Jim Andrews’ first encounter with Torrance Memorial Medical Center
was in the 1980s. After being diagnosed with cancer—a long story
he says—he was in the hospital for four full months. It was a long
time to be away from home. It could have been unbearable. Except that
it wasn’t.
Through it all—the treatment, the tests, the emotional roller coaster—Andrews
knew that from the administrative staff to the nurses and doctors, he
was in not just capable hands, but “good hands.”
“That stuck with me,” he says.
Decades later, Andrews began pondering his financial legacy. He set his
sights on finding a nonprofit that serves across various demographics
and income levels and one that brings people together.
Longtime family friend Stephen Connors, a Certified Financial Planner®
who sits on Torrance Memorial’s Professional Advisory Council (PAC),
suggested he look into the hospital that had cared for him years ago.
Torrance Memorial was already a recipient of his annual giving. But after
scheduling tours and meetings with medical and administrative staff, Andrews
decided to update his will and trust. Connors referred Andrews to attorney
Eric Harris, also a PAC member, who helped him set up a bequest. Through
this, he designated the Torrance Memorial Foundation as the beneficiary
of most of his estate.
“I thought about them (Torrance Memorial) as just a place where sick
people went,and it turns out they’re so much more than that,”
Andrews says. “I was amazed with the technology and how much they
do for the community.”
Andrews learned about Torrance Memorial’s commitment to support Harbor
Interfaith Services, a San Pedro nonprofit that serves the homeless and
working poor by providing shelter, training and support to help them get
back on their feet. This past holiday season, Torrance Memorial departments
delivered toys to the organization and also sponsored 15 families, providing
a full holiday meal, along with gift cards.
“The money goes back to serve people. It’s more of a place
for people to get healthy and to stay healthy,” he says.
Entering the corridors on a tour of the new Lundquist Tower gave Andrews
a sense of health and well-being—from the calm piano music in the
lobby to the soothing colors on the walls.
Andrews says he trusts the hospital to choose the best way to use his money
and ensure his legacy. But he has also made one request.
“I’ve asked that my money be given to low income programs—to
people who would otherwise have difficulty paying the bills,” he
explains. “I said to help people, especially children, when they
need it.”
Andrews recommends Torrance Memorial to anyone looking for a “good,
trustworthy, caring organization” to include in their estate plan
“We can trust the care and that our donations are going back into
services.” Andrews says. “Supporting them strengthens our
community."