Yo San University of Traditional Chinese Medicine recently celebrated 25 years of teaching excellence and serving its community by awarding actor Pierce Brosnan the Robert Graham Visionary Award and raising money for its popular community clinic.
Yo San recognized Brosnan for his "global advocacy dedicated to the health and wellness of humanity, in concert with the principles of balance, harmony and respect for all." In addition to his well known entertainment roles, Brosnan is also an artist and philanthropist, selling his paintings to raise funds for his favorite charities related to children, women's health, animals and the environment.
"This is beyond words beautiful," said Brosnan, upon receiving the award. "I am delighted to be a part of Yo San University's special evening. I have been asked how I came here tonight and I have to say that as things come into your life, you say yes or you say no and I am so delighted that I said yes to be here tonight. This university and all of the students and alumni gathered here tonight are a testament to your vision and to the impact you are seeking to make in the world. I am really honored to receive this award and for a wonderful man and truly inspirational sculptor. I wish you all great success out there in the world to do good things. I believe there is a need in each of us to infer the positive energy flowing through each of us, connecting us to one another, our beautiful planet and the universe. We must be healthy and live our lives in a balanced way. And that's what I seek to do with my life and what this award is about and that is why I am so honored you have chosen me."
The award, established in 2009, is named for the late Robert Graham, an artist and sculptor or international reputation, as well as a generous member of the Yo San University Board of Trustees. The award is conferred annually by Yo San to individuals who have demonstrated vision and commitment to the health and wellness of humanity. Prior winners include Danny DeVito and Rhea Pearlman (2009), Sela Ward (2011), Robert Downey, Jr. (2012) and Debbie Allen (2013). When asked how he felt about the honor, Brosnan said, "I am absolutely humbled and enthralled and I have nothing but gratitude."
Yo San's popular community clinic benefited from the silent auction. The clinic was really the feature of the evening. "This program is quintessentially what Yo San University is about. Obviously, having the University Clinic and collaborating with partners helps provide valuable experience for the students," said Marilyn Allen. "Moreover, I am deeply moved by the extent the funds raised create access for patients to acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine who would not benefit otherwise. Spreading health and wellness while promoting this discipline we all value is why I choose to support this effort annually."
The clinic helps approximately 21,000 patients receive free or subsidized treatments annually from the proceeds of this event. In its 23 years of service to the community, the clinic is one of the busiest low cost TCM practices in Southern California. According to Yo San, the clinic offers comprehensive and customized care for a wide variety of ailments using acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and other TCM modalities. In addition, Yo San offers two specialty clinics to serve the community: the Fertility Clinic for people seeking integrative TCM treatments in their journey to conception and the Healthy Aging Clinic to treat people with age related conditions.
Yo San doesn't limit its involvement with just the University Clinic. It also partners with Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, the Venice Family Clinic, Simms/Mann Health and Wellness Center in Santa Monica, Calif., Being Alive Los Angeles, Wise and Health Aging of Santa Monica and Visions Adolescent Treatment Center in Brentwood, Calif.
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