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With the generous support of our donors, we are impacting lives here in Orange County every day.
Congratulations to Natalia Covarrubias-Eckardt, M.D.
2023 Philanthropy Physician Champion
Natalia Covarrubias-Eckardt, M.D., medical director, inpatient rehabilitation and pain management at Providence St. Jude Medical Center was one of eight clinicians across the Providence South Division to be recognized with the 2023 Philanthropy Physician Champion Award. A distinguished leader with 13 years of practice, she has been an essential partner in accelerating clinical excellence within our hospital in addition to advancing patient care.
Dr. Covarrubias-Eckardt is a tremendous partner in philanthropy committed to supporting the foundation in meeting its fundraising goals. She consistently makes herself available to meet with foundation staff to discuss strategic priorities and meet with donors to demonstrate the latest advancements and vision for growth within our nationally ranked rehabilitation program.
Dr. Covarrubias-Eckardt was instrumental in helping create a gift proposal that resulted in a transformational gift. She supports and attends foundation events and participates in physician panels for our donors. Her outstanding care and passion for her patients have inspired numerous donors to give in her honor. We are blessed and grateful for her partnership.
“We are proud to recognize Dr. Covarrubias-Eckardt with this prestigious honor,” says Dub Drees, chief philanthropy officer. “She is a true philanthropy ambassador by communicating the positive impact supporters can have on health care in our community. Our physician colleagues are among the most essential partners our philanthropy team has and we are grateful that Dr. Covarrubias-Eckardt has gone above and beyond for Providence St. Jude.”
Learn more about Dr. Covarrubias-Eckardt at stjudememorialfoundation.org/drcova.
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Inspiring stories of generosity and the remarkable ways people give back to their communities
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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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