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.