Methodist Hospital’s Mardi Gras Raises $79,000 for its Stroke Program

About 500 guests honored neurologist Dr. Kenneth Wogensen as Mardi Gras King 2012 last week at the 17th Annual Mardi Gras at Sirona’s, Santa Anita Park.
Over $79,000 was raised in support of Methodist Hospital’s stroke program. Guests were treated to delicious food provided by 24 top area restaurants. The traditional Mardi Gras parade, led by Arcadia High School band members, included Dr. Wogensen dressed in royal garb and members of the Mardi Gras committee.
Ernest and Gunde Posey were top “Mardi Gras” sponsors. Other top sponsors were HealthCare Partners Medical Group – Region 1 and Kindred Healthcare/RehabCare.
As Dr. Wogensen “reigned” over the festivities, committee co-chairs Lindburgh McPherson and Sherri Taylor greeted folks and ensured that guests had a fun time. They and their committee of 28 volunteers spent many hours planning the event.
Julie Maldonado won the iPad2 drawing, and awards were given to restaurants in the Best Presentation Contest. Dave and Buster’s won first place, and The Derby and Opera took second place.
The support provided from the Mardi Gras proceeds will help with the expansion of the hospital’s stroke program, which greatly impacts the lives of those afflicted by a stroke as well as their loved ones. Stroke is the leading cause of death and primary cause of adult disability within the United States.
It is imperative to immediately call 911 if someone appears to have stroke symptoms. When the brain can be preserved, the subsequent quality of life for a person afflicted by a stroke can change vastly. Emergency response teams will take a patient to an approved stroke-receiving center like Methodist Hospital. The certified, interdisciplinary team will give immediate, interventional care, striving to have stroke patients back home, resuming quality of daily life with their loved ones.

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