Be Xtra founder Brian Davis exchanges a fist bump with an attendee during the Oct. 24 Be Xtra Harvest Brunch in downtown Yuba City, benefiting Adventist Health and Rideout's cardiac rehabilitation program.

 

YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - Nearly a year ago, Brian Davis was struggling to walk even a few steps without stopping to catch his breath. On Oct. 24, the longtime community volunteer was back doing what he does best, bringing people together to make a difference.

Davis, founder of Be Xtra, hosted the Be Xtra Harvest Brunch at Water Tower Plaza and along Plumas Street in downtown Yuba City, raising money for Adventist Health and Rideout's cardiac rehabilitation program in Marysville. Davis said preliminary figures showed more than $10,000 raised after event expenses, with the final total still being calculated. The gathering combined food, entertainment and fundraising with personal stories from health care professionals and friends.

For Davis, the cause was deeply personal. A longtime Adventist Health and Rideout employee who works as a PACS administrator in the imaging department, Davis experienced serious cardiac problems about a year ago that left him struggling with everyday activities.

"I was really sick. I was down and out. At my sickest ever," Davis recalled.

A DJ provides music behind an autumn-themed display during the Be Xtra Harvest Brunch at Water Tower Plaza on Oct. 24.

Friends encouraged him to seek medical attention, and he ultimately received care at the hospital where he works. At the brunch, Davis became emotional while recognizing staff and mentors who supported him through his treatment and recovery.

But for some cardiac patients, getting the care they need isn't so simple. Toni Rodriguez, a member of Rideout's cardiac rehabilitation team, explained that some patients cannot afford rehabilitation, even with insurance.

"We have had patients in the past come in and sit down with us for the very first appointment and discover that their insurance isn't going to cover it at 100%, or it's not going to cover it at all," Rodriguez said. "It's absolutely heartbreaking to have to tell them that because they want to be there, they want to get better, they want to get their life back."

Rodriguez emphasized that the program provides education and reassurance during what can be a frightening recovery process.

"When you have a heart attack, you need to follow the rules a little bit differently, and nobody gives you those rules, but in cardiac rehab we do," she said.

Guests enjoy food and live entertainment as vocalist Melissa Corona performs during the Oct. 24 Be Xtra Harvest Brunch in downtown Yuba City. The fundraiser raised more than $10,000 for cardiac rehabilitation.

The brunch proceeds are intended to help patients facing such financial barriers. AJ Jones, a member of the program's exercise physiology staff, described how cardiac rehabilitation combines education with individually prescribed, clinically monitored exercise developed in coordination with cardiologists.

Fellow exercise physiologist Taran Eckel, who recently moved from Washington, said the program serves both longtime exercisers uncertain about their limits after a cardiac event and people intimidated by exercise. With support, some gain the confidence to join fitness classes or return to activities they love, including surfing.

Paul Hunt, another cardiac rehabilitation team member, spoke about secondary prevention, helping patients reduce their risk of further cardiac events, and the value of continued care. He explained that rehabilitation staff coordinate with multiple medical specialties and sometimes work with patients for years.

"The biggest thing we have is that we've built a community through what we do clinically," Hunt said.

Be Xtra founder Brian Davis, center, stands with members of Adventist Health and Rideout's cardiac rehabilitation team during the Oct. 24 fundraiser, which highlighted the importance of cardiac recovery and access to care.

Eric Cooper, Rideout's director of cardiovascular services, highlighted the hospital's investments in cardiac care and stressed that recovery continues long after patients leave the hospital. Rideout also earned the American College of Cardiology's 2026 Platinum Performance Achievement Award, recognizing its commitment to quality care for heart attack patients.

The brunch featured breakfast burritos from Big Mike's and dishes from Quiss Place, including fried rice and pulled pork on cornbread. DJs Tutti V and Keith the DJ provided music, while Melissa Corona, a vocalist with Sacramento's Sugar High Band, performed soulful selections.

“It’s good to see Brian coming back to himself," said Jose Vasquez, a close friend of Davis. “Although I'm not surprised. We like to joke with him, 'Of course your heart's giving out, Brian, because you're giving it out so much.’”