A Grandmother’s Spirit, A Lasting Legacy
AltaMed Foundation Trustees Sami Freedman and Marilyn Wallace* with AltaMed President and CEO Cástulo de la Rocha.
Stepping through the doors of the Huntington Park AltaMed Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) center, sisters Sami Freedman and the late Marilyn Wallace felt an immediate, almost magnetic pull. The lively hum of activity and the sense of community reminded them vividly of the loving care their grandmother enjoyed in her own golden years. Inspired by those memories — and driven by a desire to give back — they chose to launch AltaMed’s first-ever charitable annuity, turning personal gratitude into an enduring legacy that will continue for future generations.
*Editor’s note: We are saddened to share that Marilyn Wallace passed away shortly after this interview. Her legacy endures through her generosity and philanthropic work.
Seeking a Better Life
Marilyn Wallace and Sami Freedman have always admired their grandmother’s tenacity. Born in Russia, their grandmother, Sara Silver — whom they affectionately call Bubbe — raised seven children. Without an education, she went door-to-door selling homemade bread to provide for her kids.
Seeking a better life, Sara and her children, including Marilyn and Sami’s father, Art, emigrated from Russia to Omaha, Nebraska, in 1923.
When the family later moved from Nebraska to San Francisco, Bubbe struggled to adjust. She missed the close-knit community she had built in Omaha. Although she had no remaining relatives in Nebraska, she chose to return on her own.
Concerned for her safety, the family felt relieved when a friend secured her a place in a senior home. While visiting their Bubbe, the sisters often said, “If we ever grew old, we’d want to live there because they were so caring.”
Finding Bubbe's Spirit
In 2024, during their first visit to the AltaMed Huntington Park PACE center, Marilyn and Sami immediately felt a strong connection to the program. PACE supports seniors with complex medical needs, helping them stay safe, comfortable, and healthy at home. Beyond medical care, it provides social and mental enrichment through exercise, art, and other creative activities.
“Our eyes just popped,” said Sami. “I saw our Bubbe there.”
As they watched staff serve lunch and lead activities, their visit revived fond memories of Bubbe and the compassionate care she received in retirement. “I had flashbacks of my grandmother, who I remember was a fabulous cook,” says Sami. “The home would have the best dishes and desserts because she would go into the kitchen to help.”
“What really hit me between the eyes was just the way everyone was taken care of. That was the feeling I got from the few people I spoke to,” said Marilyn.
A Legacy That Lives On
Growing up, Sami and Marilyn always saw their father extend generosity to those in need. They proudly note that their husbands shared this same spirit. Inspired by this example, the sisters have built a long history of giving back, supporting cancer research, children’s health, and, most recently, AltaMed.
Moved by the care they witnessed at AltaMed PACE, Marilyn and Sami decided to honor their grandmother by establishing the first charitable gift annuity at AltaMed.
With this type of planned gift, donors contribute cash or appreciated assets in support of their passion at AltaMed and, in return receive fixed lifelong payments. Sometimes, donors receive favorable tax benefits for their initial contribution. This gift ensures their legacies endure, well beyond their lifetimes.
As supporters of the AltaMed Foundation, Marilyn and Sami have dedicated their time to bridging gaps in medical care for thousands of underserved people across Los Angeles and Orange counties. Though Marilyn has since passed away, their shared commitment endures. With no immediate family, their ultimate wish is to leave a lasting legacy — one that continues to bring hope and support to those who need it most.
All contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Our Tax ID number is: 95-4090420.
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