GRATITUDE & HEALING
GRATITUDE FOR OUR CHAMPIONSHIP HEALTHCARE TEAM When legendary Los Angeles Dodger Manny Mota suffered a severe stroke, the swift actions of his daughter and a family friend in calling 911 and the paramedics’ decision to bring him to Adventist Health Glendale, one of the region’s top hospitals for comprehensive stroke care — made all the difference. “We had to act fast with Manny. When he was brought to our Emergency Room, he was unable to speak and paralyzed on one side of his body. Time was of the essence to preserve his brain function.” Vascular and interventional neurologist Radoslav Raychev, MD, details how he quickly assessed Mr. Mota’s condition and performed a mechanical thrombectomy — a highly complex procedure to remove the blood clot and restore blood flow to the affected area of the brain. “With a stroke as severe as the one Manny endured, the window for optimal recovery is extremely tight. An LVO type stroke carries a high mortality and disability rate, if not treated at the right stroke center. There’s no better team trained to treat an LVO stroke than the one at Adventist Health Glendale,” shared Lance Lee, MD, Medical Director at Adventist Health Glendale’s Neuroscience Institute.
DONOR RICK KALISH – DOING HIS PART When Rick Kalish first visited Adventist Health Glendale, it was just a regular shortcut though Glendale on his bike ride home. The West Tower wasn’t yet built, and he never thought it would become such an integral part of his full and busy life with his wonderful wife Patricia, three children, and four grandchildren. About five years ago, congestive heart failure triggered the first of seven trips to the hospital. As a contractor and commercial developer of medical, pharmaceutical, and professional projects, Rick understands when a system is working well, and when it isn’t. What he experienced right away at Adventist Health Glendale was the compassionate and attentive care he received from the many physicians, nurses and caregivers at the medical center. One visit amid the pandemic, he had to wait in the Emergency Department for over 16 hours, yet his appreciation was not deterred. Rather, his insightful observations included how diligently
values every component contributing to a well-run medical center.
As a charitable donor to several different causes, Rick does his due diligence to understand how an organization stands behind its communications, and whether they are efficient in their appeals. He feels good supporting the causes he’s chosen, and while he knows no system is perfect, it’s clear that his success in life is credit to his optimism and curiosity about the underlying reasons of an organization’s success. Rick feels seen by Adventist Health Glendale, a system he relies on for his care. And as a frequent observer, he appreciates a medical center for the personal connections and conscientious caregivers. He knows that every gift matters, and recently increased his Annual contribution with an additional donation. By doing his part, he benefits his hospital and all those within it, to prosper. We are so grateful for thoughtful and generous donors like Patricia and Rick Kalish, who make every gift count. At Adventist Health Glendale, Annual Giving is just one way to keep the system of community healthcare available to all. Make your gift today!
Lance Lee, MD, Robert Battig, OT, Manny Mota, Manny’s daughter, Cecilia, Michelle Jocson, RN
way as the first in California to be accredited as a Comprehensive Stroke Center. Equipped with the latest technology, a highly skilled team, and unmatched clinical expertise to diagnose and treat stroke patients, Adventist Health Glendale provides lifesaving stroke care – what Mr. Mota describes as “the real MVPs”. Recognizing the Adventist Health Glendale doctors, nurses, and rehabilitation specialists for their skill, encouragement and compassion being critical to his healing journey, Mr. Mota credits his incredible recovery to his lifesaving medical team. “I want to say that Adventist Health Glendale is one of the best hospitals. If you feel sick or when something goes wrong, come -to Adventist [Health Glendale]. They will do everything possible to take care of you and get you healthy.”
the care staff tended to patients even at full capacity. He noted the many sacrifices caregivers made during the pandemic, even if it meant risking bringing Covid home with them to their families. This keen understanding of what a health system requires to work at its best is why Rick appreciates every smile he receives and getting a response when sharing his admittedly dry sense of humor. His generosity also includes paying for a nurse’s parking or sharing a positive experience on the Daisy Awards form — a priceless effort demonstrating how he
Radoslav Raychev, MD and Manny Mota
patient like a Major League player, delivering compassionate, leading-edge care to our community. With your support, we will continue to build a stronger, healthier future. Join our team of healthcare heroes and donate today!
For more than 120 years, Adventist Health Glendale has treated every
Since 2015, Adventist Health Glendale’s stroke program has led the
18 THE DIFFERENCE 2025
ADVENTIST HEALTH GLENDALE FOUNDATION 19
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