Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare will host its annual Tribute to Courage gala on Saturday, February 28 at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel and Conference Center. 

The gala, which annually honors some of Casa Colina’s present and past courageous patients, will be hosted by film actress and television personality Bonnie Hunt with guest speaker Aron Ralston, fearless adventurer, amputee and best-selling author.

 “We are thrilled to announce Casa Colina’s annual Tribute to Courage gala, a special event that honors some of the most courageous of Casa Colina’s patients, Felice Loverso, president and CEO of Casa Colina said. “These patients’ stories are full of triumph, determination and an exceptional will to live life to the fullest, despite setbacks. It is an honor to be in their presence and celebrate their achievements.” 

Mr. Ralston, this year’s guest speaker, is the best-selling author of Between a Rock and a Hard Place and the inspiration behind the Oscar-nominated film 127 Hours. In April 2003, Mr. 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.

After rehabilitation, Mr. Ralston continued his adventures and, in 2005, he achieved his goal of climbing all 59 of Colorado’s “fourteeners” (peaks more than 14,000 feet high) solo and in winter conditions, a feat that had never been recorded.

 The Tribute to Courage gala is Casa Colina’s primary fundraising event each year. All proceeds from the event benefit Casa Colina’s free and uncompensated care fund, which helps provide care for under-resourced patients and, in some cases, temporary housing for patients’ families so they may be near their loved ones during the often-lengthy rehabilitation process. This fund allows Casa Colina to support 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.”

 The Tribute to Courage black-tie-optional reception begins at 5:30 p.m. and is followed by dinner, a program and dancing at 7 p.m. For information on the event, including sponsorship, donations and tickets, contact the Casa Colina Foundation at (909) 596-7733 ext. 2223