This October marks the 25th anniversary of Hoag’s Palliative Care Program — a milestone that reflects decades of compassionate care for patients and families facing serious illness.
Palliative care is an essential component of medicine that focuses on alleviating the symptoms, stress, and emotional challenges associated with serious illness, for both patients and their families. From its origins at Hoag with a single social worker, the program has evolved into a nationally recognized, multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurse practitioners, and social workers, now including physician fellows, ensuring the next generation is trained in the art of palliative medicine.
This commitment to education was strengthened thanks to a generous gift from the late Margaret Givan Larkin, a dedicated Hoag supporter, who helped launch Hoag’s Palliative Care Fellowship Program which trains fellows annually under the mentorship of Vincent Nguyen, DO, CMD, and Hoag’s expert team. Philanthropy ensures the specialized skills and compassionate approach of Hoag’s team will continue to grow and benefit families for years to come.
For donor Barry Noebel, the program’s impact is personal. His wife, Jane, received palliative care at Hoag in 2013 during her battle with a rare tumor.
“Dr. Nguyen walked into the room, introduced himself, and said, ‘I’m here to make you comfortable.’ My wife smiled for the first time in weeks. That moment changed everything for our family,” Barry recalls.
The holistic care Jane received eased symptoms and reduced stress while also helping Barry and their children through an unimaginably difficult time. In her memory, Barry established the Jane Noebel Palliative Care Endowed Education Fund, which for the past decade has supported dynamic, standing-room-only conferences and training programs that strengthen Hoag’s team and spread awareness of this important field.
“Before my wife got sick, I didn’t even know what palliative care was,” Barry says. “Supporting Hoag’s program is my way of honoring her memory and making sure other families know this incredibly significant care exists.”
Barry has shared his story at many of these conferences, helping to raise awareness about the breadth of support palliative care offers to patients and families, from alleviating pain to offering emotional and spiritual guidance.
Looking forward, Barry continues to give back as part of the Boldly Hoag Expansion Committee, which supports Hoag’s expansion on the Sun Family Campus in Irvine.
“I want this level of care to be there for others. Investing in Hoag is investing in our community—it’s about creating something truly special for families in need.”
As Hoag marks this 25-year milestone, the story of palliative care is also the story of philanthropy. Through donors like Margaret Givan Larkin, Barry Noebel, and many others, Hoag has built a program that combines clinical excellence with human connection—ensuring that every patient and family facing serious illness can experience dignity, comfort, and hope.
To learn more about palliative care and opportunities for philanthropic support, please contact Jolie Smith, Major Gifts Officer at Jolie.Smith@hoag.org | 949.764.7383
