The Loras turn gratitude into action for Providence St. Joseph nurses

For Melissa and Michael Lora, life is full of opportunities to spark joy in the lives of others. This guiding belief is at the heart of their philanthropy, which is focused on making a tangible difference. “Life is really about how we impact those around us, and helping people feel joy is a blessing,” Melissa shares with a smile.

Now retired — Melissa from a distinguished 31-year career at Taco Bell Corp., where she served as president of Taco Bell International, and Michael from his successful real estate management practice — the couple has embraced this chapter of their lives. While stepping back from day-to-day leadership, Melissa continues to shape the business world as a board member for NVIDIA and Conagra Brands.

A personal journey, a lasting impact

It was late one Fourth of July weekend when Michael suddenly became disoriented, so much so that Melissa feared he was having a stroke. The couple rushed to Providence St. Joseph Hospital, where the emergency department team sprang into action. “They were incredible,” Melissa recalls. “Working urgently to figure out what was happening.”

Eventually, Michael was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis. He was admitted to the ICU, where he would remain in a nonresponsive state for weeks. Melissa stayed by his side, day and night. “The doctors were remarkable, but it was the nurses who really struck me,” she says. “They held everything together, not just Michael’s care, but mine too. One nurse even shaved his face because she thought he’d feel better waking up that way. It was such a small thing, but so full of love. I’ll never forget it.”

Melissa found strength in another nurse who went above and beyond. “She took me for a walk and talked with me, offering both reality and hope for Michael’s situation. She didn’t have to, but she understood my need for honesty blended with compassion and took the time to help me digest the moment. That’s the essence of the nurses at St. Joseph.”

In the third week, the miracle came: Michael woke up. As he slowly recovered, the Loras made a promise to themselves. They would return to say thank you and to give back. That moment of gratitude became the foundation for their first major gift to Providence St. Joseph Hospital: an endowed nursing scholarship
to support caregivers in advancing their education and leadership.

A joyful investment in our caregivers

The Loras’ latest gift deepens their commitment to caregiver well-being. With a major contribution, they established the M & M Nurse Well-Being Fund, an initiative designed to uplift, celebrate and restore our nursing teams. “This is a joyful investment in the people who give so much of themselves every day,” says Melissa.

The Loras also made a significant new gift in their estate plan to enhance their existing nursing scholarship endowment fund. In recognition of their generosity, the hospital will name the new M & M Lora Terrace. This new space will be a special area for St. Joseph Hospital caregivers to take breaks, eat lunch or host a team meeting outside in a relaxing and comfortable area.

Passionate dog lovers, the Loras are thrilled that their fund will support restorative activities for caregivers such as pet therapy. “We want nurses to feel appreciated and supported,” says Melissa.

For the Loras, supporting Providence St. Joseph Hospital has been about more than giving, it has been about partnership. They have built meaningful relationships with the Foundation team and nurse leaders, united by a mission that aligns with their values.

“I’m a finance person,” Melissa says. “I really appreciate when people take the time to do it right, to think about where the money goes, and Providence St. Joseph Hospital has done that.”

She’s quick to praise the Foundation team. “It takes a lot of time, energy and effort to match a donor’s passion with the hospital’s purpose. We’ve worked with a lot of nonprofits, and this team is truly among the best.”