Shelley Allen and Bob Kohorst

Huntington Hospital has long been a hub for exceptional cancer care services. Soon, we will be able to take our cancer care to the next level — thanks in large part to another generous donation from Shelley Allen and W. Robert (Bob) Kohorst. Huntington Cancer Center, an affiliate of Cedars-Sinai Cancer, is now in the process of an evolving expansion of our cancer service offerings, with help from the couple’s most recent gift. “Huntington is extraordinary,” Bob says, “and we’re proud to support it. In my opinion, it’s one of the world’s premier health care organizations.”

Shelley and Bob are longtime friends of Huntington Hospital. Their most recent gift is motivated by two wishes: to give back to their beloved community of Pasadena and to help the community meet critical health needs closer to home. “We wanted to help those who need it most,” says Shelley. “Our parents were impacted by cancer and it’s a risk for everyone.”

Having the best possible care close to home — including well-trained physicians, promising clinical trials, cutting-edge technology and advanced treatments — can make a world of difference to quality of life. And that is exactly what Shelley and Bob hope the expansion of services will do. As Bob says, “we want everyone in Pasadena to have access to all of the cancer care service offerings — without having to drive far to get them.”

Commitment to excellence.

Shelley and Bob are stalwart supporters of Huntington. They previously contributed toward the construction of our Cherng Family West Tower and supported the purchase of a computed tomography (CT) scanner for our emergency department.

Ensuring a legacy of care excellence is a priority for Shelley and Bob. The couple notes that their continued support is also a way to show their gratitude for care. “Both of our sons were born at Huntington Hospital — and all three grandchildren too,” says Shelley.

The family has not just utilized our labor and delivery or maternity services; they have also sought help from Huntington surgical teams. One son, for instance, had a gallbladder removed here, and Bob recently had his hip replaced. “Every time we’ve had a need,” he says, “Huntington has been there. The staff and physicians are always attentive and offer impeccable treatment.”

Paying it forward.

Giving back is a way of life for Shelley and Bob. And they want to inspire others to embrace this virtue. “We’ve been very fortunate,” Bob explains, “and we believe that our good fortune should be shared. Many people have helped us get here, so we want to help others, too. If we all did that, the community would be an even better place.”

Shelley and Bob built their company, Everest Properties, a real estate investment firm, together. The couple worked hard as entrepreneurs, and today Everest Properties owns more than 3,000 apartment units and more than 500,000 square feet of self-storage and retail properties throughout the U.S. The company has 200 employees — including both of their children.

Show up and give.

From the start, Shelley and Bob shared a vision that focused on family and service. Running their own business allowed the couple to set their own schedules and to manage a family charity foundation. But most importantly, as Bob says, “it allowed us to spend time with our sons. Not only did Shelley and I attend all of their sporting events in grade school and high school, we watched most of their practices, too. There is no substitute for showing up.”

Even in retirement, Shelley and Bob continue to be there for their family, their community — and their country. In addition to board service, volunteerism at school or civic organizations, Bob gave back by serving as United States Ambassador to the Republic of Croatia from 2018 to 2021.

When you get the opportunity to serve others, take it. The benefits are incredible when you see how you can help people. It’s truly remarkable.

-- Bob Kohorst

Clearly, Shelley and Bob model the values of service and contribution. These priorities are instilled in their children and will be passed down to their grandchildren. “Our family foundation has given our kids a way to practice these values,” Shelley explains. “They continue this work. And not just by giving money, but by spending time in service. That combination is vital. Show up and give.”

Shelley and Bob have done just that for our hospital and our community. Their generosity will have a powerful impact upon the health and well-being of generations to come. “Pasadena is a better place because of the excellent care available from Huntington Health,” adds Bob. “And we’re honored to be a part of that.”