Real-Life Action Heroes

When you think of an action hero, images of men in capes flying through the air probably come to mind. But at The Wellness Community Valley/Ventura we have the privilege of working with real-life heroes who take action every day to make a difference in the community – and they do it all without capes!

Four of these cancer support heroes will be honored at the 19th Anniversary Celebration of Life Gala on May 7, and we are pleased to present you with a glimpse of who they are. (Of course, to really understand the enormous impact our Honorees have made, you would have to meet them in person, so we invite you to reserve your seats now for the big night!)

Bernard S. Lewinsky, MD, FACR is Medical Director of West Hills Radiation Center and has over 35 years of experience treating cancer patients. His love of nature photography inspired him to transform his office into a Healing Art Gallery where his patients find calm and relaxation in the midst of their radiation treatment. Dr. Lewinsky will receive the Celebration of Excellence award.






Helen Gateka-Anderson is the founder and past principal of Bethany Christian School in Thousand Oaks and has over 40 years of teaching experience. She has been a source of hope and compassion for her fellow support group members at The Wellness Community throughout her courageous experience with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and ovarian and breast cancer. She will receive the Celebration of Hope award.



John L. Notter, Sr. will receive the Celebration of Philanthropy award for supporting cancer patients and cancer research, as a community leader, a member of the Board of Directors of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation and as Chairman of the Board of the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research. Notter was instrumental in the development of the city of Westlake Village and is the owner of Westlake Village Inn, Bogies, and Mediterraneo Restaurant.



Lyn Woodley has dedicated countless hours of service to the cancer patients and their families who come to The Wellness Community Valley/Ventura for support and hope. As a front desk volunteer, she is the first to greet visitors and always makes them feel welcome and cared for. She was instrumental in making the 2008 and 2009 Holiday Homes Tours successful. Woodley will receive the Celebration of Life award.

We would like to thank our Honorees and everyone who has given of themselves to make life better for people touched by cancer. Heroes don’t just exist in comic books – they’re real people who have chosen to make a difference one day at a time.

A Masterful Moment

Phil Mickelson’s win at the Masters on Sunday was a stunning reminder of how cancer brings a family together. After clinching his third (but arguably his most memorable) Masters victory, Phil met his wife Amy behind the 18th green with a great big bear hug and we all got to see a single tear roll down Lefty’s cheek as they embraced. It was enough to make even the most die-hard Tiger, Boom Boom or Lee fan more than a little verklempt.

This was the first tournament Amy Mickelson had been able to attend in person after being diagnosed with breast cancer 11 months ago. In fact, Phil wasn’t sure whether Amy would be strong enough to make it that day. Happily she found the strength to be there, along with their three children, and Phil’s mother Mary Mickelson who was also sadly diagnosed with breast cancer in July.

When cancer touches a family, it changes everything. After Amy’s diagnosis, Phil suspended his PGA Tour schedule so he could be with his wife through treatment. Once it was determined that Amy’s prognosis was good, Phil planned to return to golf, only to be blindsided by his mother’s diagnosis. He took another leave from the Tour.


We see how cancer affects families every day at The Wellness Community. That’s why we offer programs that provide hope, support, and knowledge to the whole family, not just the patient. These programs include:

· Family Support Groups: Facilitated by professional psychotherapists with extensive training and experience working with people affected by cancer.

· Networking Groups: People with cancer and their loved ones can connect with others dealing with the same type of cancer.

· Kids Circle: A group for children who have a parent or grandparent with cancer. With the guidance of professional psychotherapists, kids play games, make art projects, and talk with others who know what it’s like to be part of a family dealing with cancer.

· Transition Group: For those who have experienced the loss of a loved one due to cancer.

We also offer stress reduction programs such as yoga and guided imagery, plus creative programs like watercolors and knitting. A variety of guest speakers offer insight and expertise on everything from treatment to nutrition, finances and beyond.

In celebration of families everywhere who are facing cancer together, we’d like to offer the Mickelson family our congratulations and encourage them to keep holding on to what’s important. There will always be another Masters to win or lose, but our families are the ones who are there waiting for us on the 18th green.

For more information about our free programs, please visit our website or call 805.379.4777.

Photo Courtesy of Getty Images