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

A Gift with Great Return
Providence St. Jude Medical Center was home for the late Marion and James McGrew. As grateful patients themselves, both were motivated to help others receive the same kind of compassionate care they had received. “We know of no better way to contribute,” said Marion. “It is always encouraging when patients are able to acknowledge the positive experiences at Providence St. Jude by giving back in this way.”
Marion and James used 2,300 shares of a solid, but underperforming stock, to fund their generous gift using a charitable gift annuity (CGA). The McGrews were able to enjoy a much higher rate of return with the gift annuity than they had received with the dividends from the stock. In addition, both were satisfied with the lifetime payments their gift provided, which increased their financial security.
The CGA is an ideal option for anyone who wants to make a gift and simultaneously create a stream of income to ensure financial security. It is a simple contract between the donor and Providence St. Jude Memorial Foundation. Through this legal agreement, one can establish this gift with cash, securities or even real estate. In return, the Foundation agrees to pay the donor fixed payments for life (much of the fixed payments are tax-free).
A CGA combined with a life estate reserved is another unique way to make a gift of your property but retain the right to live there. This gift option provides a creative way to make a major impact on Providence St. Jude — in many instances, an impact greater than you may have considered before.
With a CGA, donors can achieve their philanthropic goals, increase income and gain substantial tax benefits at the same time, just as the McGrews did.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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