To help celebrate its history of hope and healing, Casa Colina and its 840 attendees welcomed Bonnie Hunt, writer, producer, director and actress as the special guest host of its Tribute to Courage Gala on Saturday, February 28 at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center in Pomona.

The Tribute to Courage Gala annually honors some of Casa Colina’s present and past courageous patients.

This year’s guest speaker was Aron Ralston, best-selling author of Between a Rock and a Hard Place and the inspiration behind the Oscar-nominated film 127 Hours. In April 2003, Ralston survived a canyoneering accident in southeastern Utah, during which he amputated his own right forearm to extricate himself from a dislodged boulder under which he had been trapped for 127 hours.

“We would like to thank Bonnie Hunt, Aron Ralston and our generous donors who helped make this event such an incredible success,” said Dr. Felice L. Loverso, President and Chief Executive Officer of Casa Colina. “What made this night so memorable was being able to honor our remarkable and courageous patients. We are humbled by their indomitable spirits and amazing recoveries.”

The Tribute to Courage gala is Casa Colina’s primary fundraising event and this year’s event brought in over $600,000. All proceeds benefit Casa Colina’s free and uncompensated care fund, which helps provide care for under-resourced patients and temporary housing for families so they may be near their loved ones during the often-lengthy rehabilitation process. This fund allows Casa Colina to continue its unwavering dedication to its mission statement of “providing individuals the opportunity to maximize their medical recovery and rehabilitation potential efficiently in an environment that recognizes their uniqueness, dignity and self-esteem.”

For more information about Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare or to donate to the Casa Colina Foundation, please log on to www.casacolina.org or e-mail foundation@casacolina.org or call (909) 596-7733, ext. 2232.

ABOVE PHOTO INFORMATION

From left to right; Aron Ralston, guest speaker at Casa Colina Tribute to Courage Gala; Casa Colina patients Cory Hahn, Stephanie Price, and Jake Ellis; Casa Colina President and CEO Felice Loverso, Ph.D.; Casa Colina patient Capt. Patrick Horan, wife Patty Horan; and event host Bonnie Hunt, writer, producer, director and actress.