For some people, humility doesn’t require effort; it’s simply a way of life. Neil and Barbara Phillips are those kinds of people.
Neil grew up in the town of Pleasant Hill outside of San Francisco. Hired straight out of college into the fledgling industry of cable television, Neil was transferred to Southern California, where he met his wife, Barbara.

“Looking back, our first year has been amazing,” says Terry Wooten, executive director of operations at Mission Hospital.

The Judi and Bill Leonard Institute for Cancer Prevention, Treatment and Wellness opened in November 2019. With its four-story, state-of-theart facility and personalized, molecular-based medicine, the Leonard Cancer Institute provides patients in our community with specialized cancer care — ensuring that residents of South Orange County have access to the most advanced oncology treatments available.

When Katie delivered her baby daughter, Rae, in the 38th week of her pregnancy, she was thankful to be surrounded by her compassionate colleagues. By this time, they felt like family. Their support was essential.

In 2016, Mission Hospital embarked on a vital fundraising initiative to expand the Emergency Departments at both locations: Laguna Beach and Mission Viejo. By 2019, the five-phase expansion and restoration of the Sue and Bill Gross Emergency Department at Mission Hospital Laguna Beach was completed.

The Mission Hospital family celebrated an exciting day in November 2019, with the dedication of the Judi and Bill Leonard Institute for Cancer Prevention, Treatment and Wellness.

Fifteen years ago, Jean Glenn received a letter from Mission Hospital Foundation explaining the benefits of a charitable gift annuity. Well versed in financial matters and a dedicated hospital auxiliary member, Jean carefully reviewed the salient facts.

Last year, Alliant Insurance Services set out to expand its involvement in the community. Mission Hospital was chosen as the recipient of Alliant’s efforts, with the company making a generous $75,000 pledge to name the Wellness Room at the newly opened Judi and Bill Leonard Cancer Institute for Prevention, Treatment and Wellness.

The lives and legacy of Ray and Betty Ann Meliza have stood the test of time. You’ll not find their names on the credits of a Hollywood movie, or on a list of “Who’s Who.” Yet, because of their uncompromising values and integrity, they have left a lasting impression.

In 2016, Mission Hospital embarked on a vital fundraising initiative to expand the Emergency Departments at both locations: Laguna Beach and Mission Viejo. By 2019, the five-phase expansion and restoration of the Sue and Bill Gross Emergency Department at Mission Hospital Laguna Beach was completed.

Mission Hospital’s Women and Infants Institute now houses two new pieces of advanced technology. This leading-edge equipment helps caregivers deliver care to mothers and their newborns in a timely manner, all thanks to the generosity of Duane and Kelly Roberts.