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




Welcome, Our Newest Board Members
Salma Bushala-Hamud
Salma’s philanthropic spirit shines in her dedicated service to Providence St. Jude and Servite High School. Previously serving on the Providence St. Jude Memorial Foundation board for six years, she remains deeply committed to the medical center. Salma’s involvement in the Foundation’s beloved A Walk Among the Stars Fashion Show and Gala spans over 25 years, where she has chaired the event eight times, showcasing her leadership and commitment to excellence.
Sister Judith Dugan, CSJ
Sister Judith Dugan, CSJ, is a dedicated member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange. With a profound commitment to community and spirituality, she has spent 70 years serving others through education, advocacy and community outreach. She worked as an educator for 10 years, a principal in Catholic elementary schools for 20 years, and continues to be a resource for ministerial formation in education. Sister Judith associates her journey with the quote, “Life is a mystery to be lived, not a problem to be solved.”
Tom Meyer
A Fullerton resident for over 40 years, Tom is currently president and CEO of California Business Bank. He was president for various organizations, such as Fullerton Community Bank, 1st Capital Bank, and Fullerton Rotary Club, where he was an active member for 16 years. Tom states, “Providence St. Jude has been a crucial part of the vitality that is Fullerton. From the birth of our four children to caring for us in times of need, I am excited to contribute to the long-term legacy of the medical center.”
Leslie Wulff
For Leslie, joining the Foundation’s board of directors is a “full circle moment.” She spent her childhood at the medical center alongside her nine siblings and her father, a dedicated cardiologist at Providence St. Jude. Leslie has been passionate about philanthropy for many years, supporting local organizations, such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Olive Crest, and CASA of Orange County. As founder of Carefree Home Care, an esteemed agency aiding seniors in aging at home, she combined her passion for community service and health care.
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We are honored to recognize the profound generosity of dedicated donors who have recently made legacy gifts to enhance patient...
David Batterman’s journey with Providence St. Jude began in 1996 with lifesaving six-way bypass surgery. This marked the start of...
In a pivotal step to enhance cancer care services, the Crosson Cancer Institute is expanding its infusion center. In a...
The generosity and enthusiasm of A Walk Among the Stars Fashion Show and Gala attendees culminated in $933,000 raised to...
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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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