Hoag Family Cancer Institute
Our Stories

Al Quinlan believes in the future - the future of California, Orange County, and Hoag Hospital.

After serving in the Korean Conflict, the native Californian returned home and set in motion his career in the insurance industry. His business knowledge and confident attitude soon caught the eye of a local broker for a national insurance company. The broker wanted to expand his service to the Orange County area and Al was offered the opportunity.

Armed with youthful exuberance and entrepreneurship, Al moved to Anaheim. Forty years ago, Orange County was still a quiet community, but Al believed that Orange County would grow and with it his business. After a few successful years, he acquired the business from the broker and established his own company. Al's first employee was his wife, Connie. Working side by side, the couple developed the small office into a profitable business.

Al and Connie first became acquainted with Hoag Hospital through their children. "Bumps, bruises, you name it, we would bring our kids to Hoag for treatment," says Al. "And, always, they - we - were all given the best of care."

In 1990, Connie was diagnosed with cancer and the Quinlans began their most challenging venture, the fight to beat the illness. The Quinlans' life took a dramatic turn. Al cut back on his work to devote time and energy in helping Connie. Hoag Hospital and staff became a major part of their lives. Al credits Hoag's knowledge of cancer treatment for Connie's subsequent remission.

Five years later, Connie began her second battle with cancer. Again, the Quinlans became familiar faces at Hoag Cancer Center until Connie lost her battle against the disease in 1998.

With a soft smile, Al explains the reason for his high regard for Hoag. "It wasn't so much the technology, techniques, or procedures that Hoag used in helping Connie, it was the care," remarks Al. "Everyone, the doctors, technicians, and nurses, they kept giving her hope. They kept her confidence up, giving her the will to continue with the treatments and succeed. Never did they make her feel like she wouldn't - couldn't - win."

Al continues, "Both times Connie was in for treatment, I got to know the staff. I would ask the nurses and doctors why they practiced at Hoag. The overwhelming response was that they thought Hoag was the greatest place to practice in the world: the credibility is high, the personnel well regarded - lots of camaraderie. Simply put, Hoag was, and from my point of view still is, the best."

Al wanted to make sure this level of care and compassion at Hoag continues, so he spoke with his attorney and has left a bequest in his will for Hoag Cancer Center.

"It was easy, convenient, and comforting to know Hoag can continue the level of excellence in care for other patients," states Al. "I'm pleased to know that I will be honoring Connie for the 46 years we shared and for her courage and strength during her illness. And, that I will be honoring those making the same battle by helping Hoag help others."