From Boardroom to Starting Line: How One Corporate Leader Mobilized a Company for Families
At Ronald McDonald House® Orange County (RMHOC), we often see the incredible impact companies can make when they choose to support families with children who are critically ill. But behind many of those partnerships is a champion—someone who believes deeply in the mission and inspires others to take action.
For RMHOC, Gary Sorsher, Senior Vice President at Edwards Lifesciences, is one of those champions. As a member of our Board of Trustees, Gary has helped strengthen a longstanding, 15+ year partnership between RMHOC, Edwards Lifesciences, and the Edwards Lifesciences Foundation.
“I support RMHOC because they care for families during some of the most challenging moments of their lives, allowing them to focus on what matters most—their loved ones. At Edwards, our work is centered on improving patient outcomes, and supporting RMHOC is a natural extension of our commitment to patients and their families,” shares Gary.
The Edwards team has supported families in many ways—from volunteering and sponsorships to hands-on service. Employees regularly cook Meals of Love for families, participate in cleaning and volunteer groups, and support RMHOC through our Adopt-a-Room program, which helps ensure families have a comfortable place to stay while their child receives medical care.
Gary has also helped make Walk for Kids™, RMHOC’s largest community fundraiser, part of Edwards’ culture of giving. Each year, Edwards employees form teams, raise funds, and walk alongside our community to support families staying at the House.
In early 2026, Edwards Lifesciences named RMHOC the charity of choice for their Global Supply Chain and Quality Summit, bringing together more than 800 employees in a mini “mock” walk on their campus, encouraging employees to get moving and promote cardiovascular health—an effort that aligns closely with Edwards’ mission to help patients with heart disease live longer, healthier lives. Together, Edwards global leaders raised more than $17,000 to support RMHOC families.
Gary’s involvement shows what’s possible when leaders use their influence to create opportunities for others to give back. And thanks to the Edwards Lifesciences team, that impact continues to grow for families when they need it most.
