By Michael YEGHIAYAN

At the 2013 Courage Award Luncheon held recently, Glendale Adventist Medical Center honored four individuals who have battled cancer. The event, held in downtown Glendale at the Grandview Connection Banquet Hall, aimed to spotlight the individual courage required to fight the disease and advocate for the immense medical benefit of early detection and treatment.

Among those recognized were Ella Boghossian, Diane Russell, Daniel R. Voge and Glendale Mayor Dave Weaver. Each honoree shared their individual experience with battling cancer, from the initial diagnosis and treatment through to the present day.

Mayor Weaver was especially passionate when speaking about the importance of regular check-ups in order to potentially diagnose cancer as quickly as possible. As someone who had been diagnosed with a form of skin cancer, he strongly argued for individuals to take control of their personal health and overcome the fear of a cancer diagnosis.

“You have to take preventative action when it comes to cancer,” explained Mayor Weaver to the attendees. “My advice to everybody – go see your doctor often. It’s the best investment you’ll make in your life.”

The event’s guests were provided entertainment with a performance by Shani Rigsbee, who is a staunch ally in the struggle to raise cancer awareness. The pop star was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at a young age, but battled and overcame the disease en route to a successful musical career.

The luncheon was presented by the Dr. Norick Bogossian Cancer Care Guild, which was established in 2011 and named in honor of the late plastic surgeon. Dr. Bogossian spent several years as a plastic/reconstructive surgeon at Glendale Adventist before succumbing to colon cancer in 2009.

  MICHAEL YEGHIAYAN