Mary and Bob Sullivan

Mary and Bob Sullivan’s lives have been defined by a deep belief in the power of hard work. Now, through a transformational estate gift to Hoag, the couple wants the values that carried them through extraordinary careers, and around the globe, to continue and help others.  

Mary built a career leading the development of polymer chemicals, contributing to everything from consumer electronics to defense technology with Northrop Grumman. Bob, meanwhile, built an accomplished career as a leading insurer at State Farm, which continues today. Their journeys have spanned continents, exploring countless countries—including Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand—and traversing Africa on safaris.  

Despite all their adventures abroad, Newport Beach has remained home. Both feel deep gratitude for the care they’ve received at Hoag. 

“Hoag saved Bob’s life. I’ve had surgeries there, and we’ve both used their emergency department. There’s just no comparison,” according to Mary. “We’ve been to other hospitals in the area—and Hoag is still the best.” 

That exceptional care inspired their estate gift.  

Their gift focuses on three areas close to their hearts. For Mary, it’s neurological care within the Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute, stemming from her own health journey and the compassionate expertise of Hoag physicians like Sandeep K. Thakkar, DO, who treated her and continually follows her progress, coordinating with other specialists to ensure she receives the best possible care.  

“He’s really on my team,” Mary said. “We are fortunate to have a quality hospital like Hoag right here in our community—easy to reach, fully staffed, and with the finest equipment.”  

The couple’s gift also supports Hoag Orthopedics. Mary underwent two knee replacements at the Hoag Orthopedic Institute, calling the experience “five-star,” and recognizing the importance of continued excellence in an area that touches so many lives.  

And a third part of their gift goes to Hoag’s pulmonary program, motivated by Bob’s history with asthma. “We hope to bring an even greater range of doctors and expertise in these areas,” Mary said.  

Legacy gifts can offer a unique opportunity, not only to make a lasting difference, but to do so in a way that aligns with one’s values and personal goals. In addition to a simple bequest, there is a wide range of charitable arrangements that can help donors to save taxes, secure income in retirement, and provide for loved ones. Because these gifts are typically considered in the context of a bigger picture, they have the potential to serve a donors’ planning objectives while enabling them to make a positive impact in the community. 

“We worked for everything we have,” Mary said. “And we realized we didn’t want our estate to benefit only a few. We wanted it to keep working—to generate the most good for as many as possible.”  

The Sullivans believe their legacy will be one that keeps giving—not just financially, but through the example they hope to set for others. “I’ve mentioned it to friends recently that we decided to support a hospital that continues to pursue excellence. And I hope it makes others stop and think.”  

That’s the impact she wishes their story will have — encouraging others to pause, reflect, and consider how their own values might live on through a gift to a place like Hoag. 

To learn more visit Gift Planning at Hoag.

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