The Nurse Who Raised Me—and Inspired a Foundation, Scholarships, and Nurses Rock 5K/10K
This is a guest article contributed by, Doreen Fang, Co-Founder of the Bonnie Fang Foundation
There are moments in life when one person’s courage creates a ripple that touches countless others.
For me, that person is my mother, Bonnie Fang.
When she came to the United States, English was not her first language. Yet that never stopped her from helping others. She supported immigrant nurses, friends, and family—guiding them, encouraging them, and helping them find their path forward in a new country.
Her compassion wasn’t quiet. It was courageous.
She even wrote to the California Board of Nursing, advocating for immigrant nurses to have the opportunity to take their boards and work in California—opening doors not just for herself, but for so many who would come after her.
Bonnie Fang
And when she was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and given just 3–4 months to live, her first instinct was not fear—it was service.
She went to the hospital to visit other cancer patients, offering them strength, hope, and the belief that they, too, could overcome.
She lived 16 months.
Sixteen months of continuing to love, to give, and to inspire.
Her life, her courage, and her unwavering compassion became the foundation for what we now carry forward through the Bonnie Fang Foundation.
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In many ways, my mother’s life didn’t just inspire this work—it made it possible. What she gave to others continues to guide everything we do today: to be of service, to uplift others, and to carry forward a legacy rooted in compassion, courage, and love.
For the past 24 years, the Bonnie Fang Foundation has been a 100% volunteer-run nonprofit dedicated to supporting future nurses through scholarships and community outreach. To date, we have awarded $264,000 in scholarships to 66 nursing students across California and Nevada—and we are just getting started.
Because the need is real.
Nurses today face ongoing challenges—staffing shortages, burnout, and the emotional and physical demands of caring for others day in and day out. And yet, they continue to show up—with strength, skill, and heart.
They are not replaceable by technology or automation.
They are the human connection.
They are the advocates.
They are the ones who hold our hands in our most vulnerable moments.
At some point in our lives, every one of us will need a nurse.
And many of us already know the difference they make.
That’s why we created the Nurses Rock 5K/10K—not just as an event, but as a celebration, a gathering, and a movement.
Held at Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park in San Dimas, this annual event brings together nurses, families, friends, and community members to honor and uplift those who give so much of themselves to others.
Can’t make it in person? You can also participate virtually from anywhere.
It’s a space where nurses can celebrate nurses.
Where community shows up for community.
Where gratitude becomes action.
We invite everyone to join us:
- If you are a nurse
- If you love a nurse
- If you’ve ever been cared for by a nurse
- Or if you simply believe in supporting those who care for all of us
We also recently had the honor of announcing our 2026 Bonnie Fang Foundation Scholarship recipient, Kaitlan Nguyen of the UCI Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing—a reflection of the bright future ahead for our nursing community.
Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park, San Dimas
Come run, walk, and stand with the nurses who care for all of us.
Let’s show up for those who show up every day.
As we head into Nurses Week, this is our moment to come together—don’t miss it.
Invite a friend, bring your team, or come as you are—every step makes a difference.
Register now:
>>Get $5 off registration with discount code: NURSEORG5
Can’t make it in person? You can also participate virtually from anywhere.
As we look ahead, our vision is to grow—to provide more scholarships, support more nurses, and expand our impact in meaningful ways. From helping new graduates find opportunities to advocating for greater support at the state and national level, we are committed to being part of the solution.
But we can’t do it alone.
This mission continues because of community.
Because of people who show up.
Who believe.
Who care.
And who understand that when we support nurses, we strengthen the health and heart of our entire community.
