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.”
Welcome New Board Members
Our Foundation board is a committed group of 14 volunteer leaders who play a critical role in engaging our beloved community with the philanthropic visions of the medical center. Although they come from diverse backgrounds and a wide range of professions, they are united in their dedication to serving as ambassadors of the Foundation.
Lionel Dew
An Air Force veteran with over 21 years of service, Lionel Dew has extensive experience in federal, state and local governments. In addition, he was vice president of the Victor Elementary School District Board of Trustees and president of the board for Excelsior Education Center.
His passion for helping those in need inspired him to join the Foundation board of directors and he is committed to helping the medical center expand its outreach efforts and improve patient care. Lionel’s many contributions to the community have earned him prestigious honors such as the California Teachers Association’s Gold Award for preserving public education and a Certificate of Appreciation from President George H. W. Bush for his service during Desert Storm.
Jane Pace
Jane Pace is a former educator who spent her career working for various school districts throughout San Bernadino County as a school psychologist and the director of student services. Before moving to Apple Valley, Jane was an elementary school and college teacher.
Jane joined the Foundation board of directors to continue helping others as her parents demonstrated throughout her childhood. Her lifelong passion for caring for those within our neighborhoods has inspired her to give back and ensure that Providence St. Mary Medical Center has the resources needed to succeed. Her experience within the education system and dedication to community engagement make her a valuable asset to the foundation and the community.
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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