Stories
With the generous support of our donors, we are impacting lives here in Orange County every day.

Meet our New Chief Executive
Laura Ramos named chief executive of Providence St. Jude Medical Center
Laura Ramos is no stranger to Providence St. Jude. She has held many leadership roles within the medical center: manager of critical care and stepdown units; director of cardiology, neurology and emergency services; chief nursing officer; and most recently as chief operating officer.
With more than 35 years of health care experience, her unwavering commitment helped Providence St. Jude Medical Center earn Magnet® designation for nursing excellence and national recognition for its stroke, orthopedics, cardiac, cancer, neuroscience, rehabilitation, maternity and digestive health programs.
“There’s so much we have accomplished together as a ministry,” Laura said reflecting on her last 14 years at Providence St. Jude. “I’m very proud of the culture we’ve been able to cultivate between our caregivers, physicians and the community.”
When previous chief executive Brian Helleland transitioned to assume a regional position with Providence as chief, clinical programs and operations for Southern California, it was evident that Providence St. Jude would not have to search far for a new leader.
Laura’s passion and commitment to the Providence promise — know me, care for me, ease my way — is exemplified within both the patient and caregiver experience at the medical center. This culture of caring resulted in Providence St. Jude’s recognition as “one of the Best Places to Work” by Modern Healthcare.
“Our caregivers are ‘all in’ every day for Providence St. Jude, our patients and for our community,” she stated. “We will do everything to make our community proud and know that Providence St. Jude is the best place to receive care.”
As both a caregiver and donor, Laura has witnessed firsthand how philanthropy has helped advance the programs that she has had the privilege of leading. But she states that it’s the community that has empowered Providence St. Jude to become one of the nation’s leading hospitals through its philanthropic support. “I am always struck by this intense amount of generosity that our community has and their willingness to give. There are not enough words to thank them.”
Please join us in celebrating Laura’s new role within the Providence St. Jude family!
More Stories
Quiet Generosity
We are honored to recognize the profound generosity of dedicated donors who have recently made legacy gifts to enhance patient…
Humble Champion
David Batterman’s journey with Providence St. Jude began in 1996 with lifesaving six-way bypass surgery. This marked the start of…
Expanding Hope
In a pivotal step to enhance cancer care services, the Crosson Cancer Institute is expanding its infusion center. In a…
Glamour and Gratitude
The generosity and enthusiasm of A Walk Among the Stars Fashion Show and Gala attendees culminated in $933,000 raised to…
Easing the Healing Journey
Providence St. Jude Medical Center recently received an $825,000 grant from the California Department of Rehabilitation to support comprehensive care…
Partner in Philanthropy
Providence St. Jude Memorial Foundation proudly recognized Stewart Shanfield, M.D., as the 2024 Philanthropy Physician Champion.
Every Cent Counts | Spring 2025
Inspiring stories of generosity and the remarkable ways people give back to their communities
More Stories

Navigating the Cancer Journey
When Jane was diagnosed with breast cancer, Nurse Navigator Angela Acevedo became her advocate, guide and support -- from the initial meeting with the oncologist to the final chemotherapist treatment. I will never forget all the ways Angela helped me through a very difficult time in my life,” reflects Jane.
Read Story
Minutes that make a difference
Michael Lora woke up not knowing he would be fighting for his life later that day. Within hours he was being transported to St. Joseph Hospital Emergency Care Center. He was immediately met by a team of nurses and doctors, including Dr. Peter Smethurst who recommended antibiotics which ended up saving his life.
Read Story
The heart of the matter
“I was a ticking time bomb. A heart attack waiting to happen.” Carrol was informed she needed immediate bypass surgery, but a rare genetic disorder would make it unsafe to perform. That’s when St. Joseph Hospital came through with a new, minimally invasive technique.
Read Story
A life devoted to caring
Shirley Moretti, a donor and friend, said it best. “When we focus on others, we learn about ourselves.” Giving back to others was one of her greatest joys in life — it filled her heart and inspired countless others to follow in her footsteps.
Read Story
Leaving a legacy through giving
A dedicated and compassionate caregiver at St. Joseph Hospital for decades, Melvin Schwartz and his wife demonstrated their friendship and support for the Hospital by establishing a legacy through a generous charitable planned gift.
Read Story
One of the best ever
More than 300 golfers enjoyed a day that included two 18-hole courses of golf and raised more than $405,000 in support of the St. Joseph Hospital’s Cardiovascular Program.
Read Story
A record-breaking event
Supported by Marsha Moeller and presented by Centaurus Financial, Inc. and The Gooding-Barry and Immell Families, Celebration 2019 raised a record-breaking $676,000 for the Nursing Center of Excellence while celebrating 90 years of healing at St. Joseph Hospital.
Read Story
Share