Tribute to Courage 2026: Celebrating a 90 Year Legacy of Courage, Healing, and Innovation

On March 14, 2026, the Sheraton Fairplex in Pomona served as a catalyst for transformation as more than 700 supporters gathered for Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare’s Tribute to Courage Gala. 

This milestone evening wasn’t just a look back at nine decades of history—it was a powerful demonstration of the "Courage, Healing, and Innovation" that defines our mission. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, the event was a resounding success, raising vital funds for Casa Colina’s Free and Subsidized Care Program, ensuring that life-changing rehabilitation remains accessible to those in financial need. 

A Legacy of Resilience: From "House on the Hill" to National Leader 

The evening, hosted by Emmy Award-winner Leeza Gibbons, took guests on a journey through time. Board Chair Gary Cripe and CEO Kelly Linden reflected on our origins in 1936, when "Mother" Smith founded Casa Colina as a refuge for children suffering from polio. 

Today, that 'house on the hill' provides expert care for an expansive range of medical conditions and rehabilitative needs, while maintaining its status as a nationally recognized leader in treating traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and strokes. 

 

Innovation in Motion: The Robotic Exoskeleton 

One of the most talked-about moments of the night was a live demonstration of the Ekso Bionics robotic exoskeleton. Dr. Emily Rosario, Executive Director of the Casa Colina Research Institute, introduced patient Erick Moran and therapist Ruben Sanchez, who showcased how this FDA-cleared technology "re-teaches" the brain and muscles to walk again. 

This cutting-edge device is a cornerstone of our translational research, moving scientific breakthroughs directly from the "bench to the bedside" to improve patient outcomes in real-time. 

 

Pushing Boundaries: Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) 

The gala also provided a glimpse into the future of paralysis treatment. Dr. Rosario highlighted our pioneering work in Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) research alongside partners like Caltech, UCLA, and Blackrock Neurotech. We were honored to recognize participant James Johnson, whose courage in participating in this groundbreaking research is helping to develop technology that allows individuals to operate devices simply by thinking. 





 

The Road Ahead: A Growing Campus 

Kelly Linden shared an inspiring vision for the next chapter of Casa Colina, including several major projects designed to expand our reach: 

• Additional Outpatient Therapy Gym, Parking Structure, and Connecting Skybridge: Providing advanced services so even more patients can access our world-class clinicians and specialized programs. 

• Monrovia Outpatient Clinic: Now open to bring specialized care further west. 

• Mobility Park: A simulated urban environment on our Pomona campus where patients can practice navigating curbs, stairs, and uneven terrain in a safe setting. 

• Mobility Court: A designated place where our patients can face off in wheelchair basketball, rugby, pickleball, and other adaptive sports. 

• New Sports Field: Expanding our sports medicine and adaptive athletic programs. 

• Innovation Lab: A new home for the Research Institute to showcase the latest in rehab tech. 

Leave Your Mark: The "Path to the Future" 

To commemorate our 90th anniversary, we officially launched the “Path to the Future” Brick Campaign. Supporters now have the opportunity to purchase a commemorative brick to line the gardens of our campus—a lasting tribute to loved ones, caregivers, or the resilience of our patients. 

Thank you to our sponsors and to everyone who attended. Your support ensures that for the next 90 years, Casa Colina will continue to be a place where miracles happen every day. 

Interested in supporting our mission? Click here to learn more about our Free and Subsidized Care Program or to donate.