Published on Apr. 16, 2026
Beauty in Grace, a women’s giving circle at MemorialCare, marked its 10th anniversary, on Tuesday, March 31, bringing together a record-breaking 124 members from across Orange County to celebrate the power of unity in support of women’s health.
The annual luncheon, held at VEA Newport Beach, celebrated both founding members and new supporters for an afternoon focused on impact, shared purpose and the meaningful difference philanthropy can make in women’s lives. Beauty in Grace has brought together supporters of MemorialCare’s Saddleback Medical Center and Orange Coast Medical Center, collectively raising funds to advance compassionate, patient-centered care.
“For 10 years, Beauty in Grace has embodied what’s possible when women come together in generosity and purpose,” said Christy Ward, chief development officer, MemorialCare Orange County Region, and president, MemorialCare’s Saddleback Medical Center and Orange Coast Medical Center Foundation. “Because of this giving circle, women in our community have gained access to advanced technology and compassionate care—from leading‑edge breast MRI technology to cancer navigation programs helping guide women throughout their cancer journey. Together, these investments are strengthening how we care for women at every stage of life.”
With nearly $1 million raised since its inception, the women’s giving circle continues to expand its impact. This year, funds will support MemorialCare’s Angels Peer Navigation Volunteer Program, ensuring no woman faces breast cancer alone.
“As a triple-negative breast cancer survivor, I’ve seen firsthand how initiatives like the Angels Peer Navigation Volunteer Program fill the space medicine alone cannot. It offers steadiness, understanding and the reassurance that you are not facing cancer alone.”
- Jill Canales, manager, cancer peer navigation program, MemorialCare Cancer Institute
Angels Peer Navigation pairs breast cancer patients with trained survivor volunteers who provide one‑on‑one emotional support and practical guidance throughout treatment. The program includes more than 80 volunteers and supported 665 patients last year.
“At MemorialCare Cancer Institute, we believe in whole person cancer care and wellness. It’s part of our purpose and woven into the fabric of our programs to support both the clinical and emotional journeys women face. Programs like Angels Peer Navigation provide connection and reassurance that medical treatment alone cannot—pairing women newly diagnosed with breast cancer with survivors who truly understand what they’re facing. Philanthropy makes it possible to deliver whole‑person care for women across our community.”
- Liz Acord, vice president, clinical institutes, MemorialCare
Beauty in Grace members were encouraged to invite new supporters to join the giving circle and help extend its reach. What began as a shared vision among women determined to uplift one another has evolved into a powerful philanthropic force – one that continues to grow and serve more women each year.
Through generosity, shared leadership and compassion, Beauty in Grace remains a testament to what is possible when women come together in support of women – and to the lasting impact they can make on a woman’s cancer journey.
To learn more, about the Beauty in Grace women’s giving circle, visit memorialcare.org/beautyingrace or call
(949) 452-3724.
