Loma Linda University Medical Center hosts dinner for Heritage Society members
 Mariana Contreras (right), a Children's Hospital patient, and her mother Sally Contreras (left), visit with Renate Krause, PhD, director of development, School of Allied Health Professions. Ms. Contreras told the members how life was like prior to having surgery to correct her cleft lip and palate she was born with. Her mother read a letter of thanks to the members. |
On Monday evening, April 2, Heritage Society members were treated to a dinner in Wong Kerlee International Conference Center. During the dinner, B. Lyn Behrens, MBBS, president and CEO
of LLUMC, presented her vision of LLUAHSC and introduced Richard H. Hart, MD, DrPH, the new chancellor of Loma Linda University.
Also included in the dinner were presentations by Reiner S. Roeske, director, LLUCH Foundation; Renate Krause, PhD, director of development, School of Allied Health Professions; and Joyce W. Hopp, PhD, MPH, RN, dean, School of Allied Health Professions.
Mr. Roeske interviewed Mariana Contreras, a Children's Hospital patient who was born with a cleft lip and palate, and her mother, Sally Contreras.
"From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for all your help, and I pray for all the other children that will come your way that they too have the pleasure of knowing such wonderful doctors, staff, and generosity," said Mrs. Contreras in her address to the dinner attendees.
Dr. Krause interviewed Adina Tapu, nutrition and dietetics student, and Crystal Whitten, MS, assistant professor, nutrition and dietetics, School of Allied Health Professions. Ms. Tapu and Ms. Whitten traveled to Romania this summer to respond to a request for nutrition classes at Herghelia Health Center.
Following Ms. Tapu and Ms. Whitten's presentation, Kevin and Cerise Bender, secretary, occupational therapy, School of Allied Health Professions, told the attendees about a new program in the School. Mr. and Mrs. Bender organized a Challenger baseball team for handicapped children. The program sponsors games every Sunday morning and usually involves 30 occupational therapy and physical therapy students and faculty members.
Dr. Hopp followed with a presentation displaying the work that the School is currently involved in overseas. She highlighted the programs in Saudi Arabia and Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, People's Republic of China.
Membership in the Heritage Society is extended to anyone who includes a gift to Loma Linda University, Loma Linda University Medical Center, and/or LLU Children's Hospital as part of his or her estate plan.