A Tale of Two Medical Centers

Lydia and John Goode have enjoyed a long-term relationship with Providence Little Company of Mary. Their experiences with the San Pedro and Torrance medical centers have made the Goodes' strong supporters of Providence Little Company of Mary. Lydia and John have demonstrated their commitment by creating a charitable remainder trust. Their gift in trust provides them with an income for their lifetimes and significant income tax savings. When the trust terminates, the remaining property will be used to support Providence Little Company of Mary's medical centers and community programs.

The Goodes' connection with Providence LCM goes back many years. In 1960, John began his orthodontic practice in his medical office building across the street from San Pedro Peninsula Hospital. As the dentist next door, John became friends with many of the doctors who practiced at the hospital. He served on San Pedro Peninsula Hospital's board of directors and, for two terms, on its foundation board of directors.

Lydia got to know the San Pedro hospital as a caregiver and as a patient. When John was starting his orthodontic practice, Lydia worked as a registered nurse there. The Goodes' three children (Robert, Tom and Kathryn) were born in the San Pedro hospital.

In 1992, San Pedro Peninsula Hospital became part of Little Company of Mary. The hospital became a faith-based medical center on a mission to provide compassionate care to all people, particularly to the poor and vulnerable. Although the hospital changed, Lydia and John continued to feel a deep connection with their San Pedro community hospital.

In 2010, Lydia was advised that she needed surgery. She chose to have her medical care at Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance. Although she was a patient, Lydia observed the treatment she received with the professional eyes of a nurse. "The nurses showed such empathy and caring. I was really impressed." She has described her care as "wonderful" and "beyond my expectations."

The Goodes' deep connection with Providence Little Company of Mary is one that many members of the San Pedro and South Bay communities share. Lydia and John's foresight and generosity in creating a charitable remainder trust will help others to benefit from Providence Little Company of Mary's compassionate and excellent medical care, now and in the future.