Eddie Fedishon: Octogenarian Cancer Survivor Gives Back

For 87 years, Edward “Eddie” Fedishon has lived a storied and successful life: he started several businesses, developed a number of large residential properties, built a high-rise condominium complex, purchased two golf courses, and married the woman of his dreams - a union that lasted for 62 years.

Despite his wife’s death in 2007, Eddie continues to pursue life with vigor and optimism. He does so even though a nemesis of his own - prostate cancer - rears its head from time to time. In recent years, Eddie joined forces with Hoag as a generous and faithful donor. He cherishes both his relationship with the hospital and with Hoag Hospital Foundation. “I love Hoag,” he says. “It means an awful lot to me, just as it did to my wife.”

School of hard knocks

Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, Eddie quit school after the sixth grade to accept a position as an apprentice - a “gofer” as he now describes it - at a local department store. Two years later he went to work at a packing house, where he learned the electrical trade. He worked there, doing freelance electrical contracting on the side, until he joined the Navy in 1941.

Shortly before World War II ended, Eddie attended a wedding with his parents while on leave from the service. Looking dashing in his newly pressed uniform, he happened to dance with a beautiful young bank teller, Lee, whom he quickly fell in love with and married in 1945.

During the years that followed the two became astute business partners, as well as a loving husband and wife team. They purchased an appliance store and an adjacent hardware store in Winnipeg, which they managed themselves. They then moved on to other successful ventures before retiring in their late 30s to travel, finally moving to the U.S. in 1963 where Eddie bought and sold apartment complexes and established a self-storage empire. The couple eventually settled in Newport Beach not far from Hoag in 1991.

Cancer Comes Calling

The past decade has been a particularly challenging one for the Fedishons. Lee developed breast cancer in 2003, then esophageal cancer in 2005, undergoing treatment for both at Hoag. That treatment included many visits to the Hoag Cancer Institute to undergo treatment at the hands of staff they came to know and love. It was during that period that the couple, who already were giving generously to the hospital, established themselves as staunch Hoag supporters.

“Lee really believed in the people at Hoag 100 percent. She wouldn’t go anywhere else for treatment and that makes me a believer in Hoag, too,” shares Eddie. “That’s why I contribute. They did everything they could for Lee, and even though she passed away they gave us a little extra time together. That was important.”

Eddie himself developed prostate cancer in 1991. Following a partial prostatectomy, the disease went into remission for many years, returning again in 2007. As he did regarding Lee’s care, he sings praises for his own treatment at Hoag. As a result, his prostate cancer is once again under control.

Boundless giving

To show his appreciation, Eddie has given to the hospital many times during the past two decades. He donates regularly and usually allows the hospital to use the money where needed - in the past his giving has benefited the Hoag Cancer Institute, the prostate cancer program and other important clinical services.

“People are living longer and longer, and they need good medical care,” he says. “This is a first-rate hospital, and the community is very fortunate to have such a wonderful facility nearby. Hoag is at the forefront of new technology - they’re always innovating.”

Eddie is a Hoag Benefactor and longtime member of the 552 Club. His generosity has impacted many programs. His recent gifts have allowed Hoag’s prostate program to make many advances including a groundbreaking prostate cancer vaccine clinical trial now in its preliminary phase.