{"id":9807,"date":"2025-07-25T04:45:18","date_gmt":"2025-07-25T04:45:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hatchutah.org\/blog\/?p=9807"},"modified":"2025-07-25T04:45:20","modified_gmt":"2025-07-25T04:45:20","slug":"bree-purganan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hatchutah.org\/blog\/bree-purganan\/","title":{"rendered":"Bree Purganan: The Woman Behind NBA Star Jalen Green\u2019s Success"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Bree Purganan is more than just the mother of rising NBA star Jalen Green. She is a strong Filipina-American woman who built a successful career as a nurse, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, while also playing a pivotal role in shaping her son\u2019s character and work ethic. Her life journey, from her early days in the Philippines to raising one of the most promising young talents in the NBA, is truly inspiring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Early Life and Roots in the Philippines<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bree Purganan was born in Ilocos Sur, Philippines, and grew up in a tight-knit family. Raised by her mother, Julia Durbin, a dedicated teacher, Bree spent her formative years alongside her siblings Kriste Canon and Josh Bass. Her upbringing was marked by a strong emphasis on education, discipline, and family values. After Julia married Bob Durbin in 1995, the family dynamic expanded, further influencing Bree\u2019s life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sports played a significant role in her early years. Bree was an active athlete who loved basketball, soccer, and cross-country running. These experiences instilled in her a competitive spirit and determination that she would later pass on to her children. Seeking better opportunities, Bree and her family moved to California, where she pursued higher education. She earned her nursing degree from Merced College, a testament to her dedication and resilience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Professional Career and Philanthropy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bree Purganan\u2019s professional life has been defined by compassion and determination. Settling in California, she built a successful career as a registered nurse. Known for her commitment to patient care, Bree\u2019s work as a nurse reflects her selfless nature and desire to make a difference in people\u2019s lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, her ambitions did not stop there. Bree founded \u201cBree\u2019s Organisation for Breast Cancer Research,\u201d a nonprofit focused on raising awareness and funds for breast cancer patients. With breast cancer affecting nearly 300,000 women annually in the U.S., Bree\u2019s initiatives have made a significant impact on communities. Her philanthropic efforts have earned her respect beyond her role as a mother.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Age, Family, and Personal Life<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bree Purganan, who is in her early 40s, lives in California with her family. She is married to Marcus Green, a former high school basketball player who played alongside NBA talent like DeShawn Stevenson. Marcus has been a guiding figure in Jalen\u2019s life, taking him to camps, mentoring him, and supporting his early love for basketball. Together, Bree and Marcus have built a family rooted in strong values and determination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bree has three children:<\/p>\n\n\n\n