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


Investing in Innovation
Visionary donors go “behind the scenes” to see the impact of their giving
In a remarkable display of unwavering dedication, longtime donors Wo Kong Kwok, Ph.D., and Olga Denton-Kwok have once again assisted the hospital in acquiring advanced technology.
The Globus ExcelsiusGPS® Interbody System, funded by philanthropy, brings new robotic capabilities to our physicians to conduct minimally invasive procedures for spine surgery. The family’s gift to establish the Wo Kong Kwok, Ph.D., and Olga Denton-Kwok Neurosciences Innovation and Implementation Fund has helped finance this advance, offering many benefits to patients and surgeons. Their steadfast support not only fuels the growth of Providence St. Jude Medical Center’s Neurosciences Institute but also solidifies its status as a leading institution.
Globus Medical, the market leader in robotic solutions for spine surgery and developer of the ExcelsiusGPS platform, recently designated Providence St. Jude as the state’s only Premier Center. With only a handful across the nation, this recognition identifies the hospital as an observation and training site for the state-of-the-art robotic platform.
In gratitude, the couple was treated to a “behind the scenes” experience in the surgery suite. “We gave them a live demonstration of what the tech can do,” says Bowen Jiang, M.D., Providence St. Jude neurosurgeon. “Our generous donors allow us to build our nationally renowned robotic spine program. I was honored to show them how this technology is transforming the lives of so many here in Orange County.”
Legacy of extraordinary generosity
This gift is the latest in a long history of giving to benefit the community. In 2017, Dr. Kwok’s $2 million gift established the Wo Kong Kwok and Tzu-Wen Kwok Clinical Capacity Endowment Fund. In recognition, the medical center named the Tzu-Wen Kwok Diagnostic Imaging Center in honor of his late wife.
The family’s history of support includes the Wo Kong Kwok, Ph.D., and Olga Denton-Kwok Neurosciences Innovation and Implementation Fund, one of the first named funds created at Providence St. Jude. They also made a significant matching gift for the 30th Anniversary of A Walk Among the Stars Fashion Show & Gala to generate support for 3D mammography.
Additional gifts through the years have supported technological innovation, such as da Vinci Xi robot, palliative care, emergency preparedness/response and various areas where the need was greatest.
“The impact on patient care made by Dr. and Mrs. Kwok is tremendous,” says Dub Drees, chief philanthropy officer. “Their support has ignited a wave of inspiration for others to rally behind the hospital’s mission. They’ve touched nearly every area of Providence St. Jude with their generosity, and we are grateful beyond measure.”
More Stories
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...
More Stories

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.
Read Story
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.
Read Story
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.
Read Story
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.
Read Story
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.
Read Story
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.
Read Story
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.
Read Story
Share