Stories

Fullerton Couple Dedicates Lifetime of Giving to Providence St. Jude

Haydee and Carlos Mollura can finish each other’s sentences. In fact, they often do. “I feel good living so close to Providence St. Jude,” remarks Haydee. “As we age, it’s become more important.”

“We’re high maintenance,” interjects her husband, Carlos, with a laugh.

The Molluras immigrated to the United States from Argentina in the early 1960s, eventually founding Vinyl Technology, Inc., a company that designs and manufactures products for a range of customers, including the U.S. Air Force, the Department of Defense and NASA. The couple soon fell in love with the city of Fullerton and, in 1969, purchased the home where they still reside today.

Haydee and Carlos first became involved with Providence St. Jude Medical Center when their youngest son, Rodney, was born in April of 1970. Despite modest means, the Molluras were emphatic about their desire to support the medical center. We felt strongly we should give back,” reflects Carlos. “These values are in our blood.”

In 1996, Carlos underwent open heart surgery at Providence St. Jude to remove blockages in his coronary arteries. His experience, as he describes it, was “excellent.”

Over the years, the Molluras have continued their passionate support of Providence St. Jude Medical Center, with plaques displayed at the Cardiac and Vascular Cath Lab, a planned gift to the Northwest Tower, and service on the Providence St. Jude Memorial Foundation Board of Directors and Finance Committee.

Carlos and Haydee are motivated to give as much by St. Jude’s signature empathy and human touch as they are by its clinical excellence and state-of the- art technology. “The medical center isn’t just the building,” Haydee explains. “It’s the people that make this medical center.”

The Molluras’ philanthropic presence is — literally — cemented into the medical center on the donor-signed top beam of the Northwest Tower. It means so much to them.

Today, the feisty octogenarians nurture their lifelong passion for opera and classical music, and remain fit through regular Pilates classes. They also enjoy spending time with their three grown sons and grandchildren — one of whom is completing her second year of medical residency. “I have a dream,” Haydee confesses, “maybe one day, to have a Dr. Mollura associated with St. Jude!”

If you would like to learn more about making a bequest or planned gift, we would be pleased to consult with you. Contact: Christopher Dukes, Christopher.Dukes@providence.org, 714-347-7900.