Three "Unforgettable" Local Caregivers Honored

Each day, pediatric physicians, ER specialists, surgeons and neonatologists make a huge difference in the lives of children and their Inland Southern California families. On Dec. 31, New Year's Eve, The Unforgettables Foundation honored local caregivers with the annual Unforgettable Pediatric Doctor Award during the 15th Annual Lights for Little Lives Memorial Walk and Candle Lighting Ceremony in Loma Linda. This year’s winners were nominated by their respective colleagues for this award. * Loma Linda Children’s Hospital: Amy Young, M.D. a pediatric specialist practicing in adolescent medicine and pediatric forensics. Dr. Young practices at the San Bernardino County Children’s Assessment Center. She received her medical degree from Loma Linda University School of Medicine and served her internship and residency at Loma Linda University. * Riverside County Medical Association: Timothy W. Mackey, M.D., a pediatric specialist, is Board-certified in pediatrics. He has practiced in Riverside since 1990. Dr. Mackey received his medical degree at the University of Texas, Austin and completed his internship and residency at The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston. He is a Diplomat of the American Board of Pediatrics. Dr. Mackey is the Chairman of the RCMA Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Committee. * San Bernardino County Medical Society: Clare Sheridan-Matney, M.D., FAAP, CAP, a pediatric specialist practicing in child abuse pediatrics; Chief, Division of Forensic Pediatrics, Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital. Dr. Sheridan-Matney is the leader of the San Bernardino County Children's Assessment Center, dealing firsthand with abused child interviews. She is a founding advisor/member of The Unforgettables Foundation and served as the first board secretary. Dr. Sheridan-Matney received her medical degree from the University College Dublin. The award was originally created in honor of physician husband and wife team Lawrence Tomasi, MD, and Nuria Pages, MD, who died in a tragic auto collision on their way to attend their son’s medical graduation. Dr. Tomasi practiced pediatric neurology at Loma Linda Children’s Hospital and Dr. Pages was a neonatologist at Riverside County Regional Medical Center in Moreno Valley. “These two doctors will forever be missed by family, friends and patients. The Unforgettables Foundation wants people to remember the couple for all of the many lives they touched and for being exceptional physicians for kids in the Inland Empire," said Tim Evans, The Unforgettables Foundation founder. Beginning at 3:30 p.m. on New Year's Eve, the Lights walk began in front of the Ronald McDonald House in Loma Linda, proceeding three blocks to the Campus Hill Church for a candle lighting and naming ceremony. Approximately 200 residents and supporters attended the family-friendly free community awareness event. The Lights for Little Lives Memorial Walk and Candle Lighting was the very first public event created by The Unforgettables Foundation after a full year of serving families across the region. To date, nearly 5,000 families have been helped with financial and burial support from over 80 cities in Southern California.