Why Give? Donors Share Their Passions

These are just a few of the Foundation’s efforts to invest in the future of world-class compassionate care for the South Bay. Since 1975, the Foundation has been dedicated to the philanthropic support of the Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Centers in San Pedro and Torrance.

“The Foundation collaborates with medical center leaders to identify opportunities where philanthropy can help grow and enhance key service lines, acquire new leading-edge medical equipment, enhance our facilities, and add new services to ensure that we offer patients exceptional and compassionate care,” explains chief philanthropy officer Kurt Hinrichsen. “We then share these opportunities with prospective donors and connect people with projects, ensuring maximum impact and an exceptional giving experience.”

Here are the stories of what motivated these South Bay residents to give.

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MISSY AND CHRIS BREDESEN: GIVING BACK TO HONOR EXTRAORDINARY NICU CARE

Missy Bredesen’s Mother’s Day weekend started as a pre-baby getaway with friends. But what was supposed to be a carefree break transformed into a medical emergency. At just 33½ weeks pregnant, Missy’s water broke. Her best friend rushed her to Providence Little Company of Mary Torrance, and a short time later contractions started. Everything happened fast after that, and doctors delivered high-touch emergency care.

Missy’s daughter, with husband Chris Bredesen, remained in the NICU for a month. Each day Missy spent between eight and 12 hours by her side, experiencing firsthand the extraordinary level of care provided by the NICU team.

“Their encouragement and compassion helped me get through some of the hardest days.” – Missy Bredesen

“The NICU nurses became like family,” Missy says. “They were amazing. I knew all their names, and they knew mine. It wasn’t just care—it was love, compassion and support. I can’t imagine going through that without all that care and support.”

Unlike many other NICUs that have shared spaces, Providence Little Company of Mary Torrance with its Level III NICU provides each patient with a private room. “Having my own, quiet, peaceful space meant I could focus on our baby and spend those important hours with her,” Missy says.

The private NICU rooms allowed Missy to bond with her baby in a calm and supportive environment. “It was like a little resort,” she says. “I can’t imagine going through that without all the care and love from the staff.”

Missy’s connection with the NICU team went beyond the hospital walls. “They made me a better mom,” she says. “Their encouragement and compassion helped me get through some of the hardest days.”

The Bredesens knew that Providence Little Company of Mary Torrance has received multiple awards for its maternity care over the years, and this experience only confirmed that excellence for them. Their 3-year-old son, affectionately nicknamed Bear, was struggling to understand why his little sister couldn’t come home. So the NICU staff arranged a special moment for Bear to meet his new sister, ensuring the whole family was part of the experience.

Today the baby is thriving, and the family is grateful for the compassionate and expert care that guided them through one of the most challenging chapters of their lives—transforming uncertainty into a healing experience. Missy and Chris, both business owners in the South Bay, are passionate about giving back to their community and have dedicated gifts in support of the NICU to help other families in similar situations.

JACKIE NAGEL: RECOGNIZING HER INCREDIBLE RECOVERY WITH A CIRCLE OF CARING ESTATE GIFT

The Circle of Caring represents 161 donors who have recognized the Foundation in their estate plans. Jackie Nagel is among them, and she has a special reason. In 2021 she experienced a strange set of symptoms that included a sudden loss of strength and inability to walk. She was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the nerves.

After sensing her recovery was stalled, Jackie sought care at Providence Little Company of Mary’s acute rehab center in San Pedro. She was impressed by the staff’s approach.

“They kept my expectations realistic while taking me beyond what I thought I could do,” Jackie remembers. “They basically rebuilt me one muscle group at a time. From the nurses to the therapists to the nursing assistants, they provided a continuum of care that helped me regain my independence. I would not be where I am without the staff at Providence Little Company of Mary.”

Feeling immense gratitude for her restored health and seeking a way to express her appreciation, Jackie made a bequest in her trust.

“I want this gift to support the staff and provide them with what they need,” she says. “I hope other donors join me in helping create a facility that is worthy of the extraordinary work they are doing.”

MARGARET DANO AND ALAN WOZNIAK: RALLYING DONORS FOR A PLANNED GIVING EFFORT

Margaret Dano and Alan Wozniak give back to the community that has supported them through their medical journeys and always look for ways to make a difference in the lives of others. Longtime donors, the Redondo Beach couple’s commitment to philanthropy goes beyond financial contributions—they are personally involved in ensuring their gifts are meaningful and impactful. For example, they made a significant gift to support an off-site retreat in Malibu for 40 Providence nurses to focus on compassionate care in a restorative environment.

As a financial advisor, Alan advocates for giving through appreciated stock and IRA beneficiary designations, as these are tax-efficient ways to give while maximizing philanthropic impact. “For us, planned giving is about ensuring that the hospital can continue to provide high-quality care for decades to come, particularly in underserved areas,” says Margaret, a retired corporate executive.

Margaret and Alan are more than donors—they are ambassadors for Providence Little Company of Mary. They have shared their experiences with friends and colleagues, encouraging them to consider supporting the medical centers by including Providence Little Company of Mary Foundation in their estate plans as they have.

“We tell people about the care we’ve received, and it’s genuine. We want others to experience the same level of care,” Alan explains. Their advocacy has inspired other donors to include the hospital in their estate plans, proving that passion for giving back creates a ripple effect of generosity. 

STEVE AND AMY HOGAN: BUILDING ON A LEGACY OF FAMILY PHILANTHROPY

Generational giving is a powerful testament to the enduring impact of philanthropy, and the Hogan/Staes family embodies it through their unwavering support of Providence Little Company of Mary. Amy Hogan and her husband, Steve Hogan, continue a tradition of generosity that began with her parents, Jim Staes and Diane Staes.

Jim has been a dedicated supporter of the Providence Little Company of Mary Foundation since 1996, serving on the Foundation board and actively contributing to the medical center’s mission. Diane further cemented the family’s connection by working in the spiritual care department, offering comfort and solace to patients and their families.

Amy and Steve’s commitment to the medical center was profoundly influenced by the values her parents instilled. “My parents’ view on philanthropy really shaped mine, and it has affected both Steve and me,” Amy says.

Their involvement with Providence Little Company of Mary became even more personal in January 2019, when a series of health crises brought the family to the medical center’s doors. Amy’s mother underwent shoulder replacement surgery, her father needed unexpected surgery and Amy faced an emergency appendectomy.

These experiences reinforced the importance of having a trusted, compassionate health care facility close to home. The Hogans were deeply moved by the care they received, from the skilled medical staff to the spiritual support that provided comfort during a stressful time. This connection led Amy and Steve to continue the family tradition of giving.

Amy’s passion for philanthropy extends beyond her personal contributions. She has been instrumental in bringing others into the fold, using her talent for connecting people to raise awareness and support for the medical centers. In addition, she serves on the Foundation board of trustees and is active in many capacities.

The Hogan/Staes family’s legacy of giving is a shining example of how one family’s commitment can have a lasting impact on an entire community. Their generosity, inspired by the values passed down from generation to generation, ensures that Providence Little Company of Mary can continue to provide exceptional care today and for generations to come.

Please make a gift today. Your donation can provide lifesaving care to our community. Please visit plcmfoundation.org/donate. You can reach the Providence Little Company of Mary Foundation office at 310-303-5340.