When I look back at my first year at John Muir Health Foundation, I am awestruck at the generosity shown by you, our loyal and passionate donors. I am inspired by you and the incredible team of people I work with who care deeply about delivering the very best patient care...every day!

We officially launched the Campaign to Conquer Cancer at the 9^th Annual Celebrate John Muir Health! gala, held on Saturday, November 5, 2022. Themed “Making Magic Happen,” the evening proved to be magical, indeed, as guests raised their paddles to the tune of $3.2 million! And, we received an extraordinary challenge match from the Hofmann Family Foundation which will match your campaign gifts dollar for dollar up to $10 million.

Today, I am very excited to announce that, fueled by the Campaign to Conquer Cancer, your support garnered a record-breaking fundraising year. Your generosity culminated in more than $53 million in new gifts and commitments in 2022!



Thank you!  

The success and achievements of John Muir Health would not be possible without vital community support from generous donors like you. Please let us know how you’d like to be involved. 

Yours in health,

Distributions by Department

When donors give to the John Muir Health Fund, they provide support where needed most.

On February 22, 2022, the John Muir Health Foundation Board of Directors voted to allocate $1 million to support the Nursing Residency Program at John Muir Health.

"It is a truly priceless gift," shares Michelle Lopes, John Muir Health's Senior Vice President and System Chief Nurse Executive.

The program is designed to support newly hired graduate nurses as they transition to their first professional nursing position.

And today, with the shortage of nurses,

this program is critical.

"Nursing is near and dear to my heart," says Michelle, "and I am grateful to all of you who made this support possible!"

The Dean & Margaret Lesher Foundation is Advancing its Mission

“Our mission is very straightforward – to enhance the quality of life for all residents in Contra Costa County,” says Steve Lesher, Vice President, Dean & Margaret Lesher Foundation.

John Muir Health is the fortunate recipient of a $1 million gift from the Dean & Margaret Lesher Foundation to support the UCSF-John Muir Health Cancer Center.

“This gift is especially meaningful to our family and to the Board of Directors of the Foundation,” comments Steve, whose sister Kris Lesher-Aring was passionate about community health. Kris earned her master’s degree in Health Administration and subsequently served on the staff of California State Assemblywoman Lynne Leach as well as the Board of the Lesher Foundation. While working in the Assembly, Kris advised on health care policy.

“Unfortunately, Kris passed away in 2013 after a hard-fought six-year battle against cancer,” Steve explains. “We hope this gift recognizes the extraordinary care she received from John Muir Health during her years of fighting. John Muir Health has cared for four generations of our family from births to ER visits, surgeries, and most importantly the care Kris needed.”

Education funds are a strong focus of the Dean & Margaret Lesher Foundation. Therefore, a portion of this generous gift will endow cancer resource materials and educational outreach through the “Kris Lesher-Aring Patient Resource Center,” housed within the Cancer Pavilion now under construction on site of the John Muir Health, Walnut Creek Medical Center. 

Making Magic Happen

Annual Gala Raises $3.2 Million to Conquer Cancer

John Muir Health’s annual fundraiser, Celebrate John Muir Health! gala was held in November 2022. The event raised more than $3.2 million in support of the Cancer Pavilion and the UCSF-John Muir Health Cancer Center. It garnered an extraordinary $10 million matching gift from the Hofmann Family Foundation.

The highlight of the evening came when Nevin Kessler announced that the community had raised $66.4 million toward the Foundation's $100 million goal!

The signature event was held at the Concord Jet Center in a private hangar graciously donated by Jean and Lisa Hofmann. More than 350 guests enjoyed an evening of philanthropy and community support for the new Cancer Pavilion, a 155,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility opening in February 2024 that will be home to the UCSF-John Muir Health Cancer Center. It will include services in imaging, radiation oncology, and clinical research, an infusion center, a retail pharmacy, specialty oncology, medical clinics, and many more cancer services.

The campaign's resounding message was felt by everyone...This is not an evolution in cancer care—it is a revolution of how we work together to fight cancer.

Click the videos above to hear from John Muir Health cancer patient, Ed Gonzales, and our Cancer Care Team.