6 minute read
Your giving matters
Visit www.huntingtonhospital.org/heart to learn about our expert cardiology services.
Patients value Huntington Hospital not only for our expert care, but also for our state-of-theart facilities and leading-edge technologies. Our new Helen and Will Webster Heart & Vascular Center encompasses all three and is a great example of how philanthropic support allows us to remain at the forefront of medical care in our region.
Josie Hanafi has a clear preference when she needs
medical care. A clinical lab scientist in our hematology department, Josie chooses to receive care at Huntington Hospital for the same reason she chooses to work here. “I love Huntington Hospital, and I trust all the doctors here,” she says. “I believe in the work we do.”
When Josie began to experience blurry vision and a terrible headache, however, she was not in our area. She was rushed to the emergency room at another hospital, where it was confirmed that she had suffered a major stroke.
Upon her release from the hospital, Josie scheduled a follow-up appointment with Fernando Roth, MD, a cardiologist affiliated with Huntington Hospital. Through a diagnostic ultrasound, Dr. Roth determined the likely cause of her symptoms: Josie had a patent foramen ovale (PFO) — a small opening between the two upper chambers of her heart.
Josie needed to have the PFO in her heart closed. She was referred to Azhil (Alex) Durairaj, MD, medical director of cardiology here. Dr. Durairaj performed a minimally invasive procedure on Josie in our Heather and Paul Haaga Hybrid Catheterization Suite, located in our new Heart & Vascular Center. “I was actually the first patient to ever be treated in the hybrid suite,” says Josie. “I’d never seen anything like it. It was a spectacular space full of the most state-of-the-art instrumentation.”
The first of its kind in our service region, our hybrid suite accommodates both catheterization and surgical procedures. As a result, the suite can be used to treat patients whose condition may require rapid transition from catheterization to surgery. “Knowing the hospital was equipped with the most advanced technology and prepared for any possibility made me feel more relaxed,” says Josie.
The procedure went perfectly. “I’m so thankful for Dr. Durairaj,” she says. “I felt like I was his only patient. Dr. Roth was also amazing, and the nurses were so reassuring. They even played music for me before the procedure to help me stay calm.”
Josie went home the next day feeling great, and she returned to work a week later. She was quickly back to her normal activities, which include being a wife and mom, and volunteering at her church. “Having a heart procedure can be scary,” says Josie, “but I knew I was in the right place.”
Eva and Jason Chau
Strengthening heart care.
Jason Chau has a special place in his heart for Huntington Hospital. Aside from a brief hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he has attended the cardiac rehabilitation program here three times per week for 30 years. He and his wife, Eva, have also been philanthropic contributors to our work for nearly as long.
Most recently, the Chaus made a significant gift toward our new Helen and Will Webster Heart & Vascular Center. The couple designated their gift in honor of cardiologist John L. Easthope, MD, who has treated Jason since 1991.
As a longtime cardiac patient at Huntington Hospital, Jason understands the value our new Heart & Vascular Center brings. “One time I went to the emergency room,” he says, “and I had to be wheeled all the way over to the catheterization lab. I remember thinking, ‘Why are they taking me so far away?’”
The center offers a comprehensive range of cardiovascular services, from research and diagnosis to treatment and recovery, all under one roof. The facility is strategically located above our Nan and Howard Schow Emergency & Trauma Center, helping us deliver urgent heart care faster than ever before. As soon as the Chaus learned of our new Heart & Vascular Center, they knew they had to support it. “It was my idea,” Jason jokes, “to put all these services together!”
All about community.
Jason was diagnosed with arterial sclerosis in 1990 and underwent two coronary angiogram procedures here. He began our cardiac rehabilitation program shortly thereafter. Through the program, Jason built more than just his heart health. Staying after each session to chat with other participants, he also built friendships that last to this day. “For Jason, it’s always been about more than just exercise,” Eva says. “It’s about community.”
Eva notes how Jason’s experience in cardiac rehabilitation at Huntington Hospital has paralleled the growth and development of the hospital itself. “Through rehab, Jason grew stronger — in more ways than one,” she says. “Jason transformed as he watched the hospital transform.”
Adapting and thriving.
Both Eva and Jason have called many places home. A fifth generation Hawaiian, Eva was born in China, went to college in Hawaii, and moved to San Francisco after graduating. Jason was born in Shanghai, lived in Hong Kong and came to California for college. Eva and Jason met in San Francisco when a mutual friend asked Jason for a favor. “Our friend couldn’t pick Eva up from the airport, so he asked me to help out,” Jason says. “The rest is history,” Eva adds. The couple moved several more times, and along the way, Eva gave birth to their two sons.
Jason’s career has been similarly far-reaching. After college, he worked as an engineer. Later, he entered the field of real estate development — first in Guam and then in Southern California — where Jason and his soon-to-be business partner would make a life-changing decision.
“The City and County of Los Angeles were seeking contractors from minority groups, but we didn’t have the capital to undertake the projects,” Jason says. “We came together and pooled our resources so we could meet their requirements.” It worked, and it opened doors for lucrative opportunities across Los Angeles. Together, Jason and his partner purchased many properties, including a car dealership in Alhambra that they operated for 16 years.
Investing in exceptional care.
Jason’s success comes from knowing how to seize opportunities by thinking strategically. It is with this keen sense that he and Eva chose to donate to Huntington Hospital.
“By supporting the hospital, we’re helping others, but we’re also helping ourselves,” Jason explains. In fact, within the first month of its opening, Jason visited our new Heart & Vascular Center after feeling pains in his chest. Thankfully, it was nothing serious, but the experience allowed the Chaus to see the value of their investment firsthand.
“From the intentional layout of the facilities to the incredibly advanced equipment, the center was so impressive,” Jason says. “I could tell there was so much thought put into making the space as patient-friendly as possible.”
For the Chaus, Jason’s visit to the Heart & Vascular Center reinforced how crucial gifts are to the hospital. “Health is one of the most important things in life,” Eva says, “and medical advancements require funding. Philanthropic support helps Huntington Hospital ensure it has the latest technology to deliver the best of care right here in our community.”
When Jason Chau visited our new Helen and Will Webster Heart & Vascular Center as a patient, he was impressed with the modern facility, including patient care rooms like the one featured here.
