by Tom Gallagher
October 2, 2009
On the brighter side of the news, a billionaire pharmaceutical developer has donated $100 million to a Santa Monica hospital, with more than half the funds going to research projects and facilities.
Patrick Soon-Shiong and his wife, Michele Chan, donated the money to St. John's Health Center, a 380-bed Catholic hospital.
St. John's Chief Executive Lou Lazatin said Thursday $55 million will create several research centers and fund future projects.
The donation includes $35 million already spent on renovating and expanding the hospital and $10 million to attract doctors and scientists.
The couple donated a separate $35 million to St. John's in 2007.
