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.”
Meet Our Chief Philanthropy Officer
The foundation welcomes Nicole Orr
Our Providence St. Mary Medical Center family has grown, and we were pleased to welcome Nicole Orr, our new chief philanthropy officer, on September 11. Nicole comes to the foundation with nearly two decades of philanthropic leadership experience and is eager to carry our mission forward.
Prior to joining Providence St. Mary Medical Center Foundation, Nicole was the executive director of Riverside University Health System, an organization dedicated to the health and well-being of Riverside County residents. Previously, she served as executive director of the American Heart Association, Inland Empire Division, where she led a team of development professionals and successfully increased revenue through principal gifts and fundraising events and secured multiple seven-figure gifts to support the organization’s goals.
“Nicole is a dynamic, compassionate leader, and we are thrilled to partner with her to raise awareness for the programs and initiatives that help us care for the patients and families we serve in the High Desert communities,” said Kenya Beckmann, chief philanthropy and health equity officer, Providence South Division.
Nicole holds a master’s degree from Washington State University in business administration and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Pepperdine University.
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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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