6th Annual, 2009 Honoree, Mr. Christopher Gorham

You'll likely know Chris from his two years on ABC's Ugly Betty, as America Ferrera's love interest Henry Grubstick. Gorham, who now stars on CBS's Harper's Island, isn't your regular Hollywood guy. He is probably one of the most gentle, genuine and giving people you'll ever encounter in entertainment. He is a UCLA graduate, a husband and dedicated father.

Chris has also been an important friend and supporter of the Hack n' Smack and the Melanoma Research Foundation. In 2004, when the Hack n' Smack commenced, we did not have any foundation or major people associated with the event and fundraising is quite difficult in such a competitive market. What we had, going all the way back to that time, was Christopher Gorham. At the time Chris was starring on Medical Investigation, then later on Out of Practice as well and he was our lone active Series Regular playing.

When Chris arrived at the 3rd Annual Hack n' Smack (2006) he had just begun his stint on Ugly Betty and it proved to be a banner year when he made a Hole-in-One on #16 in that year's tournament. Chris has been willing to take interviews, reach out to fellow Celebs, and make sure that our event is in ink every year. Certainly it is commendable with any disease hits one's family or dear friends and you carry a torch on their behalf. But in some ways, it is even more amazing when you choose to carry a torch without a direct association. We certainly hope that Melanoma never finds Chris, his family, or yours but if it ever does Christopher Gorham has unconditionally put in a great amount of love and time...to see that the Melanoma Research Foundation has funding for its future.

5th Annual, 2008 Honoree, Dr. Francesco Federico

Dr. Francesco Federico was Kerry Daveline's oncologist, and is attributed by Kerry's family to helping Kerry live years beyond his initial prognosis.

Dr. Federico founded Lakeside Medical Group (The IPA) in 1986 and continues to serve as its President and Medical Director: He is also co-founder of Lakeside Medical Associates (The fully integrated group) in 1993 and serves as its Vice President. In 1991 he co-founded the predecessor of Lakeside Healthcare, Lakeside Health Services (The MSO) and continues to serve as its President and Chief Executive Officer.

Currently, the combined Lakeside organization cares for and manages over 100,000 lives in the San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valley areas with a panel of 250 primary care physicians and over 1000 specialists and ancillary providers.

We thank Dr. Federico for his support of the Hack n' Smack and congratulate him on being our 2008 honoree.

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