Originally published in the Foundation’s newsletter “Prime Scene,” fall 2005

Our Hospital Is an Asset We Must Protect and Support

Theresa Fisichella Claassen has spent much of her life involved with health care and the medical profession. More than most, she knows the value of a quality hospital and she believes that California Pacific Medical Center is one of the very best.

“Good health and good health care are a basic need for our society,” says Mrs. Claassen. “California Pacific Medical Center is a great community resource, and I’m proud to offer my support.”

In 2001 Mrs. Claassen set up a charitable gift annuity with the Medical Center’s Foundation. She says that she plans to create additional annuities for her daughter, who is a California Pacific nurse, and one of her sons.

“With the annuity, I receive an income now and I’m assured that California Pacific will get something in the future. I like the idea of a gift annuity.” She has designated her gift for training interns and residents.

Theresa Claassen was a medical social worker at a New York hospital and married to a physician before she joined the American Red Cross to work at a military hospital. She transferred with the Red Cross to California, and served for seven years on the State Board of Medical Quality.

A former volunteer at California Pacific, Mrs. Claassen saw firsthand the outstanding care that the hospital and its physicians provide. As the mother of one of those physicians, Dr. Dominick Fisichella, she grew even more appreciative of California Pacific and its services.

“Dr. Fisichella was very proud of the hospital and was inspired by the quality and the high educational and ethical standards of the physicians and staff,” says Mrs. Claassen. “When my son died prematurely, I felt very motivated to support his commitment and devotion to California Pacific.

“Our hospital, like our health, is an asset we must protect and support. I truly wish to help by contributing.”