Stories

The Reitlers establish a named fund to ensure excellence in cardiac services

Paul and Mary Reitler met while he was traveling across the country with friends. The two lovebirds carried on a long-distance romance. Paul graduated from Stanford University and they were married while he served in the Navy. After graduating from Harvard Law School, he joined a Los Angeles–based law firm that later grew from a California firm of four offices to an international firm having fifteen offices.

In June 2018, the Reitlers decided to downsize from their Pasadena home and moved to Morningside of Fullerton, next to Providence St. Jude Medical Center. Little did they know that
soon after they would need its world-class care. 

Mary had a fall and required two shoulder surgeries. “The orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Andrew Karich, was terrific and always took the time to explain exactly what he was doing,” said Paul. “She recovered beautifully.” It wasn’t long before Paul
needed the expert care at Providence St. Jude too.

Last year, he began to experience shortness of breath during his daily walk. He was referred to Ameesh Parikh, MD, cardiologist at Providence St. Jude. After a series of rigorous tests, the doctor
confirmed he had a 90 percent coronary artery blockage and recommended a stent procedure as soon as possible. “It went incredibly well and I was home within 24 hours,” said Paul.

Having had multiple positive experiences with Providence St. Jude and being dedicated to philanthropy, they decided to make a significant donation. Former Foundation board member Ted Jones put the Reitlers in touch with the Providence St. Jude Memorial Foundation and soon after, they began the process of designing a meaningful first gift.

They created the Paul and Mary Reitler Fund for Excellence in Cardiac Services by way of a gift of their IRA. By establishing a named restricted fund, the Reitlers were able to designate their
gift to a specific program that had profoundly touched their lives. Their gift is already supporting the greatest needs in cardiac services by helping fund the program’s new EPIQ cardiac ultrasound system. “It has been comforting to have
Providence St. Jude here,” they shared. “We’re glad to be able to support the hospital and show our heartfelt appreciation. We feel good about making a meaningful gift and look forward to making our next gift to the medical center.”

Paul and Mary are eager to get back to their travel-filled life, having already visited more than 100 countries, and know when they return to Morningside it will feel like home. “It’s a comfort
to know that Providence St. Jude is here for us.”