Call this a joyful Christmas lift: patients at Huntington Health, a Cedars-Sinai affiliate, today welcomed the Pasadena Police Air Operations Section and the Foothill Air Support Team (FAST) for “Operation Polar Wind” – a very special visit to Huntington’s pediatric and NICU patients. Pasadena Police Chief Eugene Harris escorted Santa Claus to Huntington Hospital via his sleigh (helicopter), bearing gifts for the hospital to share with pediatric patients. Santa was greeted with a ‘spirit tunnel’ from Huntington Hospital employees and families who were impacted by the Eaton fire.
The hospital’s 20th annual toy drive was funded through generous contributions from the Pasadena Police Department (PPD) employees and officer associations participating in the FAST program throughout the San Gabriel Valley. Every year, these community heroes donate from their own pockets to support Huntington’s pediatric and NICU departments. Also, Huntington NICU families received a special ‘Baby’s 1st Christmas’ photo ornament from PPD.
At the close of the celebration, John M. Corman, MD, interim president and chief clinical officer of Huntington Health, and Pasadena Police Chief Gene Harris took a special moment to honor Pasadena Police Air Operations Section facilities manager, Jose Valdez, with a certificate of appreciation recognizing his 20 consecutive years of participation in Operation Polar Wind. Our patients, their families, and staff deeply appreciate his dedication and generosity.
The donations were also provided by Arcadia, Covina, Glendora, Irwindale, Pasadena, San Marino, and South Pasadena Police Departments, Pasadena Police Foundation and their generous corporate partners.
Get our daily Pasadena newspaper in your email box. Free.
Get all the latest Pasadena news, more than 10 fresh stories daily, 7 days a week at 7 a.m.
