Linda Harbison Is a Priceless ``Jewel'' at Orthopaedic Hospital; Donation Helps Hospital Continue Its Mission to Serve Crippled Children, Regardless of Their Families' Ability to Pay

Business Wire, August 20, 2001

Metro/Lifestyle Editors and Health Writers

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 20, 2001

When the late Joseph Harbison was diagnosed with polio at age two, he found a friend in Orthopaedic Hospital. And now, his wife Linda is giving back to the hospital that "gave her a husband." Mrs. Harbison recently donated part of her estate, including two pearl necklaces, a diamond and ruby ring, and a platinum and diamond watch, to help Orthopaedic Hospital continue its mission of providing medical care to children afflicted with crippling diseases without regard to their families' ability to pay.

"Orthopaedic Hospital cared for my husband since he was a child and, with this donation, we can help the Hospital care for other children as well," said Mrs. Harbison. "Joe lived each day with the philosophy to `never give up,' and he never did," she added.

Mrs. Harbison was first introduced to Orthopaedic Hospital when she met and married Joseph, who was diagnosed twice with polio, a contagious viral disease that attacks the central nervous system. Having grown up in the hospital, Mr. Harbison was extremely close to the staff and physicians, and wholeheartedly supported their founding mission. His wife soon shared his passion for helping the children at Orthopaedic Hospital, and the Harbisons began donating a variety of needed supplies, including wheel chairs and leg brace shoes for the Hospital's International Children's Program.

"Joe never stopped thinking about those children that were being treated at the Hospital," said Mrs. Harbison. "He wanted to give them hope and medical care, the same way that Orthopaedic Hospital had helped him to lead a healthier life," she added.

"It is always gratifying to find the support of donors like the Harbisons, who share in the mission of Orthopaedic Hospital," said Dr. James V. Luck, Jr., medical director, president and CEO of Orthopaedic Hospital. "With the contributions of our supporters, we can continue to provide charity care for underserved children while offering expanded and state-of-the-art services and programs to families in need," he added.

The Harbisons met at the convalescent hospital where Linda worked for six years as an admissions coordinator. Joseph spent more than 10 years in Maui working at a land development company, and received his bachelor's degree at the University of Southern California. A year after meeting, the two married in August 1985 and bought a home together in Laguna Woods, where Mrs. Harbison resides today.

For 90 years, Orthopaedic Hospital has been helping children afflicted with crippling diseases receive the finest care in the world and lead healthy, active lives without regard to their families' ability to pay. This work can only be continued with the generous contributions of donors like Linda Harbison. For more information on the Hospital and its services, please visit the website at www.orthohospital.org.