Inspirational Giant Will Speak At Joie de Vie Gala
Sonora, CA — This year’s Joie de Vie Gala will feature a speech by a former San Francisco Giant, and special recognition given to a community leader.
The annual fundraiser, to be held this year on October 16 at Ironstone Vineyards, benefits Sonora Regional Medical Center’s Cancer Patient Support Fund and construction of the Diana J. White Cancer Institute and Outpatient Pavilion. This year’s gala will feature former pitcher, and cancer survivor, Dave Dravecky.
SRMC spokesperson Lindsay Brewer says, “We are so grateful and excited to have Mr. Dravecky share his story with us. Cancer is a disease that, either directly or indirectly, seems to affect all of us. Stories like Mr. Dravecky’s are an inspiration.”
Dravecky was sidelined in 1988 due to a cancerous tumor on his pitching arm, but was able to return the following year. His return was unfortunately short lived as he suffered other injuries, and the eventual return of cancer. Following retirement his left arm and shoulder were amputated, and he started sharing his story with others, and became an author and inspirational speaker.
In addition, Kate Powell Segerstrom will receive this year’s Irving J. Symons Award recognizing outstanding community service. She joins past recipients like Frank Salel, H. Randolph Holder, Robert Cutler, Pete Kerns, Pete and Sue Kleinert, Joe Martin, Chuck and Willy Evans, Mary Laveroni, Patricia and Harvey Rhodes, Ty Wivell and Dick and Audrey Pland.
For more details about the Joie de Vie Gala, click here.
