“No one is useless in this world
who lightens the burden of it for someone else.”
– Charles Dickens
Guided by the mission to improve the health of the community with a commitment to excellence in all that they do, Sharp HealthCare Foundation supports the respected regional medical centers and specialty hospitals of Sharp through philanthropic effort and community engagement. Debbie Discar-Espe and Andres Smith, MD are the co-chairs of the Sharp Chula Vista 50th Anniversary Gala.
#1 Role With Sharp HealthCare Foundation:
Debbie Discar-Espe: Chair of Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center Governing Board of Directors.
Dr. Andres Smith: Emergency Department Medical Director at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center, Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center Board of Director and Sharp Chula Vista Foundation Advisory Board Member.
#2 Where were you born:
Debbie: I was born and raised in San Diego.
Dr Smith: I was born in Tijuana, Mexico and raised on both sides of the border.
#3 Hobbies:
Debbie: My hobbies have gracefully taken a backseat to the pure joy of spending time with my first grandchild, Bennett.
Dr. Smith: I have been taking piano classes for the last 2 years. I love it!
#4 Favorite Travel Destination:
Debbie: I never get tired of Maui.
Dr. Smith: Italy is one of my favorite destinations.
#5 Favorite Movie:
Debbie Discar-Espe: “A Few Good Men” is one of my favorite movies because of its gripping courtroom drama and unforgettable dialogue.
Dr. Andres Smith: “Cinema Paradiso” tells the story of how movies can be part of a community.
#6 Furry Friends:
Debbie: Moose, my cherished Shih Tzu has a name as distinctive as his personality.
Dr. Smith: Milo has made me learn about having a pet in my life.
#7 Book recommendation:
Debbie: “The Grapes of Wrath” for its depiction of resilience and the human spirit during the Great Depression, offering a powerful look at social justice and family unity.
Dr. Smith: “The Pilgrimage” by Paulo Coelho. A book of self-discovery and how to approach life into its simple forms.
#8 Bucket List:
Debbie: Experience the heart of Europe in a relaxed and unforgettable way – such as a European River cruise.
Dr. Smith: El Camino de Santiago de Compostela – I plan to do this pilgrimage in October.
#9 Role Models:
Debbie: Mrs. Lucy del Rosario Gonzales, the late founder of a local Filipina Sorority, influenced my life with her unwavering guidance and encouragement.
Dr. Smith: Jorge Astiazaran, MD, is a physician who has been involved with the Red Cross in Mexico since his youth.
#10 Why Sharp HealthCare?
Debbie Discar-Espe: Born at a Sharp Hospital, I have had the privilege of being part of Sharp Chula Vista’s remarkable evolution for nearly 20 years.
Dr. Andres Smith: Supporting Sharp HealthCare Foundation is a way to give back to my community.
Sharp HealthCare Foundation
Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center’s 50th Anniversary Gala
Saturday, September 27, 2025
Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center
1000 H Street, Chula Vista, 91910
www.sharp.com/gala50
