The spirit of the holidays filled the neuroscience inpatient unit at Community Regional Medical Center as the Encore volunteer group of young professionals paraded the halls with holiday cheer delivering gifts talking with patients and their families. The families and staff were overwhelmed with gratitude for the generosity of this young group.

The Encore group is made up of 14 men who came together to raise funds in memory of the former Fresno State Defensive Coordinator, Dan Brown, who succumbed to a brain tumor in 2010. To date, these ambitious philanthropists have raised more than $300,000 for The Central California Neuroscience Institute at Community Regional through the Dan Brown Legacy Fund.  Community Regional, with the help of Encore, is expanding its specialized neurological services and building a world class, comprehensive brain tumor program in Fresno. It’s both Community’s and Encore’s goal that no one should have to seek top-notch neurological care away from home and family.

Top: Registered Nurse Abel Miranda, unit manager Jessica Dempsey, Registered Nurse Karla Scott, Encore members Kenny Amendola, Vincent Kennedy, Matt Kolbert, Vincent Ricchiuti, Justin Vartanian, Jordan Christensen, Scott Grossman and Neuroscience Service Line Administrator Andrew Meade Bottom: Registered Nurse Earl Samson, Encore members Brandon Esraelian, Derek Morrison, J.P. Shamshoian and Andy Bennett Encore members not pictured: Arakel Arisian, Jeff Pardini, Paul Reynolds

Thank you Encore for your commitment to help expand our community’s neurological resources by giving of your time and heart throughout the year, but most importantly, this season, for the joy and hope you have brought to the patients in the neuroscience unit at Community Regional over the holidays. To learn more visit DanBrownLegacyFund.com. 

Katelyn Ashton
Development Officer, Community Medical Foundation