Jaelene and Steven Goodman transform gratitude into a legacy of care for future generations

Jaelene and Steven Goodman approach life with a sense of adventure. Whether they’re trekking through the rainforests of Uganda to see silverback gorillas, standing among half a million penguins in Antarctica or serving as panda keepers in China, the couple seeks out experiences that are awe-inspiring, meaningful and off the beaten path.

“We travel to learn, to connect with different cultures and to experience the world’s most extraordinary wildlife,” says Steven. “We’re always mindful not to disturb the animals. We enjoy behind-the-scenes work supporting efforts that truly benefit them.”

That thoughtful, purpose-driven approach has shaped more than their travels; it was central to their professional lives. Now retired, Steven spent decades caring for patients as a dentist, while Jaelene recently concluded a 26-year career in medical device sales, including leadership roles at Edwards Lifesciences and Becton Dickinson.

Their connection to Providence St. Joseph Hospital is rooted in gratitude for the care they credit for saving Jaelene’s life.

Coordinated whole-person care

Seventeen years ago, a routine mammogram turned into something more when Jaelene’s physician felt something unusual and recommended an ultrasound. That scan revealed a hidden mass, and she soon learned she had breast cancer.

“I went into go mode,” she recalls. “I wanted the cancer out now.” She scheduled a mastectomy for eight days later, but after a heart-to-heart talk with Steven, she decided to get a second opinion. That’s when everything changed.

Enter Providence St. Joseph Hospital and Jay Harness, M.D. “He told me, gently but clearly, ‘It’s not how we do things here,’” says Jaelene. Instead of rushing into surgery, he took time to understand the full scope of her illness. That deeper approach revealed a more advanced and complex case.

“I believe that decision saved my life,” Jaelene says.

What followed was an intense journey: more than a dozen surgeries, 36 rounds of chemotherapy, seven weeks of radiation and a slew of unusual complications. But at St. Joseph, Jaelene wasn’t just a patient. She was surrounded by a collaborative team of experts who communicated, coordinated and cared for her as a whole person.

“What makes St. Joseph so exceptional is the thoroughness of their approach,” says Jaelene. “From the tumor board to the nurse navigator, every part of my care was coordinated and connected. I didn’t have to chase down doctors or manage appointments; they had already mapped out the entire plan. The nurse navigator was the hub, making sure that every specialist was in sync. It allowed me to focus on healing, not logistics, and that made all the difference.”

From patient to partner

Recently, the couple found themselves at a Providence St. Joseph Hospital event honoring the radiation oncology team. Jaelene spoke up during the program, sharing her gratitude and perspective as a former patient. The response was immediate.

“Afterward, people came up to me and said, ‘We need you on our new oncology committee,’” she recalls. “And suddenly I realized, I was ready to get more involved.”

Joining the committee felt like coming full circle. Many of the physicians on the board — David Margileth, M.D., Michele Carpenter, M.D., and Stavroula Otis, M.D. — were part of the team that saved her life. Now, she works alongside them as a voice for patients and a bridge between clinical care and community support.

Jaelene and Steven’s commitment didn’t stop there. The couple made the decision to include Providence St. Joseph Hospital as a beneficiary of their retirement accounts. “It was an easy decision,” says Steven.
“We want to make sure the kind of care Jaelene received continues long into the future.”