For Bruce Crockard and Ed York, Hoag is more than a hospital—it’s part of the fabric of the community they’ve called home for decades.
Bruce grew up in Corona del Mar, and both he and Ed built their careers as educators in Orange County public schools. Over the years, Hoag became a trusted presence in their lives. “Hoag has taken care of my family and me for many, many years,” Bruce says. “It’s always felt like family.”
That connection deepened in 2009, when Bruce underwent open heart surgery at Hoag. Facing a major procedure, he took a thoughtful approach—reviewing options, seeking input from his cardiologist, and weighing where he would feel most confident in his care. Hoag stood apart.
Beyond the outcome, it was the sense of trust and coordination that left a lasting impression. That same program has continued to evolve in the years since, building on its reputation as one of the region’s leading destinations for advanced cardiovascular care. But what continues to set Hoag apart is its unwavering focus on the patient’s journey, ensuring each individual feels seen, supported, and cared for at every step. “They couldn’t have made me feel more comfortable or more secure,” Bruce recalls.
When the couple began thinking about their legacy, they returned to the place that had cared for them so meaningfully. With guidance from Hoag’s Gift Planning team, they established a charitable remainder trust funded with appreciated real estate.
Over time, managing the property had become a growing responsibility—one that no longer aligned with how they wanted to spend their time. By transferring it into a charitable trust, they were able to ease that burden, address capital gains considerations, and generate a reliable stream of income, all while turning a complex asset into a meaningful future gift.
Their gift will support Hoag’s Jeffrey M. Carlton Heart & Vascular Institute and the Hoag Family Cancer Institute.
Nationally recognized for excellence in cardiovascular care, Hoag’s heart and vascular program continues to advance what’s possible for patients across the region. Hoag has consistently been ranked as a High Performing hospital by U.S. News & World Report—its highest distinction—in key cardiac specialties, including heart failure. At the center of this work is a highly coordinated Advanced Heart Failure Program, where dedicated clinical nurse navigators guide patients and families through every step of diagnosis, treatment, and long-term care.
The Hoag Family Cancer Institute offers patients access to more than 125 clinical trials, bringing leading-edge therapies to Orange County across a wide range of cancers. The program also includes advanced treatments such as CAR T-cell therapy, expanding options for patients with complex and hard-to-treat conditions.
Bruce and Ed’s relationship with Hoag has continued to grow through engagement in Hoag Hospital Foundation events, including healthcare panels that offer donors a closer look at innovation and patient care. “You really get a sense of what’s happening and where things are going,” Ed says. For them, the decision to create a legacy gift reflects both gratitude and a deep belief in the place they call home. “It’s been part of our lives for so long,” Bruce says. “This just felt like the right way to give back.”
To connect with Hoag and explore your legacy, please reach out to Evelyn Sanders-Haye at Evelyn.SandersHaye@hoag.org or 949.764.7635.
