Stories
We are impacting lives in Orange County everyday with the generous support of donors.

“Our experience at St. Mary’s was great. My son was very happy with his care, which is saying a lot considering he’s an RRT. He was thankful for the care he received.”
Celebrating Dr. Prashanth Kumar
2024 Physician Champion honoree
Providence St. Mary Medical Center Foundation is proud to honor Prashanth Kumar, M.D., as the 2024 Philanthropy Physician Champion Awards recipient. A respected clinical leader, Dr. Kumar serves as our medical center chief of staff and is an ongoing participant in several committees, including peer review, quality and medication safety. He’s a dedicated Foundation ally in advancing the medical center’s philanthropic goals on behalf of our community.
Since his first interaction with the Foundation in 2021, Dr. Kumar has become a vital partner to the Foundation team. His involvement in donor functions and community events has allowed him to build strong relationships with board members and key donors. His presence at these events not only strengthens the bond between the medical staff and the Foundation but also exemplifies the significant role that physicians play in advancing philanthropic goals.
His efforts have been pivotal in championing our new residency program. By engaging with donors and partners, Dr. Kumar has helped secure vital resources to support the training and development of future physicians. This initiative not only enhances the quality of care provided at Providence St. Mary Medical Center but also ensures that the next generation of physicians is well-equipped to meet our community’s evolving needs.
His leadership, dedication and commitment to both patient care and philanthropy have made a lasting impact, inspiring others to follow in his footsteps. Congratulations and thank you, Dr. Kumar.
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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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Giving from the heart and home
Now retired, Drs. Amin decided they were at the right time in their lives to downsize, but more importantly, to give back to the community they cherished in a significant way. Their extraordinary generosity will help fund Nursing Excellence and Behavioral Health.
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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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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.
Read StoryA Year of Transformation
“As we plan for the next five years, we know we can count on the community to partner with us to provide access to new and improved services,” says Nicole Orr, chief philanthropy officer, Providence St. Mary Medical Center Foundation.
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