Uplifting the community. YOUR SUPPORT IN ACTION
As of June 30, 2023 2023 Annual Report
Smiles brought to you by generous donors and amazing caregivers. Thank You!
A message from Hospital and Foundation leadership
This was a year of new beginnings for MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center and Miller Children’s and Women’s Hospital. While we remain careful, the burdens of the pandemic on our caregivers and the community are lighter, allowing more time for innovating new ways to expand and enhance our services. We also welcomed several new leaders to our hospitals including our new CEO, Blair Kent, who comes with deep experience in hospital leadership. Through the lens of fresh and informed perspectives, these new leaders observed and reminded us how fortunate we are to have two such well-regarded hospitals serving our communities. We saw anew the uniqueness of having a children’s hospital, comprehensive women’s specialties, and a renowned adult hospital all on one medical campus where no matter the health need or age of the patient, each individual can get award-winning and compassionate care. Our new colleagues also commented on and reaffirmed our mission and role in the community as they met individuals across the region who have received care here, and learned of the breadth and history of our services. The year also reminded us of the important and growing role that philanthropy plays in our work. More than ever, generous donors are essential partners in helping us attract and develop exceptional caregivers, drive innovation, and provide holistic care for our patients, their families, and the community. The following pages provide some information and stories about the impact of your generosity on the health and wellbeing of the region in the last year. Please accept our appreciation along with the gratitude of so many who have benefited from your support.
Robert Gunsalus President, Long Beach Medical Center Foundation and Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Foundation
Blair Kent CEO, Long Beach Medical Center and Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital
Gary DeLong Chair, Long Beach Medical Center Foundation and Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Foundation
Long Beach Medical Center/Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Foundation | 1
NICU is Golf Tournament’s Biggest Winner
Donor Impact
Hospital Impact
Your generosity truly inspires us.
FY July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023 2,019 Donors Gave $12,772,188 FY July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023 The Endowment Fair Market Value $109,115,242 FY July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023 Community Benefits $244,506,000
13,405 Total inpatients (Discharged) Served
45,750 Outpatient Visits
2,480 Patients Transferred In
15,730 Total Inpatients (Discharged) Served
72,280 Emergency Department Patients
230,548 Outpatient Visits
Benefiting MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach
22,809 Todd Cancer
5,730 MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute Patients
4,601 Total Surgeries
1,373 Orthopedic Care Patients
2,212 Stramski Children’s
4,160 Orthopedic Care Patients
Institute Patients
Developmental Center Patients
Our generous donors contributed over $263,000 to Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital at the 13th Annual Champion’s Club Classic in March 2023. This included a record-breaking day of fundraising, thanks to our live auction and fund-a-need callouts for new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit bassinets. Thank you to our generous community of sponsors, underwriters, and golf participants for your support!
10,339 Total Surgeries
2,499 Patients Treated in the Trauma Center
840 Comprehensive Stroke Center Patients
5,321 Babies Delivered
1,549 Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute
913 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Patients
Includes charity care, support for Medi-Cal and Medicare, and a variety of community support programs such as educational programs, screening, clinics, support groups and more.
We are deeply grateful for your compassion and belief in our mission. Your support is invaluable to our hospitals and our community.
64,762 Total Visits
618 Bickerstaff Family Center Patients
1,358 Pediatric Intensive Care Patients
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Todd Family Chair Announced at Todd Cancer Institute’s 10-Year Anniversary
From ‘It Takes a Village’ to ‘It Took a Village’ Cherese Mari Laulhere Children’s Village Donors Celebrated
The MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute at Long Beach Medical Center celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the official opening of the Todd Cancer Pavilion. The celebration was marked by a significant gift from Doug and Nancy Todd to establish the Todd Family Endowed Chair in Oncology. Nilesh Vora, M.D., medical director of the Todd Cancer Institute, was named as the first holder of this title. “This new Chair in Oncology will ensure the Todds’ legacy continues,” said Dr. Vora. “I am
thrilled to share this honor with our community, the Todd family, the cancer institute staff and my family.” The Todd Cancer Institute is named after Doug’s father, Dr. Malcolm Todd, who was Chief of Medical Staff at Long Beach Medical Center. He also served as president of the American Medical Association and was an advisor to five U.S. presidents. In addition to his service and leadership, Dr. Todd’s personal donation helped the Todd Cancer Institute achieve a new level of excellence. Doug and Nancy have continued Dr. Todd’s legacy of care and philanthropy through this gift and Doug’s long service on the Advisory Board. Their son John is also a supporter and has joined his father on the Advisory Board as well. “The continued dedication to improve the health of our community and Doug and Nancy Todd’s significant donation will help further position the Todd Cancer Institute as a regional leader in cancer care and support,” said Blair Kent, CEO, Long Beach Medical Center. The Todd Cancer Institute is nationally recognized for its treatment and research programs, and the holistic support provided there to patients and their families.
We held an exclusive celebration recognizing the generous supporters who made the dream of the Cherese Mari Laulhere Children’s Village at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital a reality. In attendance was Chris Laulhere, president of the Cherese Mari Laulhere Foundation, whose generous, transformational gift in 2019 led to the naming of the center in memory of her late daughter, Cherese Mari Laulhere. The new Cherese Mari Laulhere Children’s Village provides a one- stop-shop approach to pediatric outpatient specialty care and therapy. On-site services include more than
30 specialties, diagnostics, pharmacy, imaging, laboratory, rehab, childcare for patients’ siblings, family social and psychological support, and more. The facility helps families navigate multiple services in a single visit and enhances coordination of care among multiple specialties. The state-of-the-art Cherese Mari Laulhere Children’s Village stands as a testament to our commitment to provide exceptional, patient- focused care. It also highlights the community’s immense generosity and our shared vision
Long Beach Cancer League Leans In
In collaboration with our Foundation, the Long Beach Cancer League (LBCL) decided to direct all its fundraising efforts to support the Todd Cancer Institute and the Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute. These award-winning adult and pediatric cancer treatment programs are renowned for their comprehensive approach. Not only do they provide the best medical care and most innovative treatments available, but they also provide patients with psychological and social support programs. These programs are essential to the recovery and holistic wellness of patients and their families. Most of these wrap-around support programs are not reimbursed by insurance, so the LBCL chose to join other donors and invest in these efforts. Officially launching this new partnership at their annual gala, the LBCL is already making a big impact benefiting our local cancer patients.
From top: Chris Laulhere, whose generous gift helped to make this dream a reality, stands next to a display honoring her late daughter, Cherese. The Cherese Mari Laulhere Children’s Village. A group of donors pose in front of the donor recognition display.
of elevating healthcare for local children and families.
The 80,000 sq. ft . Cherese Mari Laulhere Children’s Village opened in 2021. In FY23, it served 83,000 patients , a 27% increase for similar services prior to its opening. The innovative facility is among the very first of its kind and is being modeled by other children’s hospitals.
The Todd family presents Dr. Nilesh Vora with a special lab coat in honor of becoming the first holder of the Todd Family Endowed Chair in Oncology at Long Beach Medical Center. From left: Blair Kent, CEO; Nancy Todd, Dr. Nilesh Vora; Doug Todd, Rob Gunsalus, Foundation President; and John Todd.
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Spotlight on Quality MemorialCare Long Beach Nurses Set the Standard for Quality Care
We Are Recognized for Quality Once Again Our hospitals are renowned for their exceptional quality, as evidenced by numerous prestigious accolades. They consistently rank among the best hospitals both nationally and regionally, and have been recognized for high performance in a wide range of medical procedures and treatments for various conditions by U.S. News & World Report, Healthgrades, and other performance-based award programs.
NATIONALLY RANKED Obstetrics & Gynecology, Orthopedics, and Children’s Hospital Pulmonology
AMONG THE WORLD’S BEST HOSPITALS AND TOP 100 IN THE U.S. According to Newsweek
The nurses of Long Beach Medical Center and Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital consistently uphold the highest standards of patient care and were once again honored with two esteemed nursing recognitions. This past year, the hospitals earned their third Magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) for outstanding nursing practices and patient outcomes. Only 9.4 percent of U.S. hospitals have this distinction.
We take immense pride in our award-winning nurses and are committed to strengthening our nursing team. The post-pandemic era has intensified the competition for top nursing talent. To address this challenge, we invest significant resources toward nurse recruitment, training, and retention initiatives. We are very intentional when on-boarding the approximately 200 new nurses who join us each year to ensure they are up to our high standards of care, and to improve the likelihood that the best will stay with us
long-term. These important orientation and training efforts are made possible through the generous support of our donors, to whom we are profoundly grateful.
HIGH PERFORMING In 20 Specialties and Procedures
REGIONALLY RANKED Long Beach Medical Center Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital
The hospitals also earned the Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR) Strong designation for the eighth time. This
designation signifies that a hospital has at least 50% of its operating room nursing staff CNOR certified by the Competency and Credentialing Institute, an independent certifying board, and rewards and recognizes its certified nurses. These recognitions reflect our hospitals’ focus on evidence-based practices, ongoing professional development, and patient safety.
CLINICAL SPECIALTY AWARDS Joint Replacement Excellence
BEST OF LONG BEACH Best Hospital Best Cancer Treatment Center
America’s 100 Best - Prostate Surgery 5-Star Awards for 10 Categories of Care
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Your support makes a significant difference in the lives of our patients and our community. Because of you, patients receive lifesaving, life-changing treatments. Because of you, our underserved and most vulnerable community members have access to care previously unavailable to them. Because of you, we are fostering a healthier Long Beach for everyone. Here are just a few stories from the many lives you have touched this past year with your generous giving. PATIENT Impact stories COMMUNITY
Tiny and Mighty Heart: A Newborn’s Tale of Recovery After Cardiac Arrest
Navigating Back to Normal How Next-Generation Surgical Technology Brought Angie West Life-Changing Relief
Athena’s smile says it all. One year after treatment
for a serious heart condition, she’s experiencing the joyful moments of being a kid.
Athena was born with a ventricular septal defect (VSD), a hole between her heart’s left and right ventricles. This congenital condition necessitated a transcatheter VSD closure to correct the defect. But before that procedure could take place, seven-week-old Athena experienced cardiac arrest. The transcatheter VSD closure would have to wait. Because cardiac arrest reduces the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain, the doctors shifted their focus to preventing permanent brain damage. Athena was admitted to MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital’s Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit (CTICU). The medical team worked urgently to stabilize her condition, using various interventions to prevent brain damage.
hands of the CTICU care team. “We received so much support in the waiting room,” Ashley recalled. “Athena’s care team stayed with us, providing comfort and reassurance that she was going to be okay.” Once stable, Shaun Setty, M.D., the Larry and Helen Hoag Foundation Endowed Chair in Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery, performed the transcatheter VSD closure, successfully repairing the hole in Athena’s heart. At six months old—75 days post-cardiac arrest—Athena was discharged. Her care team and hospital staff had grown quite fond of this resilient little girl and showered her with gifts to celebrate this milestone. Athena’s care didn’t stop there. The pediatric hospital’s exceptional continuum of care extends to comprehensive pediatric outpatient services through the Cherese Mari Laulhere Children’s Village. There, specialists closely monitor each step of Athena’s recovery. She has access to physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, nutrition, and other
services, all under one roof. The extra support has
been invaluable.
Angie West, a neuroscience nurse and director of Long Beach Medical Center’s stroke program, suffered from severe back pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis. The intense pain prevented her from standing straight and walking distances, and led to numbness in her feet causing her to fall. Even though she had undergone multiple surgeries for arthritis-related issues, the thought of spine surgery made her uneasy. Despite her hesitation, Angie knew that neglecting it could worsen her condition and possibly take away her mobility. She made the decision to go ahead with the surgery. “I overcame my fears, placing trust in my colleagues,” Angie recalled, “and knowing the advanced technology and skilled surgeons at Long Beach Medical Center’s Spine Health Center would be behind me.” Amandeep Bhalla, M.D., medical director of the hospital’s Spine Health Center, performed a lumbar laminectomy on Angie, followed by an instrumented spinal fusion
using the state-of-the-art ExcelsiusGPS® system. This tool combines robotics and GPS technology, enabling surgeons to execute precise pre-surgical navigation plans and ensure accurate implant
“Despite complications from her cardiac arrest, Athena is thriving,” said Yuliya Turiy, M.D., pediatric cardiologist at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital. “We’ve slowly reduced her heart medication and controlled her rhythm. She’s made a great recovery.” The quick intervention of the care team, coupled with the successful surgery, played a pivotal role in not only saving Athena’s life but also averting serious, potential long-term neurological issues. One year later, Athena’s health has significantly improved. Athena’s recovery is a powerful reminder that with specialized pediatric care and family-centered support, there is hope for even the youngest and most vulnerable patients. “I’m optimistic for Athena’s future,” Ashley said. “We have the best team of doctors, nurses, and surgeons possible. Because of their hard work, our daughter is here with us today. I would recommend Miller’s Children’s & Women’s Hospital to anyone.”
Top: Angie with her surgeon, Dr. Bhalla. Bottom: Post- surgery, Angie returned to doing what she loves.
placement. The ExcelsiusGPS® is just one of many technological advances utilized by the spine center’s surgeons. “The precision of ExcelsiusGPS® made Angie’s surgery a success, Dr. Bhalla said. “She could immediately stand straight and walk. She even climbed stairs the same day.” Post-surgery, Angie underwent 12 weeks of aquatic therapy, which significantly aided her recovery. Reflecting on her journey, she expressed gratitude: “Thanks to the surgery and therapy, I can now walk and work pain- free. Dr. Bhalla and his team have given me my life back. I’m grateful to them for their help throughout the entire process.”
Despite this devastating turn, Athena’s mother, Ashley, remained
hopeful. She knew her daughter was in the very capable
Tiny and mighty Athena Martinez.
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Memorial Seaside Legacy Circle Members Cultivate a Healthy Future for Long Beach
Donor Impact
Local Couple Prioritizes Community’s Health with Planned Gift Kevin and Jennifer Peterson are grateful to have nationally acclaimed healthcare so close to home.
Every gift is a positive for the community. ”
Over the past 50 years, Long Beach Medical Center and Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital have evolved into major regional providers of medical services, nationally recognized for their exceptional patient care and commitment to quality. The hospitals’ ability to deliver this high level of care to countless patients over the years has been made possible by the generosity of our community. Philanthropic support has sustained the hospitals’ mission over the decades. As the community’s needs evolve, our medical campus must keep pace. As a nonprofit healthcare organization, we rely on philanthropy to help fund new technology, research, educational programs, and services.
To recognize and thank individuals committed to sustaining this legacy of philanthropy through estate gifts, the Memorial Medical Center Foundation established the Memorial Seaside Legacy Circle in 1992. Estate planning options, such as bequests in wills or trusts, IRA contributions, and other giving vehicles, allow benefactors to conserve current assets while supporting the hospitals’ future. Many of these giving methods also provide tax benefits to donors. Planned gifts enable patients and their families to express gratitude for the care experienced at either Long Beach Medical Center or Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital. This estate- giving program is inclusive, allowing anyone to participate, regardless of their financial standing. Estate gifts can be extraordinarily impactful, significantly influencing the quality of care our hospitals provide.
Those who leave an estate gift to the Memorial Medical Center Foundation are welcomed into the Memorial Seaside Legacy Circle. Members receive recognition on the Legacy Circle’s website, as well as invitations to an exclusive luncheon with hospital leadership and the annual Memorial Seaside Legacy Circle Celebration. The most rewarding aspect, however, is knowing your legacy will help MemorialCare’s Long Beach hospitals continue the tradition of clinical excellence and compassionate care in the years ahead. “We are deeply grateful to our Legacy Circle members for their tremendous commitment,” said Wayne Herron, Executive Director of Development at Long Beach Medical Center and Director of Planned Giving. “Their decision to give back through their estates demonstrates foresight and is a powerful endorsement of our work. Their legacy gifts will help advance our mission far into the future.”
“We have a sincere desire to keep improving the community for future generations, and improving healthcare in our local community is important to us,” said Kevin. As past chair and current member of our Foundation board, Kevin witnesses firsthand the profound effects of planned gifts. They not only uphold the exemplary care standards for which MemorialCare’s Long Beach campus is recognized but also finance new projects, support specialized treatments, and enable the adoption of emerging technologies. This commitment is why he and Jennifer chose to designate the Memorial Medical Center Foundation as a percentage beneficiary in their living trust, establishing an endowment for future specialists. For the Petersons, it was not only a smart estate planning decision, but an emotional one as well.
“We’re at a point in our lives where we understand what the future looks like for us. Including MemorialCare in our plans helps provide care to those who need it, and that’s important to us,” said Kevin. Consider making Memorial Medical Center Foundation the beneficiary of a percentage of your will or trust, IRA, 401(k), life insurance policy, or other account. It’s an easy way to provide future support without affecting your current assets or cash flow. “The amount doesn’t matter,” Kevin stressed. “Every gift is a positive for the community.” He is right. Planned gifts of all sizes and types combine to maximize the impact on the long-term success of our Long Beach hospitals in providing excellent care to all members of our communities, regardless of their ability to pay.
To learn more about joining Memorial Seaside Legacy Circle and leaving your own legacy of caring, please contact Wayne Herron at 818.815.9671 or cherron2@memorialcare.org . You can also scan the QR code.
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Simply Grateful. Thank your
Philanthropic Impact Opportunities Contributions from grateful patients and compassionate community members help MemorialCare Long Beach hospitals provide award-winning care. Gifts of any size may be made to the following funds, which support comprehensive excellence that is central to the mission of our hospitals.
Bob and Pam Funari Donate Symbolic Painting by Bob Senske Local retired healthcare executive Bob Funari and his wife Pam donated a painting by renowned Long Beach artist Bob Senske to MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center and Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital. The painting, with a view toward downtown and the Pacific Ocean, reflects the integral roles both hospitals play in the health and well- being of the community. The idea for the painting was conceived during the 2022 “Dancing for Our Stars” gala. Bob, a Foundation board member and past chair, made a significant donation during the event to acquire one of Senske’s pieces. He subsequently commissioned the artist to create this special painting featuring the hospitals against the backdrop of Long Beach. Bob and Pam have consistently supported our hospitals, recognizing their crucial role in the Long Beach community and his family’s commitment to advancing quality healthcare.
2024 EVENTS
caregivers with your story and a donation.
of greatest need 03/18 MONDAY
14th Annual Champion’s Club Classic Golf Tournament 10:30 a.m. | Virginia Country Club Benefiting Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital area(s)
MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center Extraordinary Care Fund (Area of Greatest Need) Gifts to this fund provide for flexible strategic investments in our adult hospital to provide the safest, most innovative care possible. MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Extraordinary Care Fund (Area of Greatest Need) Gifts to this fund provide for flexible strategic investments in Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital to provide the safest, most innovative care possible.
heroes and provide educational programs toward advanced certifications, innovation, and best practices.
Many of the most generous supporters of our nonprofit hospitals are former patients who are grateful for the extraordinary care they experienced. This last year in coordination with our hospitals, the Foundation launched a new program, “Simply Grateful.” This makes it easy for patients and their families to express gratitude for their exceptional caregivers with both a note and a donation. When a patient gives through Simply Grateful, their MemorialCare physician or team member will receive an acknowledgment letter, recognizing both the patient’s testimonial and gift made in their honor. CEO Blair Kent said, “This new program gives patients the opportunity to thank our exceptional caregivers in a meaningful way that will encourage them and help them provide care for others.”
MemorialCare Long Beach Community Benefit Fund
at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital 08/03 SATURDAY
37th Annual Torch Run—Champion’s Run for Life 10:00 a.m. | Shoreline Aquatic Park Benefiting the Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute
Gifts to this fund help us provide more than $100 million in unreimbursed funding for impoverished patients and for educational programs, screenings, clinics, support groups, and assistance for Medicare and Medi-Cal patients. MemorialCare Long Beach Technology and Equipment Fund Gifts to this fund help ensure that our patients have the most advanced diagnostic and treatment systems available and that it is supported by the appropriate infrastructure, programs, and technicians.
Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital 09/07 SATURDAY
14th Annual Dancing for Our Stars Gala 5:00 p.m. | The Westin Long Beach Benefiting 4-5 areas of Long Beach Medical Center and
MemorialCare Long Beach Exceptional People Fund
SATURDAY 10/26
24th Annual Team Spirit Long Beach Cancer 5k 7:00 a.m. | Granada Beach Benefiting all cancer patients at the Todd Cancer Institute at Long Beach Medical Center.
At the heart of our extraordinary care are team members. Gifts to this fund help us recruit and retain these compassionate
For more information, please call 562.933.4483 , email us at mmcf@memorialcare.org or scan the QR code.
If you would like to learn more about these foundational philanthropic programs or other strategic opportunities, please call 562.933.4483 , email us at mmcf@memorialcare.org, or scan the QR code .
For more information about our events, including ways to sponsor or volunteer, please call 562.933.4483 or email us at EventsMMCF@memorialcare.org, or scan the QR code .
Bob Senske’s painting captures both hospitals against the Long Beach skyline. Bob, a noted local artist, has paintings on permanent display throughout the Long Beach Airport.
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Long Beach Medical Center/Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Foundation | 13
2,019 acts of kindness. 2,019 moments to celebrate. 2,019 reasons to say “Thank You!”
Our hearts are filled with gratitude for our 2,019 donors and their generous support in 2023.
Scan the QR code or contact us to learn how you can support the vital work of our hospitals.
2801 Atlantic Ave., Long Beach, CA 90806 562.933.4483 • mmcf@memorialcare.org
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