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.”
Creating legacies and lasting impacts
A Transformational Gift
A recent gift of $300,000 makes one local couple — who were married for 68 years — the most generous donors in the history of the St. Joseph Health, St. Mary.
“George and I love doing this more than anything else in the world,” said Mildred Lagomarsini. “Our goal was to be able to donate a total amount of $1.5 million, and we now have accomplished that.”
Mildred and George began their relationship with the St. Mary Foundation through the direct mail program in 1994. “Having to work through our own healthcare issues made us realize how important quality healthcare is,” Mildred said. “We loved the mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph, so we just knew we wanted to help.”
Another pair of grateful guests recently made a generous contribution in memory of their son.
“We wanted to leave a Legacy in memory of our son Timothy and say thank you to St. Mary, who blessed us with the gift of dignity during Tim’s final days,” said J. Dean and Sheri Hane, two former, local teachers. Faith Norton, member of the palliative care team who journeyed with the family reflected on Tim’s life: “He was a beautiful son, who knew he was going home to the Angels and was at peace.”
The Hane’s gift, which will be used to enhance nursing care and education, is a tribute to their son and a lasting hope to all those who come to St. Mary for healing and compassion.
More Stories
A Year of Transformation
“As we plan for the next five years, we know we can count on the community to partner with us…
A Man of Service
For Richard Schmitt, service has always been at the core of his identity. Whether as an Air Force veteran or…
Promoting Community Well-Being
Providence St. Mary Medical Center is significantly improving public health in the High Desert with a groundbreaking $1.2 million grant…
Celebrating Dr. Prashanth Kumar
Providence St. Mary Medical Center Foundation is proud to honor Prashanth Kumar, M.D., as the 2024 Philanthropy Physician Champion Awards…
Lovingood Legacy
To recognize more than three decades of generosity, the Foundation honored the Lovingoods with the prestigious Spirit Award.
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.
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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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