Women Supporting Women: Women's Giving Circle Raises More than $120,000 for MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center's New Melanoma Program

Laguna Hills, CA - May 1, 2024 - More than 90 members of Beauty In Grace women's giving circle collectively raised $120,000 for the development of a new melanoma program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center. The nonprofit hospital plans to invest in technology such as intraoperative radiation therapy and provide screenings and educational offerings in the community to prevent, detect, and treat skin cancer.

Each year, Beauty In Grace members pool their $1,000+ contributions for a specific need at the medical center. Since 2016, Beauty In Grace has raised $682,000 in support of various women's and children's services, such as advanced MRI technology for diagnosing and treating breast cancer, and NicView video streaming equipment to allow families to log in and watch their babies from smartphones while newborns are being cared for in the Irma Feldcamp Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

In March, nearly 80 Beauty In Grace members gathered for a beautiful luncheon on the Grand Lawn of the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach to celebrate their support of women's health services at Saddleback Medical Center.

Members were treated to appetizers, champagne, and mocktails while mingling, and then were seated for a three-course lunch, hosted by Saddleback Medical Center Foundation.

A special guest panel, moderated by Saddleback Medical Center CEO Marcia Manker, discussed the topic of: "Beyond Wellness: Prevention, Survivorship, and Sexual Health." The expert physicians specialize in areas related to women's health, including dermatology, gynecology, oncology, hematology, menopause, and sexual health.

Tanya Evans, M.D., spoke about skin protection and early cancer detection with regular examinations. Medical Director of Women's Health Services Michael Krychman, M.D., talked about survivorship medicine and sexual health in the face of cancer treatments and other diseases.

Priyal Dholakiya, M.D., Medical Director of Gynecologic Oncology at Saddleback Medical Center, discussed the value of whole-person wellness and the importance of physicians considering many factors such as fertility, cosmetic, and financial concerns when recommending treatment options.

Emphasizing the importance of integrative oncology and incorporating mindfulness-based practices, Bhavana Pathak, M.D., shared the benefits of using holistic strategies.

Manker highlighted Saddleback Medical Center's focus on women's health care with the building of the new Women's Health Pavilion dedicated entirely to state-of-the-art support for women's health and wellness and scheduled for completion this summer.

"Women are often the ones taking care of everyone else and putting themselves last," said Manker. "Through our new Women's Health Pavilion, we have provided the programs to empower women to optimize their health care and live the healthiest lives possible."

Christy Ward, president, Saddleback Medical Center Foundation, expressed her deep appreciation for the ladies by stating, "It is a very powerful and moving sight to see such a dynamic group of women coming together to make a profound impact on women's health care in Orange County. We are so grateful to our Beauty In Grace members for helping to create meaningful change and inspiring others to do the same."

To learn more about Beauty In Grace or to become a member, contact Saddleback Medical Center Foundation at (949) 452-3724 or [email protected], or visit memorialcare.org/BeautyInGrace.

2024 Beauty in Grace Members

Joyce Averna Erica Bailey, MD Ada Baker Anouchka Balog Sandy Benson Joni Boranian Tracy Bremmer Amy Bremner, MD Melissa Bush, MD Brandi Cassingham Melissa Centeno Lily Chen, MD Rena Chin Gracia Covarrubias, MD Lisa Dow Lesley Dowd Veronica Duggan, PA Jacqueline Dupont Carlson, PhD, EdD Bonnie Eastman Tessa Edwards, MD Adeeba Evans Nora Evans, MD Resa Evans Tanya Evans, MD Michelle Fajardo, DO Penny Fosheim Jane Frederick, MD Michelle Giardini, PA Patty Glover Evelyn Grass Lisa Guerra, MD

Cathy Han, MD Young Han, MD Cindy Hanson Candace Haynes Theresa Henry Erica Hutchison Marj Ingram Hanna Ivanovic Cheryl Jacob Ebunoluwa Johnson, MD Jan Johnson, MD Judy Jones Patty Juarez Shela Kaneshiro Marybeth Keller Kelli Kimmel Jenny Klein Christy Koperek Joan Lautenschleger Dawn Levine Diane Libertella Claudia Looney Rhonda Longmore-Grund Mona Lopez Laurie Louie Gayle Luciano Carol Lullmann Barbara Machado Marcia Manker Wendy Mason True McMahan, MD

Vivian Mendoza, MD Susan Munden, MD Molly Naglie Sarah Nederlander Jean Nick Norene Norris-Walsh, MD Colleen O'Connor Diana Ortiz Mary O'Toole, MD Pam Pellizzon Rossana Powell Pamela Rende Tiffany Roberts Susie Roof Kelli Ruiz Meryl Sakwa Catherine Shitara Laurie Sicaeros Bebe Shaddock Smith Lisa Stafford, PhD Heidi Stoops Connie Swank Tammy Tang Karen Testman Elaine Tiber Michelle Tom, MD Saghi Valencia Christy Ward Ellies Watanabe Carla Wells, MD Mary Ann Wilkinson, MD