Torrance Memorial

10/12/2025

Community Spotlight: Lou Giovannetti ✨

Broadway performer turned restaurateur, Lou Giovannetti, came to Southern California for six weeks—and never left. Alongside his wife Grace, a certified sommelier, Lou brings authentic Italian cuisine and a love for community to Primo Italia in Torrance.

From receiving Marchio Q certification for quality and service to donating thousands of meals during COVID-19 to hospitals, first responders, and nonprofits, Lou and Grace prove that running a restaurant can be about more than food—it’s about heart. 💖

Lou also keeps his Broadway roots alive, serenading diners with Sinatra classics and performing at local events, including Torrance Memorial’s Centennial Celebration. “Running a restaurant is like putting on a show every night,” he says—and every meal, every gesture, is part of that performance.

👏 Thank you, Lou and Grace, for feeding the community with creativity, care, and kindness!

10/12/2025

Every October we celebrate National Physical Therapy Month to raise awareness about the many benefits of physical therapy. It's also a great opportunity to appreciate what PTs, PTAs, and students do to transform lives.

These healthcare superheroes help patients regain strength, mobility, and independence. From treating sports injuries, post-surgical recovery, and chronic pain, to preventing future injuries, physical therapists are essential in every step of the healing journey.

Thank you to our amazing team of physical therapists for helping our community live healthier, stronger, and more active lives every day!

10/11/2025

MD Local Spotlight: Drs. Lindsey & Richard Brucker

“Transportation chic” meets wizardry at home for Lindsey and Richard Brucker, two Torrance Memorial physicians who balance busy medical practices with family life.

From Hot Wheels and school buses curated by 2½-year-old Zane to Harry Potter adventures fueled by 9-year-old Owen, the Bruckers’ home is a playground of imagination. When they’re not caring for teens and pediatric patients, the couple enjoys playground trips, theme parks, board games, and soccer, with Richard even coaching AYSO while tending to game-day scrapes like a pro.

“I’m a far better pediatrician after having kids,” he says, “because I can relate to the families so much more.”

Their medical careers are equally inspiring. Lindsey specializes in adolescent medicine, creating a judgment-free space for teens, while Richard’s pediatric expertise shines from clinic to NICU. Together, they bring empathy, dedication, and a touch of fun to everything they do—both at work and at home. 💖

10/09/2025

Cancer doesn’t wait — and neither should you.
Discover which screenings are critical for early detection at this month’s Miracle of Living lecture.

🩺Expert insights
💬Survivor story
⚕️Health screenings
💜Free community event

Join us in person or online October 15!

10/08/2025

We’re so proud of Torrance Memorial Team Member Evelyn Calip of Evelyn's BFF for being recognized by City of Torrance for her incredible work raising awareness about breast cancer and supporting survivors through her foundation. Evelyn’s work as a nurse navigator in our Hunt Cancer Center has helped so many patients fighting breast cancer. She is truly a gem!❤️

10/08/2025

Big news at Torrance Memorial! Our team has performed our first renal denervation procedure, a newly FDA-approved treatment for patients with high blood pressure that’s difficult to control with medication.

This minimally invasive procedure gives patients another way to manage their health and reduce long-term risks of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.

Learn more about this breakthrough from Dr. Arash Aghel, interventional cardiologist, on our blog:

Torrance Memorial performs its first renal denervation procedure, offering a new minimally invasive option for patients with hard-to-control high blood pressure. Learn how this advanced treatment works and who may benefit.

10/06/2025

Planning ahead is one of the most important gifts you can give your loved ones.
Join Torrance Memorial on Tuesday, October 15 at 6 p.m. (via Zoom) for our Advance Care Planning Workshop.
This free session will guide you through making informed choices about your healthcare and documenting your wishes for the future.

Learn More: https://www.torrancememorial.org/healthy-living/classes-lectures-support-groups/search-results-detail/?eventId=6e18d68e-9d5e-f011-a87e-000d3a611c21

10/05/2025

Congratulations to DAISY Award honoree, Lazarus Valenzuela, RN

Lazarus was recognized by both a patient and a family for his extraordinary compassion and dedication. From providing reassurance during a vulnerable moment, to bringing comfort during a long ER stay, Lazarus showed what it means to care for both patients and loved ones with dignity and kindness.

“He was far and away the best, most understanding, and caring nurse we encountered.”

We’re proud to celebrate Lazarus for this well-deserved honor!
DAISY Foundation

10/03/2025

Medicare Open Enrollment is almost here!
From October 15 – December 7, 2025, Medicare recipients can review and update their coverage for 2026. Any changes you make will take effect January 1, 2026.

🔹 Watch for your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) in the mail — it shows how your current plan will change next year.
🔹 Compare benefits carefully — from prescription drug costs to copays.
🔹 Remember: If you’re happy with your plan, you don’t need to make changes.

Bonus: From January 1 – March 31, 2026, those on Medicare Advantage can make one additional change if needed.

👉 Learn more at TorranceMemorialIPA.org/medicare101
or attend one of our complimentary Medicare 101 lectures.

Because making the right choice today means peace of mind tomorrow.

https://www.torrancememorial.org/healthy-living/blog/medicare-fall-open-enrollment-is-on-its-way/

10/01/2025

When Frances Nakamura was diagnosed with lung cancer last year, she used breathwork and her lifelong practice of meditation. During treatment, she held her breath—precisely—while our technology paused if she moved. The result? A full 5-session regimen completed with outstanding results.

Her story reminds us that even in the hardest moments, the right care, close to home, backed by cutting-edge tools, makes all the difference.

https://www.torrancememorial.org/healthy-living/blog/pioneering-radiation-oncology-care-revolutionizing-cancer-treatm/

09/29/2025

Better Rest. Better Healing.
Torrance Memorial has upgraded more than 400 patient sleep surfaces across multiple hospital units. These aren’t ordinary mattresses — they’re advanced clinical tools designed to prevent pressure injuries, enhance comfort, and support healing.

➡️ Progressive Care Units now feature IsoAir surfaces, providing alternating pressure and moisture control for high-acuity patients.

➡️ Med-Surg, TCU, and Mother/Baby units are equipped with IsoTour surfaces, which redistribute pressure and improve circulation.

The results are already clear: fewer hospital-acquired pressure injuries, improved rest, and a better experience for patients and staff.
Because every patient deserves the best — now, every mattress delivers it.

https://www.torrancememorial.org/healthy-living/blog/rest-assured/

09/28/2025

Volunteer Spotlight: Michelle Rand 💖
At any given moment, Michelle Rand is likely preparing for, working at, or wrapping up from a volunteer activity—and she wouldn’t have it any other way. “I love this community. I’m a professional volunteer because I’m blessed to be able to do that,” she says.

Michelle’s journey with Torrance Memorial began when her children started school, and her passion for service quickly found a home at the hospital. From decorating themed Holiday Festival trees to bringing joy as one of our first Santa’s helper elves, Michelle’s dedication touches lives year-round.

Whether comforting a loved one in the hospital lobby or leading our Relay For Life team, she embodies the spirit of giving back. When she’s not volunteering, Michelle enjoys her grandchildren, gardening, and soaking up the sun—recharging her batteries for the next act of kindness.

👏 Thank you, Michelle, for making a difference in our community!