About The Ruth Weil Spirit of Hope Award

Ruth Weil was a devoted champion of Saint John’s Health Center through avenues of philanthropy, advocacy, and volunteer work. She began her journey in support of cancer research and treatment after her beloved brother succumbed to cancer. Her commitment renewed with the passing of her husband, and again with her daughter. She strongly believed that a positive attitude could help overcome any fearful outcome, and thus The Spirit of Hope Award appropriately carries her name.

For Ruth, Saint John’s was a second home. She had warm relationships with many of the staff; working over 12,000 hours as a volunteer in the cancer clinic. She was past president, and an active board member of the John Wayne Cancer Institute Auxiliary. She established the Ruth and Martin H. Weil Laboratory for Cancer Research and sponsored the Ruth and Martin H. Weil Fellow in the Surgical Oncology Fellowship Program.

She had received multiple honors including the first Donald L. Morton Legend Award from the JWCI Auxiliary and the Tribute to the Human Spirit Award and the Pillars of Strength Award by Cancer Support Community. She also served on the Board of Advocates at Saint John’s Health Center and on the Board of Directors of Cancer Oncology Research Institute (CORI) supporting educational events for cancer high-risk populations in the inner city of Los Angeles.

Ruth Weil set the highest example of living the life of tzedakah or charitable giving—the giving of yourself. Her memory lives on in this award as both a blessing, and an instruction.