The power of a positive attitude, hope, love, and support of family and friends was an inspiring theme of the Courage Awards recognition dinner, celebrating cancer survivors and those dedicated to fighting cancer at Adventist Health Glendale (AHGL).

Courage Awards are presented by the medical center’s Cancer Care Guild in partnership with the Adventist Health Glendale Foundation. The event was held on Oct. 17 at Chevy Chase Country Club.

Honored were Fran Buchanan, Community Volunteer Award; Marianna Clarizio, Health Care Professional Award; Dr. Sara H. Kim, medical director, radiation oncology, Physician Award; Guadalupe Mendoza and Mary Nazari, Courageous Patient Awards.

Buchanan is a long-time supporter of Ingeborg’s Place Apart/Positive Image Center, which provides free wigs, classes and counseling to anyone in the community with a diagnosis of cancer.

Dr. Kim joined the medical staff in 2003. She serves on the board of directors for the Southern California Radiation Oncology Society and was recently elected as the first female president of the Korean American Society of Therapeutic Radiation Oncology.

Mendoza, who has been treated for several forms of cancer, inspires other cancer patients with her spirit and friendship. She participates in many events that support the Cancer Center.

Nazari’s recovery from cancer so inspired her and family members that they have become devoted supporters of the medical center’s cancer awareness and education programs.

Clarizio, a radiation therapy technologist, is member of AHGL’s cancer fighting team that treats hundreds of patients each year.

Anita Aghajanian, Cancer Care Guild president, presided over the event.

The Courage Awards also raises funds in support of the Cancer Center’s free programs provided through Ingeborg’s Place Apart/Positive Image Center.

For information on how to make a contribution, contact the Adventist Health Glendale Foundation at (818) 409-8055.