Why I Give: We Are Hope Ambassador Highlight

Sandra Arzola, Homeless Health/Substance Use Navigator – Patient Experience

We Are Hope Ambassadors are dedicated associates who partner with the Adventist Health White Memorial Charitable Foundation to raise awareness about the impact of associate giving. These selfless associates recognize how meaningful and powerful philanthropy is in inspiring health, wholeness and hope for those we serve.

What inspired you to start working in healthcare, and what brought you to Adventist Health White Memorial?

In high school, I did an assessment my senior year, which looked at my interests and recommended a profession. The assessment recommended social work or healthcare. I knew I wanted to help but wasn’t sure which career to choose. Once I started college, I realized I wanted to attend a medical assistant program, and that was my introduction to healthcare.

I ended up at White Memorial because they contracted with the dialysis company I worked for. I started as a contracted dialysis coordinator, working in six different hospitals for 11 years, before joining White Memorial. Out of all the hospitals I’ve worked in, I felt the most welcomed at White Memorial.

What inspires you to be a part of the We Are Hope Program at Adventist Health White Memorial?

I didn’t know what Associate Giving was until I was asked to be a part of it. When I went to the first meeting and learned how much White [Memorial] does for the community and our patients, it inspired me to give back because White [Memorial] has given me a lot. What inspired you to become a We Are Hope Ambassador? To get the message to other associates, for them to know that we do more than patient care. We go outside of that to help others in need. We are more than just a hospital, and I want to spread awareness of all the things White [Memorial] does for our community.