Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare Honors Patients at Annual Tribute to Courage Gala on March 10

Hosted by Actress Bonnie Hunt, proceeds benefit
Casa Colina Foundation fund for under-resourced patients

POMONA, Calif., Feb. 28, 2018 — A champion boxer, a country music fan and an EnduroCross star – most likely their paths never would have crossed, but each was changed in one place – Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare in Pomona, Calif.

Traumatic injuries brought them to Casa Colina, and now their journeys toward recovery will inspire those attending Casa Colina’s annual Tribute to Courage gala on Saturday, March 10, 2018, at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel and Conference Center, 601 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona CA 91768.

The gala, hosted by actress, producer and comedian Bonnie Hunt, honors some of Casa Colina’s present and past courageous patients. The Tribute to Courage black-tie-optional reception begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner, program and entertainment at 7 p.m.

Daniel Franco of Rancho Cucamonga was an up-and-coming featherweight boxer until he was knocked out in a fight in Iowa in June 2017. Daniel underwent two surgeries to relieve pressure from bleeding in the brain that frequently results in death or severe disability.

Katrina Hannah of La Verne thought it was fireworks she heard while she enjoyed the Route 91 Harvest Festival concert in Las Vegas on Oct. 1, 2017. What she heard was gunfire, and she became one of more than 500 injured in the deadliest mass shooting by an individual in the United States.

Johnny "Ringo" Scharnweber of Phelan remembers the moment he misjudged a turn in a championship desert motorcycle race in January 2017. He went flying off his bike, landing face first in wet sand. Lying there, fully conscious, he told himself to get up. Nothing happened. "I knew then I was paralyzed," he recalled.

As each was admitted to Casa Colina, they became immersed in a continuum of care tailored specifically to their rehabilitation. That, along with their own determination and loving support from family and friends, has them now planning the rest of their lives.

“Daniel, Katrina and Johnny have all triumphed over devastating injuries. They’ve shown that, with their perseverance and the efforts of Casa Colina’s dedicated staff, successful rehabilitation can be achieved,” said Felice L. Loverso, president and CEO of Casa Colina. “The Tribute to Courage gala not only celebrates their victories, but those of other patients who inspire me and Casa Colina’s physicians, therapists and staff members every day.”

All proceeds from the annual Tribute to Courage gala benefit a Casa Colina Foundation fund that 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 continue its unwavering dedication to its mission 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.”

Platinum sponsors to-date are Morrison Healthcare and Pacific Rim Rehabilitation Associates.

For more information on the event, including sponsorship, donations and tickets, please contact Casa Colina Foundation at 909/596-7733, Ext. 2223.