Harrah’s Southern California Resort in Funner, CA has a great program called “Funner Model Citizen” which consists of Team Members with a passion for making a positive impact by serving guests, the team, and/or the community.

Terri writes, "I so happy that HCMA Volunteer Judy and her son were able to join me at  Funner, CA at our 2024 Funner Model Citizen Grand Prize Share the Wealth Contest Ceremony. "

Harrahs Resort Southern California in Funner, CA has a great program called “Funner Model Citizen” It consists of Team Members with a passion for making a positive impact by serving guests, the team, and/or the community.  

We become Funner Model Citizens by volunteerism, participating in our Business Impact Groups (BIGS), provide Family style service to guests and team members, participate in property committee boards and volunteering and assisting in the execution of certain property events.  For every team member who participates or qualifies as a Model Citizen will have the chance to win the Model Citizen Awards.  Ten team members “Share the Wealth” annual winners receive; 60,000 Total Return Credits and $1,500 cash donations to the charity of the winners choice.  

For 2024, I was one of the 10 winners, and I chose HCMA to receive this donation.  I am a huge advocate on women’s heart health and this year, I was asked by our Womens Leadership Group – Saavy (Saavy Women, Smart Business) to speak on my condition. 

 I was diagnosed in 2009 with HoCM.  In 2019, I became a facebook member of HCMA and in 2020, I become a HCMA member (a subscribed member for 1-2 years).  In June 2020, I was told that I need to have a myectomy and mitral valve repair, ASAP and (that Dr., which I will not name), advised me that he could not help me and I needed to find someone who could).  HCMA assisted me with finding the best and at the time, the quickest, COE for this surgery.  In September 2020, I had my surgery at Stanford.  With a few complications involved, I was able to come out of the other side and start living life again.

 After my surgery, I was recommended to do my recovery and follow up appointments with UCSD, a COE for HCM. I then became a patient to Dr. Silva Enciso and he has been God send to me.   In May 2021, I began to have syncope episodes.  I downplayed it for some time and once I got serious about it,  Dr. Silva referred me to a UCSD EP, Dr.  Frederick Han.  They both decided to put a heart monitor on me and within 10 days, it was discovered that my heart was stopping, result in my syncope episodes and while sleeping, 

 Both Dr’s reacted quickly and within 4 days of this discovery, it was determined that I needed a pacemaker.  In July 2022, I had a 2-lead wire pacemaker inserted and since then, my syncope episodes went away, and I could sleep knowing my heart was safeguarded and again I can babysit my grandchildren I could have a good nights sleep.  Due to Dr. Silva’s great care, he recommended that I join a clinical research study for a new medication, Aficamtem.  In April 2024, I joined the study and at this this time, I am in the last part of the trial.  

Due to my history with HoCM and the struggles, I felt it was only right to say thank you to Lisa and her team who have spear headed such an important cause and help HCM patients with finding the right care (COE facilities), recommendations and support.