Louise Dawson’s generosity fuels growth in the nurse navigator program

Providence Mission Hospital supporter, Louise Dawson, thrives on making a difference. An animal lover, Louise takes in hospice dogs and provides a loving home for their end of life. In the past she’s had as many as 13 dogs at once, but today, she’s caring for seven.

Her generous spirit extends vastly into the community. A prolific philanthropist, Louise has been a loyal donor to Mission Hospital since 2004. She joined Valiant Women in 2009 because the group’s name captured her imagination. So much so that she created the Louise Adele Dawson Charitable Trust to honor two valiant women in her life, who also happen to be her namesakes — her godmother, Louise, and her aunt, Adele.

She was already planning to make a gift when the tragic passing of Providence Mission Hospital Laguna Beach physician Michael Mammone, M.D., deeply impacted Louise. This led her to seek a meaningful way to commemorate his memory. To date, she’s made three major gifts in his honor.

Years ago, I had a fall, and Dr. Mammone was my doctor,” says Louise. “He was down-to-earth, practical, humble and funny. I’ve never forgotten him and that shows how impactful he was to his patients.”

Community-minded giving

It was a conversation with chief nursing officer Jennifer Cord, DNP, MBA, RN, NE-BC, that inspired Louise to direct her gifts to nursing and specifically the hospital’s nurse navigator program.

“Jennifer has some great ideas for how to recruit and keep great nurses in our community,” says Louise. “Growing the nurse navigator program and Providence Mission Hospital’s plans to invest in these frontline heroes are fabulous. This is only the beginning and I’m proud to be part of it.”

Louise’s generosity highlights the profound impact one person can have on an entire community. She firmly believes in supporting local organizations similar to Providence Mission Hospital — like the Arthritis National Research Foundation — that foster a sense of unity and shared responsibility for improving the health of others.

“The late founder of Age Well Senior Services, Marilyn Diddy, said, ‘Give where you live,’ and I like that,” smiles Louise. “Take care of yourself, your family, your neighbors, your city and your state. But you start with yourself, and the ripple effect goes out and helps your entire community.”