Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/551105
4 0 | PULSE S u m m e r 2 0 1 5 XXXXXXX T hose who work regularly in service or as volunteers will tell you that the happiest people on earth are those who give back. Just ask Judy Sipes, founder of Torrance Memorial Medical Center's Luminaries and Novas volunteer programs that support the hospital and its patients. e Luminaries began in 1990 with a small group of women from the Palos Verdes Peninsula wanting to support Torrance Memorial with their time and fundraising efforts, as well as foster the volunteer spirit in youth through the Novas program. Twenty-five years later, thousands of dollars have been raised and vital projects have been launched, helping deliver more resources and comfort for patients. In addition to providing service within the hospital and at special events, Luminaries support the Woman to Woman Image Enhancement Center. Women who are experiencing hair loss due to cancer treatments or other medical illnesses may receive a private image consultation and receive free products through this program, which helps build confidence and self-esteem in women recovering from illness. "I am just so proud that this organization is still going aer all these years and has just gotten stronger and stronger," says Sipes. "It is amazing to me. We hoped it would be a success, but how do you know ?" Children of active Luminaries can join Novas, a volunteer program for high school students age 13 to 18 years old. Joining Novas allows teenagers to gain valuable experience through volunteering as patient escorts in the hospital, as well as helping outside the hospital at special events—making hospitality kits and blankets for patients, decorating the pediatrics ward and other activities. "It's a great way to teach children to have empathy for others and to live a life of service and gratitude," explains Alice Diego-Malit, MD, president of the Luminaries and a pediatrician with a private clinic practice in Carson. In fact, the ability to "create learning moments for children while spending quality time together" is what drew Dr. Diego-Malit into the Luminaries program in the first place. "I wanted my children to be able to be Novas. It's a wonderful program of service," she says. A mother of four, Dr. Diego-Malit knows the importance of volunteering "IT'S A GREAT WAY TO TEACH CHILDREN TO HAVE EMPATHY FOR OTHERS AND TO LIVE A LIFE OF SERVICE AND GRATITUDE." The Malit family at work and play. Left: A vacation on Maui; Below: Benjamin, 18, on piano; Right: a family tradition of volunteerism.