In 2006, on Christmas weekend, Michael and Melissa Lora had a serious wake-up call when Michael suffered severe jaw pain. They rushed to Hoag where he was treated by Subbarao Myla, M.D., F.A.C.C., medical director of Cardiac and Endovascular Labs and Cardiovascular Research at the Jeffrey M. Carlton Heart & Vascular Institute. When Dr. Myla found that one of Michael's arteries was 100 percent blocked, he and his team completed a life-saving procedure. To everyone's relief, Michael's heart suffered no damage.
Both retired, Melissa from her role as President of Taco Bell International and Michael from his real estate management practice, the grateful couple is living fully as philanthropists and parents to two golden retrievers. "No doubt, Dr. Myla saved my life," Michael said. "Afterwards, you ask yourself, 'What is the best way to look at the future?' For us, it was to do something good for others."
Giving with Gratitude
Since that frightening episode, Melissa and Michael have made not one but two generous gifts to Hoag totaling $3 million. Their first gift established the Melissa & Michael Lora Cardiac Catheterization Lab Fund to support Dr. Myla's research.
Their most recent gift, which included a bequest, established the Melissa & Michael Lora Robotic Surgical Center Fund. With deepest gratitude for their generosity, Hoag named the Melissa & Michael Lora Robotic Surgical Center at Hoag Hospital Newport Beach. Thanks to philanthropy, Hoag is a national leader in robotic surgery.
"We're grateful to be in a position to support people doing great things in our community," Melissa said. "It is rewarding to support the work of Dr. Jeb Brown, medical director of Hoag's Gynecologic Robotics Program, and help make Hoag one of the top hospitals in the nation."
For more information on how you can support Hoag through your estate, please contact Julie Heggeness, JD, CSPG, TEP, at (949) 764-7206 or [email protected].
For more information on how you can support
