FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CONTACT:
Audrey Magnusen
Development Officer
Sequoia Hospital Foundation
(650) 367-5841
amagnusen@chw.edu

REDWOOD CITY, CA, December 14, 2004 - A barnyard full of cows and pigs have made their temporary home at Sequoia Hospital, bringing with them hugs and smiles to patients and their families.

Seven hundred of the plush, cuddly barnyard animals will spread throughout the Emergency Department, Radiation/Oncology and Birth Center, comforting patients and easing the loneliness of spending time in the hospital over the holidays.  For the third year in a row, a generous donation to the Sequoia Hospital Foundation by Genentech Inc., of South San Francisco, has made this heart-warming tradition possible.

The stuffed animals are already making their way to those in need of a smile and will continue to be available throughout the remainder of the holiday season.  On December 22nd, however, from 1:30 - 3:00 P.M. Sequoia will host two very special guests from the North Pole who will make the rounds of the hospital personally distributing the animals and delivering joy.

"The Sequoia Hospital Foundation and all of Sequoia's staff would like to extend our warmest thanks to Genentech and its C.E.O., Arthur Levinson, for this most generous donation and the holiday spirit that comes with it, " said JoAnn Kemist, President of the Sequoia Hospital Foundation. "The healing power of a soft hug and a bright smile should never be underestimated."

About Sequoia Hospital
Founded in 1950 and affiliated with Catholic Healthcare West (CHW) since 1996, Redwood City, Sequoia Hospital is a 421-bed accredited, not-for-profit community hospital offering a full range of medical, surgical, and specialty programs. Sequoia's technology is cutting edge, but its employees pride themselves on never overlooking the dignity and individuality of each patient.