ARMC Raises 125000 for Comprehensive Community Cancer Program

By: Chris Clemens

Community Writer

Photo Courtesy of:

Chris Clemens

Photo Description:

(left to right) Zachary D. Tucker, ARMC Foundation President; Dan Flores – Colton Joint Unified School District – Trustee Area #2; Richard A DeLaRosa - Mayor – City of Colton Dr. Guillermo Valenzuela; Enrique Armenta – Field Representative, United States Congressman; Pete Aguilar 31st District. Juan Lopez – Field Representative, CA State Senator Connie Leyva, District 20 Josue Castillo - Field Representative, California Assembly Member Cheryl Brown’s Office, District 47.

The Arrowhead Regional Medical Center Foundation (ARMCF), an independent 501(c)(3) public charity, raised more than $125,000 at its Second Annual Autumn Extravaganza Gala and Awards Dinner on Oct. 8. While proceeds from the event benefit Arrowhead Regional Medical Center’s (ARMC) Comprehensive Community Cancer Program, ARMCF provides ongoing support to the medical center with capital, clinical programs, community health education and graduate medical education efforts. The highlights of the gala event were the celebration of ARMC’s efforts to be the Heart of a Healthy Community, and the recognition of four honorees who were awarded for their exceptional efforts on behalf of the medical center. Guillermo Valenzuela, MD, Arrowhead Vanguard of the Year; David Lanum, MD, Physician of the Year; Nanette Buenavidez, RN, Nurse Leader of the Year; and Ma Cristina Avendano, RN, Nurse of the Year, were presented with plaques for their exemplary work. Taking place at the National Orange Show Events Center in San Bernardino, the event was attended by 230 people and tremendously supported by numerous sponsors, including Presenting Sponsors Inland Faculty Medical Group and Prime Healthcare. Notable presenters and attendees of the event included San Bernardino County Fifth District Supervisor Josie Gonzales, City of Colton Mayor Richard DeLaRosa, ARMC Foundation Chair of the Board Anne Cress, ARMCF President Zachary D. Tucker and ARMC Hospital Director William Gilbert. In addition, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department provided the Presentation of the Colors. “We are extremely grateful to everyone who participated in this event to make it a great success,” said Tucker, ARMCF President. “We not only raised a significant amount of money to support ARMC’s cancer program, but also had the opportunity to publicly thank four of ARMC’s staff members who exemplify the care and commitment of the medical center to its patients.” Proceeds from the event will be used to support the cancer center’s therapeutic and supportive care to adult oncology patients, which includes chemotherapy, IV hydration therapy, antibiotics and more. ARMC remains one of the most technologically advanced health care institutions in the country, and its Comprehensive Community Cancer Program treats patients with breast, colon, lung, prostate and liver cancer. About the ARMC Foundation: Founded in 1977, the ARMC Foundation’s mission is to assist the Medical Center in providing quality health care and health education to our community by enlisting and increasing public and private interest, involvement and financial support. www.arrowheadmedcenter.org/foundation .