founding in 2013. The event places stationary bikes on the Manhattan Beach Pier for a day in May, and participants sign up for riding-in-place sessions led by South Bay instructors, entertainers and celebrity guests to raise funds for various organizations—more than $13.3 million to date. Hoeschler rides each year and has provided graphic design and advertising for the event.
His leap from advertising to trail design has aligned his passion with his work. He says, “It’s the coolest thing I’ve ever done.”
Jay Hoeschler is a founding partner of Avid Trails, a nationwide trailbuilding firm, and heads up a team of environmental, GIS, landscape and graphic designers who thoughtfully consider every aspect of the trail experience. Below left is an overview of plans fo the bike park for the the city of Santa Clarita, which will include 300 acres of trails and tracks.
Written by Nancy Sokoler Steiner | Photographed by Micheal Neveux
Ever since his grandfather introduced him to golf, Josh Alpert has relished the sport. He was about 8 years old when he started spending a week each summer with his grandfather, who was in a group of other older players. “I loved the games, the challenges, the camaraderie and everything about it,” Alpert shares.
Today he shares his passion for golf through teaching in several capacities. He ran youth golf programs at The Lakes at El Segundo for 20 years. He founded Good Swings Happen Junior Golf Academy in 2009 and currently leads the program at Westdrift hotel’s golf course in Manhattan Beach. The year-round golf program teaches children ages 5 to 14 “the proper skills and a healthy mindset needed to play to one’s full potential.”
While his specialty is working with elite juniors, Alpert describes the academy as emphasizing experience, exploration and fun. “It’s a safe space for everyone to learn and enjoy the game of golf,” he says.
Alpert teaches his students fundamental techniques while emphasizing enjoyment of the game. He conveys lessons through memorable experiences, stories and analogies. For example, students learn the importance of safety via a demonstration where Alpert hits a golf ball through a watermelon, which explodes upon impact. The lesson sticks, says Alpert, who reports previous students approaching him over a decade later to reminisce about the demonstration.
Alpert incorporates seven “mental mantras” into his teaching, all of which apply beyond golf. “Breath Equals Calm” involves taking a deep breath to relax and oxygenate the body before doing something challenging. “Visualize Success” teaches golfers to picture themselves succeeding, which Alpert says helps the body align with the goal. His favorite mantra is “Persistence Pays.” He points to the Wright Brothers as an example, noting how they crashed many planes but learned each time how to improve the process and ultimately succeed.
Alpert’s concepts get applied beyond the green. A young student’s mother reported being harried and rushing to drive her daughter and another child to their next destination. The child tapped her mother on the shoulder and said, “Mommy, Mommy! It’s OK. ‘Breath Equals Calm.’ Take a deep breath!” At that point, the mom realized she needed to
calm down and focus on driving safely.
In addition to his work at Good Swings Happen, Alpert is junior director of FlowCode Golf Academy, which offers performance-based and elite mental training for serious golfers. The academy’s director, Rick Sessinghaus, is the lifelong coach of six-time PGA winner Collin Morikawa.
FlowCode coaches teach how to achieve a state of flow in golf through factors including motivation, focus, confidence and emotional control. The emphasis on the mental aspect of the game affirms what golf great Arnold Palmer said of the sport: “The most important part of golf is the 6 inches between your ears.”
Alpert also gives private and small-group instruction to golfers of all ages and skill levels. In 2023 he was awarded the Teacher & Coach of the Year award by the Southern California section of PGA of America (Southern California PGA), and he was inducted into the California Teaching & Coaching Hall of Fame this year. He plans to open a new indoor facility in the spring of 2025.
Alpert most enjoys the social aspect of golf. In addition to playing with his grandfather, he plays with his father, brothers, wife and children. “I also play with my best friends and with colleagues and business acquaintances,” he says. “Golf is a game for a lifetime when it is nurtured as such.” •
Register online or call 310-517-4711
to enroll in paid classes. Pricing is $80 or $72 for ADVANTAGE members for each 8-week series, and $40 or $36 for each 4-week series. Prenatal yoga is $88 for each 8-week series.
Class Schedule for 3105 Lomita Blvd., Torrance
ALL CLASSES ARE HYBRID (IN-PERSON OR ZOOM) UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED
BRAIN GAMES AND MORE (IN-PERSON ONLY)
February 11–March 11
Tuesday, 1:30 to 3 p.m.
Challenge yourself to increase mental fitness in an interactive setting. $60; ADVANTAGE members $55
CHAIR YOGA FOR OSTEOPOROSIS WITH DEBI
March 12–April 30
May 14–July 2
July 16–September 3
Wednesday, 11 a.m. to noon
Designed for those with osteopenia or osteoporosis; strengthen muscles and bones, fall prevention, breath work, improve posture and balance. All levels welcome.
CHAIR YOGA FOR STRENGTH AND BALANCE WITH SHARMONE
March 10–April 28
May 12–June 30
July 14–September 1
March 13–May 1
May 15–July 3
July 17–September 4
Monday or Thursday, 2 to 3 p.m.
Use a chair in seated and standing poses to improve strength and balance.
ESSENTRICS FULL-BODY STRETCH WITH AI (IN-PERSON ONLY)
June 9–June 30 (4 weeks only)
July 14–September 1
June 13–July 4 (4 weeks only)
July 18–September 5
Monday or Friday, 11 to 11:50 a.m.
A gentle, full-body stretch to activate muscles, free joints and increase mobility. Bring a yoga mat.
INTEGRATED YOGA WITH ROBIN
March 12–April 30
May 14–July 2
July 16–September 3
Wednesday, 7 to 8 p.m.
Breath work, postures and meditation, such as yoga nidra.
LINE DANCING BEYOND “COUNTRY” WITH SHARON (IN-PERSON ONLY)
March 12–April 30
May 14–July 2
July 16–September 3
Wednesday, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Learn Country Western favorites, chacha, mambo, tango and samba in line dancing style. No partner needed.
LINE DANCING: THE NEXT STEP WITH SHARON (IN-PERSON ONLY)
March 12–April 30
May 14–July 2
July 16–September 3
Wednesday, 3:15 to 4:15 p.m.
Learn cutting-edge high beginner and improver line dances, plus more complex line dance steps. Previous line dancing experience required.
MAT/FLOOR PILATES WITH KAREN (IN-PERSON ONLY)
March 11–April 29
May 13–July 1
July 15–September 2
Tuesday, 4 to 4:50 p.m.
All-levels class strengthens core muscles to improve balance.
Moderate fitness level needed. Bring a mat.
Class Schedule for Malaga Cove, 2550 Via Tejon, Palos Verdes Estates
ALL CLASSES AT THIS LOCATION ARE INPERSON ONLY
MENOPAUSE 101 (ZOOM ONLY)
March 13
Thursday, 6 to 7:30 pm
Learn techniques to navigate and manage menopause with confidence.
Led by Ann Boss, RN, Menopause Society Certified Practitioner. $25; $20 ADVANTAGE members
ALIGN THE SPINE WITH JOY
March 10–April 28; May 12–June 30
July 14–September 1
Monday, 9 to 10 a.m.
These Feldenkrais Method lessons help restore or avoid deterioration of your posture without pain or strain. Bring an exercise mat, hand and bath towel.
BONES FOR LIFE WITH JOY
March 10–April 28; May 12–June 30
July 14–September 1
Monday, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
These Feldenkrais exercises help support bones through gentle, weight-bearing exercises that require no strain or pain. Improve posture and bone health.
CHAIR EXERCISE: BEGINNING & INTERMEDIATE WITH PAM
March 11–April 29; May 13–July 1
July 15–September 2
Tuesday, 8 to 9 a.m.
Improve strength and balance using a chair. Bring an exercise band and light hand weights (optional).
EXERCISE TO THE OLDIES WITH PAM
March 11–April 29; May 13–July 1
July 15–September 2
Tuesday, 9:15 to 10:15 a.m.
Promote endurance and flexibility with standing and floor exercises. Bring a mat, light hand weights and a "can-do" attitude!
ESSENTRICS FULL-BODY STRETCH WITH AI
June 11–July 2 (4 weeks only)
July 16–September 3
June 14–July 5 (4 weeks only)
July 19–September 6
Wednesday, 11 to 11:50 a.m.
Saturday, 11:15 a.m. to 12:05 p.m.
A gentle, full-body stretch to activate muscles, free joints and increase mobility. Bring a yoga mat.
MUSCLE STRENGTHENING: BEGINNING & INTERMEDIATE WITH RANDY
March 10–April 28; May 12–June 30
July 14–September 1
Monday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Learn correct, safe techniques for strengthening your upper and lower body using a chair and flexible exercise bands.
MUSCLE STRENGTHENING: INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED WITH RANDY
March 13–May 1; May 15–July 3
July 17 –September 4
Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Resistant band and hand weight exercises for flexibility and strength for a full-body workout.
STRETCH & SOUND BATH
MEDITATION WITH AI
June 11–July 2 (4 weeks only)
July 16–September 3
June 14–July 5 (4 weeks only)
July 19–September 6
Wednesday, 9:30 to 10:20 a.m.
Saturday, 12:30 to 1:20 p.m.
Through gentle stretch and breath work, you will be introduced to different sounds and vibrations from various sound bath instruments. Bring a yoga mat, blanket and pillow.
STRETCHING FOR BETTER BALANCE WITH RANDY
March 10–April 28; May 12–June 30
July 14–September 1
March 13–May 1; May 15–July 3
July 17–September 4
Monday or Thursday, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.
This fun workout in a chair is designed to help increase flexibility to prevent injuries.
YOGA FOR STRESS REDUCTION WITH DEBI
March 15–May 3; May 17–July 5
July 19–September 6
Saturday, 9:30 to 10:45 a.m.
Gentle yoga poses on the floor, seated and standing to increase flexibility, strengthen the body and improve balance. Breath work and meditation reduce stress.
Don’t see what you’re looking for? Check TorranceMemorial. org/classes for more information or call 310-517-4666.
Use QR code for more information and a complete list of classes
Written by Jill Biggins Gerbracht
Gardening is so much more than just planting seeds in the soil. While I don’t claim to have any special gardening skills of my own, I see the benefits of this outdoor activity and realize the personal satisfaction it brings to plant something—whether it be flowers, fruits, vegetables or spices—and see it grow and come to fruition.
Gardening can be a bonding family activity, especially with young children, as it’s about nurturing growth and creating connections. For parents looking for activities to do with their kids, gardening can be a great way to bond as a family while teaching children valuable lessons about nature, responsibility and patience. And with our typically mild year-round Southern California weather, gardening can be a 12-month activity that fits perfectly into family routines.
Spending time in the garden also encourages healthy habits in children. When kids have a hand in growing their own fruits and vegetables, they are more likely to develop an appreciation for fresh, organic produce and a willingness to try new foods. This hands-on experience provides a deeper understanding of where food comes from, making mealtimes more meaningful and exciting. Beyond fostering a love for healthy eating, gardening can help children build essential life skills. From planning and planting to harvesting, kids learn the value of effort and patience as they see the results of their hard work flourish over time.
The physical and mental health benefits of gardening are equally significant. Activities like digging, planting and watering provide light exercise, keeping kids active while burning
off energy. At the same time, being outdoors and connecting with nature has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety. For children and parents alike, the simple act of working in the garden can boost moods and foster a sense of calm and accomplishment. Whether it’s the first sprout breaking through the soil or a bountiful harvest, these shared experiences bring families closer and help instill environmental awareness in children. Caring for plants teaches them about the importance of pollinators, soil health and sustainable practices, cultivating eco-conscious habits that will last a lifetime.
• Choose the Right Plants: Opt for easy-to-grow plants that yield quick results, such as radishes, lettuce or sunflowers. Include plants that kids will enjoy eating or admiring to keep them engaged.
• Create a Dedicated Space: Designate a small plot in your yard or use containers for an apartmentfriendly option. Let children have their own section of the garden to personalize and care for.
• Equip Little Gardeners:
Provide kid-sized tools such as trowels, gloves and watering cans. These not only make gardening easier but also make children feel like active participants.
• Involve Kids in Every Step: Engage children in planning, planting and maintaining the garden. Encourage them to ask questions and make observations about changes they see in the plants.
• Make It Fun:
Turn gardening into a playful adventure. Create scavenger hunts for bugs or flowers or challenge them to identify different plants. Celebrate milestones like the first sprout or the first harvest with small rewards.
Gardening with your kids is a rewarding way to spend time together while reaping countless physical, mental and emotional benefits. It’s an activity that nurtures growth—not just of plants but of family connections and life skills. Whether you’re planting herbs on a windowsill or cultivating a backyard garden, you’ll be sowing seeds of joy and learning for years to come. •
Written by Diane Krieger | Photographed by Siri Berting
John Andrawis, MD, puts in long hours, performing multiple knee and hip replacement surgeries a day, or meeting with patients at his three offices throughout the South Bay. And there’s nothing on earth he’d rather be doing.
“It’s the greatest job in the world,” says the chair of orthopedic surgery and medical director of the Lundquist Orthopedic Institute at Torrance Memorial Medical Center. Outside work, Dr. Andrawis and his wife, Michaela, a corporate attorney, are busy with their three kids, ages 7, 5 and 2.
Afternoons and weekends find the Andrawis family on the go. From soccer to piano, tennis and baseball, “we’re constantly moving from one activity to another,” he says. “And the kids are still little! I can’t even imagine how it’ll be if they advance to competitive teams.”
Both parents help coach their sons’ teams. Scout meetings will soon be added to the calendar, as Dr. Andrawis, a proud Eagle Scout, scopes out prospective dens for the boys.
On days off, the family heads to their lakeside cottage in the Mojave Desert. Everyone plays on the water—tubing, kayaking, paddleboarding. Dr. Andrawis’ sport of choice is wakesurfing, a cross between waterskiing and ocean surfing. Towed by a special “wake boat,” the wakesurfer can drop the rope once standing and ride a continuous wave cut by the craft’s hull.
“It’s super fun,” Dr. Andrawis says. He can execute ollies, 360s and jumps but modestly insists “I’m still a novice.” Michaela also enjoys wakesurfing, so they take turns at the wheel.
When the Andrawises aren’t on the lake, they’re often on a South Bay beach. The two boys are active in Junior Guards and learning to ride Dad’s hydrofoil, an aerodynamic board that rises above the surf.
“I’ve always been on the water,” Dr. Andrawis says, explaining his family’s amphibious ways. A competitive swimmer and water polo player at Arcadia High School, he swam at the club level all through his undergraduate years at UCLA, while majoring in biology and finishing summa cum laude.
He and Michaela met in college and went on to grad school in the Windy City, where she earned her J.D. at Loyola University Chicago and he earned MD and MBA degrees as a scholarship student at the University of Chicago.
After completing his orthopedic residency at HarborUCLA Medical Center and an arthroplasty fellowship specializing in joint replacements at the University of Texas at Austin, Dr. Andrawis joined the orthopedic practice of Torrance Memorial Physician Network in 2018.
Drawn to medicine from an early age, Dr. Andrawis bucked family tradition—his mother, father and brother are all chemical engineers. “I’m the black sheep of the family,” he says cheerfully. “I wasn’t good enough at chemical engineering, so I had to find something else to do.”
That “something” is hip and knee replacements. “It’s all I do,” he says. Dr. Andrawis performs many surgeries a day, which contributes to Torrance Memorial’s current rank as the busiest orthopedic surgical center in Los Angeles County and one of the nation’s top orthopedic nonteaching hospitals.
Monotony isn’t a problem, he says, because no two patients are alike. And it’s joyous work, seeing patients’ quality of life improve so radically.
His upbeat outlook, combined with excellence outcomes and consistent thumbs-ups from patients, gets noticed. Last September, Dr. Andrawis for the second time received Torrance Memorial’s The Reason Is You service award, recognizing a positive attitude and commitment to patient care.
“You’re giving people the ability to walk again,” Dr. Andrawis says. “That’s life-changing. And they’re so happy and grateful. It’s the best feeling in the world to know you’re making a big difference.” •
Hometown: Born and raised in Arcadia; lives in Rolling Hills Estates
Age: 40
Wife: Michaela Bantilan Andrawis, corporate attorney with Davis Wright Tremaine, specializing in health care law
Kids: Two boys and a girl
Wakesurfing board: Hyperlite Ranger
Boat: MasterCraft NXT22
Hydrofoil board: Fliteboard PRO
Dry Land Passions: Smoking and grilling meat, hosting family barbecues and unique dining experiences. “We are so fortunate in the South Bay,” he says. “The quality of the Japanese food here is unbelievable. In my opinion, you can get almost the same quality in Torrance as in Tokyo.”
Top Local Eateries: Honda Sushi and Hakata Ikkousha Tonkotsu Ramen (Torrance); Shoya Izakaya (Lomita); Oriental Breeze (Redondo Beach Pier)
Wednesday, September 18, 2024
James R. Armstrong Theatre
Empowering Women’s Health
On September 18, women gathered for an inspiring evening focused on health and wellness. The event featured expert insights, health screenings, informative exhibits, giveaways and networking opportunities. It was a fantastic chance to learn, connect and invest in well-being.
Friday, September 27, 2024
The Rex, Redondo Beach
YPPA Casino Night Raises $130,000 for Emergency Department Expansion
The eighth annual YPPA Casino Night at The Rex was an exciting evening of fun and philanthropy, raising an impressive $130,000 to support Torrance Memorial’s emergency department expansion campaign. With the invaluable support of Dan Nguyen and Chef Walter Nunez, the event welcomed 250 guests to enjoy casino games, gourmet cuisine and a vibrant community atmosphere. This remarkable achievement underscores the generosity and dedication of our attendees, donors and volunteers. Thank you for helping us expand emergency care closer to home. To learn more or get involved, visit TorranceMemorial.org/YPPA.
Photographed by Ed McClure
September 30, 2024
On September 30, Michael Zilis, Sam Sheth and Laurie McCarthy hosted an engaging Emergency Department Salon at the home of Ted Schwartz in Manhattan Beach. Donors, physicians and community leaders came together to discuss the future of emergency care at Torrance Memorial. The evening featured powerful stories, including one from Colin Cowherd, who shared his personal experience with Torrance Memorial’s emergency department, highlighting the lifechanging impact of compassionate care. Kurt Hansen, MD, also shared his perspective as an emergency department physician, offering insights into the challenges and triumphs of providing critical care to our community.
Photographed by Ed McClure
December 3, 2024
The Torrance Memorial Fashion Show brought elegance and excitement to over 500 attendees, showcasing exquisite collections from renowned designers Kevan Hall and Elie Tahari. This muchanticipated annual event united women in the spirit of philanthropy, friendship and fashion. Held in a vibrant and stylish setting, the event raised vital funds for the emergency department expansion campaign, reaffirming the community’s commitment to enhancing health care services. Thank you to our sponsors, participants and attendees for making this day of style and generosity a tremendous success. We look forward to next year’s runway showcase!
Photographed by Ed McClure & Tony LaBruno
10. Merilee Hobbs, Jennifer Chen
11. Carmen Scotten Elaine McRae, Val Adlam, Caro Miguelez, Paula Leeds, Andrea Sala
12. Carol Marcil, Jackie Geiger, Emily Daly, Jane Mehra, Randi Young
13. Marisa Kunich, Tasha Pannuzzo, Tina Funiciello, Jenny Ha, Joy Theodora, Dolly Narang, Karen Sinfield, Beth Bowen, Cami Evans
14. Judy Sipes, Stacy Sipes
15. Front: Teri Young, Ayne Baker, Ruth Daniels, Kathleen Krauthamer, Merilee Hobbs, Back: Lisa
Friday, December 6, 2024
Holiday Festival Gala Raises $2.1 Million
The 41st annual Holiday Festival Gala at Torrance Memorial was a night to remember, raising $2.1 million to support the hospital’s emergency department expansion. Held in a 23,000-squarefoot tent, the evening featured gourmet dining, live and silent auctions, and 32 stunning holiday trees. The highlight of the evening was the announcement of a transformative $21.8 million gift from Mary Tu, a significant contribution to Torrance Memorial’s mission of providing world-class care to the South Bay. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our donors, community leaders and attendees for making this evening a resounding success. Save the date for next year’s gala and continue supporting the future of exceptional health care in our community.
Photographed
by
Ed McClure & Philicia Endleman
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16. Todd Schenasi, Amanda Schenasi, Alex Schumacher, Bryan Allman, Marc SchenasiBack: Haley Schenasi, Brittany Barnes, Laura Schenasi, Madeline Schumacher, Liz Benardo
17. Regina Finnegan, Kate Cocke, Janice Tecimer
18. Rick Mayer, Luke Dauchot, Kathy Goldstein, Allison Mayer
19. Nadine Bobit, Melissa Varon, Russ Varon
20. Harv Daniels, Ruth Daniels
21. Ralph Simmons, Brenda Nowotka, Laura SchenasiFront, Priscilla Hunt
22. Madeline Schumacher, Ayne Baker, Judy Gassner, Ofelia David
23. Louise Koch, Adriana Popovich, Carole Hoffman, Ronda Gottlieb, Heidi Hoffman, MD, Gayleen Callister
24. Bryce Fukunaga, MD, Jenny Luo, MD, Sanjay Arora, Amanda Clauson, MD, Angela Shvartsman, Brittni Saputo
25. Krista Schlappatha, Angela Park-Sheldon, Hank Sheldon, Nadia Antii, Kevin Bidenkap, Sophia Neveu
OUR HOSPITAL
Torrance Memorial TorranceMemorial.org 3330 Lomita Blvd., Torrance 310-325-9110
Torrance Memorial Physician Network TMPhysicianNetwork.org
Torrance
• 2900 Lomita Blvd
• 3400 Lomita Blvd, Suite 104
• 3640 Lomita Blvd. Suite 200
• 3333 Skypark Dr, Suites 100, 160, 320*
• 3701 Skypark Dr, Suites 100, 220*
• 2841 Lomita Blvd, Suite 315
Carson
• 824 E. Carson St, Suite 101
El Segundo
• 2110 E. El Segundo Blvd, Suite 200
Hermosa Beach
• 705 Pier Ave, Suites A, B*
Manhattan Beach
• 855 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Suites 102, 201, 204, 206*
Palos Verdes
• 602 Deep Valley Dr, Suite 300*
Rancho Palos Verdes
• 29409 S. Western Ave
El Segundo:
• Multispecialty Medical Office Center
• 3440 Lomita Blvd, Suite 250, Torrance (Coming in March 2025)
• 824 E. Carson St, Suite 202, Carson
• 705 Pier Ave, Suite C, Hermosa Beach
• 855 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Suite 103, Manhattan Beach
• 2110 E. El Segundo Blvd, Suite 210, El Segundo
Call our Physician Referral Coordinators for assistance in finding a doctor and making an appointment: 310-891-6717.
SPECIALTY CARE
Hunt Cancer Center • Cardiology • Ear, Nose & Throat • Endocrinology • Neurology • OBGYN • Lundquist Orthopedic Institute • Pain Management • Palliative Care • Pediatrics • Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation • Primary Care • Pulmonary Disease, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine • Rheumatology • Urgent Care • Infectious Disease • Care Coordination Center/ Coumadin Clinic
For a referral to a specialist, contact Torrance Memorial at 310-517-4700.
URGENT CARE
• Urgent Care – Torrance
Weekdays 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Weekends 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. 2900 Lomita Blvd., Torrance • 310-784-3740
• Urgent Care – Manhattan Beach Weekdays 4 to 9 p.m.; Weekends 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 855 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Suite 101, Manhattan Beach • 310-939-7873
• Urgent Care – El Segundo Weekdays 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Weekends 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. 2110 E. El Segundo Blvd, Suite 100 El Segundo • 310-517-7010
• Torrance 3275 Skypark Dr
• Carson
824 E. Carson St, Suite 208
• Manhattan Beach
855 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Suite 208
• Palos Verdes
65 Peninsula Center, Rolling Hills Estates
To make an appointment call 310-517-4709.
RECOVERY CENTER
• Thelma McMillen Recovery Center 3333 Skypark Park Dr, Suite 200, Torrance 310-784-4879
*Laboratory Draw Station
