Carole Follman brings the latest robotic technology to Providence Mission Hospital

Despite humble beginnings, high school sweethearts Carole and Robert Follman were blessed to build a beautiful family and a successful business. Lifelong Orange County residents, the philanthropic couple were boosters for several local nonprofits during their 50 years of marriage.

After Robert received outstanding care at Providence Mission Hospital, Carole felt inspired to honor his memory and chose to make a gift that funded advanced robotic technology. “It only takes a moment to be kind to someone,” expressed Carole. “I was motivated to help others who I may never know, but in my heart I wanted to make a positive difference in people’s lives.”

“When we found ourselves in need, the hospital was there for us,” shares Carole. “Dr. Goldberg worked so hard, and so did his team. It’s our way of thanking them. We donated in hopes of impacting people we will never know. It fills my heart to know our gift will help people in the community.”

Housed in the Carole and Robert Follman Special Procedures Room, the Auris MONARCH® Platform is an advanced robotic bronchoscopy platform that allows physicians to see hard-to-reach nodules, helping detect and treat lung cancer at an earlier stage, dramatically improving survival rates.

“Lung cancer has a global mortality rate higher than any other form of cancer due to challenges in detection,” shares Robert Goldberg, M.D., pulmonary and critical care physician at Providence Mission Hospital. “This technology allows us to provide our community with the personalized care and precision they deserve.”

“Carole’s gift is a wonderful example of how donors can directly impact the hospital’s standing as a distinguished Center of Excellence for Robotic Surgery, which makes a difference for doctors and patients alike,” says John Miller, chief philanthropy officer. “We are deeply grateful for her generosity, which will save lives.”