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ATRON PROFILES ATRON PROFILES PATRONS | Fall 2016 22 PATRONS | Fall 2016 22 Wife Celi shares Jarrod's mindset. e former physical therapist aims to recreate for her family the same simple, healthy life she experienced while growing up in Sao Paulo, Brazil. She works out every day—including the day Sol was born. Celi moved to Hawaii from Brazil when she was 23. In the late 1990s she relocated to Santa Monica, where a friend—believing they might make a good match—introduced her to Jarrod. rough his relentless drive, she saw a "good heart." "He is a gentleman and always treats every- one fairly." But it was Jarrod's Chihuahua mix Doogie, who really played matchmaker. "Doogie went right up to her and wouldn't leave her alone. He doesn't do that with any- body else, so I knew I had a winner," Jarrod says. With their health-conscious mindset, it didn't take much convincing when close friend, and Torrance Memorial Medical Center Patron John Hirshberg, suggested the Dogans support a cause to benefit the com- munity's health. Hirshberg is founder of Tour de Pier, an annual stationary cycling event on the Manhattan Beach pier plaza to benefit cancer charities. He introduced Jarrod to Judith Gassner, senior director of development and principal gifts for the Torrance Memorial Foundation. Considering the health of their young family, and also Jarrod's parents and siblings, whom he had moved to America, the Dogans became major donors. Shortly after, a series of family health crises affirmed their decision. Toddler Sol fell from a changing table at his swim school and was treated in Torrance Memorial's Emergency Department for an eye so badly bruised it remained closed for a week. "e doctors were really good at calming down our high-energy son. I could tell they really knew what they were doing," says Celi. Months later in August, ever pushing his limits, Jarrod began experiencing frightening symptoms while on an extreme mountain biking trip in Mammoth. "I couldn't breathe, I was coughing up blood. My heart rate dropped to 62. Mam- moth Hospital said if I didn't get to sea level, I could potentially die," he says. Doctors diagnosed Jarrod with pulmonary edema, a condition that can develop at high altitudes, causing excess fluid to accumulate in the lungs. "I immediately had someone drive me to Torrance Memorial," he says. When he arrived, pulmonologist Deren Sinkowitz, MD, recognized the potential gravity of his condition. "He was incredible. I wanted to leave, but he looked me in the eye and said, 'You're not going anywhere. We are going to monitor and take care of you.'" "It's only when something serious happens to you that you realize there is no amount of money you could pay for good health care," Jar- rod says. "Supporting this hospital is the best decision I ever made for myself and my family." Next on the horizon for Jarrod and Hybrid Apparel is continuing to evolve the technol- ogy, speed and methods in which apparel is brought to market and guiding his employees to reach their potential. e company is clos- ing in on a global deal with e Beatles and also a big acquisition. But of equal importance is relishing the moment. His four-year game plan includes taking a two-year sabbatical to travel the world with his family. "I came from nothing, I came here with nothing. Now I just really want to help peo- ple," Jarrod says. "When you believe in people the possibilities are endless."