October 28, 2019 – One hundred twenty golfers enjoyed a taste of Hawaii on October 28, 2019 as they teed up at Sharon Heights Golf & Country Club to support El Camino Health’s Peter C. Fung, MD Stroke Center. The benefit raised more than $200,000 for the program.
They shopped in the Nike store, vied in the putting contest, and practiced on the driving range before the plaintive tones of the bagpipe signaled it was time to head to their starting tees. Raffle ticket sales were brisk and cell phones pinged throughout the day with updates from the silent auction. The foursomes returned to the club before sundown for the reception, Pau Hana celebration luau dinner, and live auction. More than 60 El Camino Health Foundation supporters joined them for the end-of-day festivities.
Dr. Fung, who was unable to attend the tournament, welcomed the guests by video. “There are approximately 800,000 strokes each year in this country. Every four minutes, someone dies from stroke,” he said. “More importantly, stroke is still the leading cause of long-term disability. Imagine yourself being unable to talk, to walk, or with half of the body paralyzed.” He noted, however, that 80 percent of strokes are preventable and doctors are able to reverse the most devastating consequences if patients arrive at the hospital early.
Dr. Arash Padidiar, a fellowship trained neurointerventional radiologist and surgeon, described some of the advanced technologies he and his team deploy at our hospital’s thrombectomy capable stroke center. “We need to be equipped to treat stroke quickly and in our own neighborhood. This requires expensive toys,” he said as he set the stage for the fund-in-need appeal.
Golfers and guests responded generously. Dessert was served and the celebratory feast concluded with the presentation of trophies and a video that joyfully recapped the highlights of the beautiful day.
