Stories

Providence St. Jude Medical Center is fortunate to have a large community of loyal supporters, but few can claim a history dating back as far as Christian Gerola did.

As a Fullerton resident for 66 years, he stood beside the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange and archbishop of Los Angeles, James Francis Cardinal McIntyre, in the blessing of St. Jude Hospital on opening day in 1957.

When it came time to consider his legacy, Christian was committed to supporting the only family he had ever known — the Providence St. Jude family.

“I do not have children of my own, so I wanted to designate Providence St. Jude as a beneficiary of my IRA to give a greater gift that will impact future generations,” said Christian prior to his passing in 2020.

Philanthropic support from generous supporters like Christian helps ensure that the medical center can continue offering care that exceeds national benchmarks and restores the health and dignity of our communities for years to come. Gifts of retirement assets are a tax savvy way to support the medical center because it is a tax-exempt organization. If inherited by an individual, retirement assets would incur a tax burden.

To honor the legacy he left, Christian Gerola is recognized as a member of the Sister Jane Frances Legacy Society.

If you have questions about making a legacy gift or if you have already made Providence St. Jude Medical Center a beneficiary of your estate plans, it would be our pleasure to recognize you as a member of the Sister Jane Frances Legacy Society.

Please contact Christopher Dukes, director of planned giving, at 626-252-1097 or Christopher.Dukes@providence.org.