APRIL-JUNE 2026
25TH ANNIVERSARY March 1, 2026
*** PRESIDENT – BILL STARK
A HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL OUR MENDED HEARTS BOARD, MEMBERS, MEETING ATTENDEES, ACCREDITED VISITORS, DOCTORS, NURSES, ADMINISTRATORS, ANNENBERG CENTER STAFF, HOSPITALITY AND MARKETING AT BOTH HOSPITALS FOR THEIR AMAZING SUPPORT AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO OUR FIRST 25 YEARS. LOOKING FORWARD TO THE EXCITING YEARS AHEAD!!!
It is our hope that this newsletter will get into your hands via our new website:
https://bit.ly/MendedHeartsofCoachellaValley
Check it out as this is our new medium and the newsletter will no longer be printed in hard copy. We hope that you will embrace this new approach and give Carl Rushing your ideas to improve content.
On March 1, 2026, Mended Hearts of Coachella Valley officially reached our 25 th Anniversary. Chapter 281 was started at Eisenhower Medical Center a quarter of a century ago. The Volunteer Director, Aadila Sabat-St. Clair, also celebrated by hosting a lovely luncheon March 2nd attended by members of the chapter and many hospital staff. We were honored to have Dr.’s Joseph Wilson, Daniel Logsdon and Scott Strech attend along with many hospital staff that we interface with on a daily basis and greatly support what we do. The lunch itself was delicious, provided by Christiann Tyler and her staff. We are indebted to many people at the Annenberg Center for Health Sciences building, marketing and A/V departments along with Candy Mejia from Desert Cardiology.
Carolyn Warner and I gave a brief history of Mended Hearts and our many activities here in the Valley. Dr. Wilson talked about our journey from the early days until now. We certainly are proud of the number of visits we make to heart patients and their families, our partnership with Eisenhower to bring educational programs together Valley and beyond. We have a special activity to provide cardiac nurses scholarships at Eisenhower and Desert Regional Medical Center. We are fortunate and very thankful to those who support this wonderful way of helping cardiac nursing professionals.
I must say that I and my family were very surprised to be recognized and given beautiful flowers to my wife, Carole, and a stunning red heart to myself. Having our two daughters, Cindy and Stacy, there so I could tell our heart history and genetic disposition was very special. We were very blessed and thank Aadila, Carolyn, Dr. Wilson, Suzan, JT and Alyssa for being part of this. Everyone in the room, our membership, board and visitors including the two hospitals have all contributed to our longevity and contributions to heart health care. Please accept your inclusion in this recognition. Our 25 years together, including our brothers and sisters no longer with us, have made this Chapter of Mended Hearts, Inc® successful.
NURSES SCHOLARSHIPS - With the generous donations received before and after the luncheon, we are in a position to offer another group of cardiac nurse scholarships. Applications were distributed at both hospitals March 25 and are due by email April 23 with an ambitious goal of awarding scholarships during Nurses Appreciation week in May. We wish all applicants the very best.
MENDED HEARTS EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
Open to Healthcare Professionals, Community Members, Patients and Families
*** CARL RUSHING – VICE PRESIDENT/PROGRAMS
All lectures are held at the Annenberg Health Sciences Building at Eisenhower Health. Most lectures take place from 6:00–7:00 pm and are immediately followed by the monthly Mended Hearts of Coachella Valley support group meeting. Some programs are offered as lunch meetings beginning at 12:00 noon. An evening meeting will not be held on those dates,
Most lectures are also available live via Zoom. Please register at eisenhowerhealth.org/calendar and select either in-person or virtual attendance. Zoom details and the link to join the virtual presentation will be provided after registration.
Community members, heart patients, their families, and healthcare professionals are warmly invited to attend. We want every heart patient and their loved ones to know:
You Are Not Alone on Your Heart Journey.
***THURSDAY, April 9, 2026 / 12:00-1:00 P.M.
OPEN FORUM! Get answers to all your questions.
DINESH SHARMA, DO, BOARD-CERTIFIED IN CARDIOLOGIST AND INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGIST
Join us for an open forum luncheon with Dinesh Sharma, DO, a board-certified cardiologist and interventional cardiologist, who will host an informal discussion and answer general heart-related medical questions. Dr. Sharma is known for his patient-centered approach and commitment to shared decision-making, helping patients understand their treatment options in a clear and compassionate way. This interactive session offers a welcoming opportunity to learn, ask questions, and engage in meaningful conversation about heart health.
This is your chance to ask questions, get trusted answers, and hear expert advice on heart wellness from one of the best in the field.
***THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2026 / 6:00-8:00 P.M.
CHOLESTEROL, NEW GOALS AND NEW THERAPIES
PHILIP J. SHAVER, MD, BOARD-CERTIFIED IN CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE AND INTERNAL MEDICINE
Pease join Dr. Philip J. Shaver, MD for an enriching discussion around Cholesterol and your cardiovascular health. Dr. Shaver will also be sharing insights about his Navy career, extensive cardiovascular experiences as a notable physician at Eisenhower Health, along with a personal testament to his recent heart surgery.
Following the featured speaker presentation and Q&A, we will hold our monthly Mended Hearts support group meeting. This supportive and welcoming time is open to heart patients, family members, and caregivers, offering encouragement, shared experiences and connection. We want every heart patient and their loved ones to know:
You Are Not Alone on Your Heart Journey.
***THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2026 / 6:00 – 8:00 P.M.
HEART STRONG WITH THE POWER
OF INTENSIVE CARDIAC REHAB & NUTRITION
Cynthia Clark, MS, EP, Exercise Physiologist, M.S. Kinesiology and Samantha Schoneman, MPH, RDN, Registered Dietitian will lead a discussion on Intensive Cardiac Rehab, a medically supervised program incorporating exercise, nutrition and a healthy mindset. Cardiac rehab and nutrition empower individuals to build sustainable lifestyle changes for a stronger and healthy heart.
Following the featured evening speaker presentation and Q&A, we will hold our monthly Mended Hearts support group meeting. This supportive and welcoming time is open to heart patients, family members and caregivers, offering encouragement, shared experiences and connection. We want every heart patient and their loved ones to know:
You Are Not Alone on Your Heart Journey.
*** SECRETARY – FAYE CHOW
OPEN FORUM MEETING: FEBRUARY 12, 2026, 12:30 TO 1:30 PM
ANNENBERG HEALTH SCIENCES BUILDING, EISENHOWER HEALTH
HEART-to-HEART:YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Dr. Lester Padilla MD, Board Certified Cardiologist with Eisenhower Desert Cardiology Center conducted an open forum meeting for the general public as well as the members of Mended Hearts Chapter 281. He has been on the staff at Eisenhower Health for 30 years. The audience provided questions on subjects such as: the treatment of ablation for atrial fibrillation, the use of statins for atherosclerosis, can AI predict more diagnoses, what is a calcium score, what is the effect of sleep apnea on your heart rate, and many more. The audience appreciated Dr. Padilla’s friendly demeanor and extensive knowledge of the large spectrum of heart disease. Lunch was included for all those who attended.
(Chapter business meetings are not conducted at open forum meetings.)
MEETING MINUTES: MARCH 12, 2026
The twenty-seventh in a series of meetings starting October, 2022, held in partnership with the Community Education Department at Eisenhower Health (EH), was conducted via Zoom by Brett Klein, EH staff, and in-person at the Annenberg Health Sciences Building on March 12, 2026. Attendees: 22 in-person; no viewers via Zoom. Vice-President Carl Rushing opened the meeting at 6:00 PM, followed by Remarks. On March 2, 2026, Director, Volunteer Services Aadila Sabat-St.Clair and staff members provided a luncheon for the members of Mended Hearts Chapter 281 to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Chapter’s volunteering at Eisenhower Health. Carl added that Mended Hearts visitors also find that there is a culture of friendliness and professionalism at EH that contributes to the positive relationships. Next month’s meeting will be a luncheon. That meeting and all future meetings are published on the chapter’s website/calendar. A flyer was distributed tonight as an example of what the patients will be given in lieu of a printed chapter newsletter. It contains instructions on how to obtain information on the chapter’s website. Carl next introduced the speaker for the evening, Mr. Ben Farber, Vice President, Patient Care and Chief Nursing Officer at Eisenhower Health.
A RETURN to NORMAL with an EYE TOWARD the FUTURE
Mr. Farber began his presentation with an overview of Eisenhower Health. Primarily, it consists of two hospitals, 29 operating rooms, 104 outpatient clinics, 5000+ employees and a flow of 1.1 million patient visits/yr. When he joined EH in June, 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic had already resulted in record high levels of RN turnover across the nation. It became clear that pre-pandemic recruitment methods were no longer effective. He began with a Magnet Conference in 2021 as a “small start”. With the focus of hiring new nursing school graduates, they extended their reach from the two nursing schools in the Valley to include all RN programs in the Inland Empire. Furthermore, they were present at job fairs, “pinnings”, in classrooms and functioned as project reviewers. Utilizing Social Media, RN’s described their reasons for choosing EH with the “culture of friendliness” of staff members being a primary reason. Other measures taken were: Councils being used as decision-making bodies; Conferences focused on new graduates; Retention encouraged by providing educational opportunities, bringing in international speakers; Utilizing the “DAISY” award for outstanding service to patients for the “Nurse of the Month”, opportunities to go to school and other incentives. Increasing the number of nurses as employees of the hospital also results as a savings since it reduces the need for Travel Nurses who receive a higher salary. Mr. Farber described more incentives and varieties of participation for the nurses and indicated that more are planned for the future. One measure of the effect of the program is a study of the rate of RN turnover from 2023 to 2025, which indicated a drop in the percent of turnover from 18.04% in 2023 to 13.53% in 2025. (Note: Mr. Farber mentioned that this presentation was selected for presentation at the “largest nursing conference in the nation in 2025,”demonstrating the contribution of Eisenhower Health on advances in nursing at a national level.) Mr. Farber also answered questions from the audience to provide additional information and clarification. Among the questions was “What impact has the Mended Hearts visitors program had over the 25 years since it began?” Mr. Farber replied that the nurses are very grateful, since their patients have hope for successful results of their treatment, after speaking with people who have undergone the same procedures.
A 15 -minute break for refreshments followed the presentation.
Chapter Business: Carl began the meeting session with answers to questions on the handout for the patients: (1) It is currently printed in black and white, until an economical means of printing it in color is found. (2) It is not printed in Spanish at this time.
Growing Membership: Carl, Bill and Dick have been discussing how to increase membership in the chapter. Dick will be making monthly announcements at our meetings about active membership in particular. They appreciate suggestions. Other ways to be active, besides being visitors, are community outreach; e.g., Brett Klein needs individuals to go to various community events. Other possibilities are: collaborate with other hospitals that are also looking for ways to do community outreach; become a Chapter Board Member. Carl has been looking into other chapters that are also reaching out for more members. Bill, Carl, Dan and Ingrid will be reaching out several opportunities for continued funding to help us with our printing needs and outreach. This will help us establish a website and get more involved with the community. It is also the intention to have copies printed in Spanish. In the meantime, we can direct the Spanish-speaking patients/families to the National Office where many resources are available. There are also I-Pad translators in many languages available at the unit Secretary’s station. Donations to the Chapter: Information on how to donate to the chapter and the nurses’ scholarship fund is included on the flyer.
Volunteers Luncheon at Eisenhower will be held Tuesday, April 14, 2025.
Volunteers Awards Luncheon for Desert Regional will be held at the Hyatt in Palm Springs, 1130-2:00PM April 22, 2026.
Next Chapter Meeting will be a luncheon meeting Open Forum with Dr. Sharma answering questions from the audience about heart-related problems: Thursday, April 9, 2026, 12:00 – 1:00 PM. Registrations need to be made by logging into the Eisenhower Calendar website.
Meeting adjourned at 7:30 PM.
***VISITING CHAIR – BILL STARK
URGENT NOTICE – VISITORS NEEDED!!!
We have an immediate need for additional visitors at Desert Regional Medical Center and Eisenhower Health.
Our visiting program is a vital part of supporting heart patients and their families, and your time can truly make a difference.
If you are a heart patient or would like more information, please contact Bill Stark as soon as possible. Thank you for your continued dedication and support.
***MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN – DICK FREIMAN
Greetings members, here’s hoping you all had a great Holiday and Happy New Year.
Upon examining our current membership, many of the members’ dues have lapsed. Please review your membership status and bring yours up-to-date. National also sends reminders to every member. If you’re not receiving these reminders, please let me know. To submit your national dues, go to www.mendedhearts.org. Click on join button and follow instructions. If you choose one of the paid levels which are indicated on the membership form attached on the last page of our Newsletter, our chapter receives a 25% share from National.
Please consider making an additional donation to our chapter 281. We have operational expenses such as office supplies, etc. and depend on your donations to provide scholarships for our cardiac nurses at Eisenhower Health and Desert Regional. Many scholarships have been awarded throughout the years by our chapter. Please make checks payable to: Mended Hearts of
Coachella Valley® Chapter #281. Donations will be deposited by our chapter Treasurer, Liz Young, 78310 Willowrich Dr. Palm Desert, CA. 92211.
Prior to our meetings, we have a phone committee who contacts our members to remind them of the date and time. I’m so appreciative that Margaret Manson and Sandy Sladen have joined the calling group which is now five in total. Also, if you have any questions regarding membership dues, please call or e-mail me. Dick Freiman (760) 501-5096 / dickfreiman@gmail.com
BOARD MEMBERS
PRESIDENT
BILL STARK
760-777-3062
bstarkdest@verizon.net
VICE PRESIDENT/PROGRAMS
CARL RUSHING
404-610-8922
carl.w.rushing@gmail.com
SECRETARY
FAYE CHOW
760-341-5706
jaimeandfaye@verizon.net
TREASURER
LIZ YOUNG
760-409-8181
iblizy3@aol.com
MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN
DICK FREIMAN
760-501-5096
dickfreiman@gmail.com
VISITING CHAIRMAN
BILL STARK
760-777-3062
bstarkdest@verizon.net
EMAIL COORDINATOR
DAVID DIBLEY
650-452-8844
dibleyda@hotmail.com
FUND RAISING
DAN & INGRID TWOHEY
925-348-3295
510-703-5495
twohey1@hotmail.com
NEWSLETTER EDITOR
CAROLE STARK
760-772-1461
bstarkdest@verizon.net