W. Howard Girdlestone
Member, Board of Directors
Sequoia Hospital Foundation
“I owe my life to the people at Sequoia Hospital.”
In 1997, Howard Girdlestone was diagnosed with prostate cancer. The former Marine knew he was in for the battle of his life. Dr. Jane Marmor, the former Medical Director of Radiation Oncology at Sequoia, persuaded him that his condition could be treated with radiation rather than surgery. Today, he openly credits Dr. Marmor with saving his life. “She was a real hands-on operator with a wonderful crew, a very caring crew, “he says. “They cured my cancer lock, stock and barrel. There hasn’t been a trace of it since.” Now, Howard is a member of the Sequoia Hospital Foundation Board of Directors and a most generous contributor – not only of money, but also of his time, talent and considerable energy. “I’ve been fortunate to be able to give as much as I can,” he says. “I’m indebted to the people at Sequoia Hospital. They’re a wonderful group from the top down.”
Bonnie J. Addario
Member, Board of Directors
Sequoia Hospital Foundation
“I survived lung cancer with the help of Sequoia Hospital.”
Bonnie Addario goes after life with gusto. Her strength and resilience were put to the text in 2002 when she learned she had lung cancer. Not satisfied with the answers she was getting from another institution, she turned to Sequoia. Dr. Melissa Lim, pulmonologist, and Dr. Fred Marcus, oncologist took charge of her treatment. Thanks to a first-of-its-kind effort between Sequoia and Dr. David Jablons at UCSF, Bonnie is now cancer free. A tireless organizer for the Sequoia Hospital Foundation, Bonnie joined the Board in 2005 and, with her husband Tony, chaired the 2005 Gala Event. “For me it’s about giving back,” she says, “because I’ve been so blessed.” For Bonnie, Sequoia is like home and family.
