Glendale Adventist Medical Center presented 7-year-old La Crescenta resident Gavin Dinger with a special award at his elementary school, St. Bede’s School in La Cañada, on Friday, April 8. Dinger suffered a stroke in his mother’s womb before he was born and has been the hospital’s top fundraiser for Glendale’s Downtown Dash. Proceeds from the Dash help to fund stroke awareness projects that benefit the community.

Glendale Adventist Medical Center surprised Dinger with “The Gavin Award” because of his outstanding support of the Dash. This first-ever award named after Gavin will be given to individuals who raise more than $5,000 for the Dash, an annual 5K run/walk that raises awareness and funds for stroke services.

Gavin received the award to a standing ovation. He said the best part about the Dash was that he got to cross the finish line with his brother.  And he likes to participate in the Dash to help raise funds to help other stroke survivors.

Up to $15,000 has been raised in the past three years by Gavin for the Dash. This year, 130 families donated more than $5,000 on his behalf.

  boy honored, gavin award, stroke