Where Hope Thrives Celebrating five years of the Hearst Cancer Resource Center
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Where Hope Thrives – French Hospital Medical Center
The Hearst Cancer Resource Center at French Hospital Medical Center How it all began
generous gift, which allowed the HCRC to open its doors on April 5, 2008. “When families or individuals are diagnosed with cancer, it takes all of their resources just to deal with the emotional impact of it. You don’t want to travel all over the country for support or treatment. You want your support system near the place you live, in your community, near your family,” Steve Hearst said. “I am very honored that our family has contributed to helping thousands of cancer patients and their families receive caring support, vital resources and important education completely free of charge.” With Dr. Vendegna’s dream finally realized, the center quickly began providing cancer patients and their families with a unique and For Five years, the Hearst Cancer Resource that San Luis Obispo did not offer a comprehensive welcoming place featuring a holistic approach to services and support. In just a few short weeks, Center (HCRC) at French Hospital Medical resource center to support the challenges that 500 people visited the center seeking help and Center (FHMC) has offered free information, cancer patients face. So he approached FHMC information. And today, it has welcomed more support and peace of mind for cancer patients and to create one. than 34,000 visits. their families on the Central Coast. The hospital organized a committee to help The HCRC is made possible by FHMC along with As a program of FHMC, this one-of-a-kind develop the center with community the generous gift from members of the Hearst resource helps countless people with cancer learn representatives, cancer survivors and local family and Hearst Foundation, as well as about the disease, recognize opportunities for physicians. Then after treating members of the improved health, build a personal support system Hearst family who were in a vehicle accident on donations from other community benefactors. This unique center integrates many community and gain an extended family. the Hearst ranch, Dr. Vendegna told Steve cancer organizations under one roof, providing Hearst of his vision to create a center that helps It all began after Tom Vendegna, MD was assistance from the expertise of oncology trained those affected by cancer. Steve Hearst was diagnosed with cancer in 2003. He realized then professionals to all cancer patients and their proud to help, and his family made a very families free of charge.
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Where Hope Thrives – French Hospital Medical Center
REAL PEOPLE | REAL STORIES “Like so many, my family has been touched by cancer. When we heard about the vision for a local center that would help cancer patients and their loved ones gain control of their lives by providing free support, education and information, we wanted to be a part of it. In April 2008, the doors opened to the Hearst Cancer Resource Center at French Hospital Medical Center, and today it serves 550 cancer patients and their families every month. The center helps people cope with the trauma of diagnosis and treatment, support and comfort when they need it most. This is very close to our hearts. This is a tricky disease, there is still a lot to do, part of that work is helping people and the people that care for them, and we are doing that today through the Hearst Cancer Resource Center.”
— Steve Hearst, Hearst Cancer Resource Center Advisory Committee Member
You’re Invited... French Hospital Medical Center is proud to
invite the community to an open house on Tuesday, April 9, 2013, from 3 to 6 p.m. to celebrate the five-year anniversary of the Hearst Cancer Resource Center. Enjoy refreshments, tour the facility, and learn more about the free services that the HCRC provides. Read on to discover where it all began, meet real patients with real stories, and find out how you can make a difference too. Where Hope Thrives – French Hospital Medical Center
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Mission: Helping patients maintain dignity There’s nothing more devastating than find-
ing out that you or someone you love has cancer. That’s why the Hearst Cancer Resource Center’s mission is simple: To help patients maintain dignity and quality of life throughout all phases of their cancer experience. With its compassionate staff and dedicated volunteers, the center is able to fulfill its mission by working with these objectives in mind: •
Providing direction and support to patients and their families through all phases of care to minimize anxiety and confusion.
• Establishing networking opportunities with other cancer patients, families, and members of the community. • Providing continuing education through seminars for patients, their families, health professionals, volunteers and the community.
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Where Hope Thrives – French Hospital Medical Center
REAL PEOPLE | REAL STORIES “In 2003, I was diagnosed with cancer and personally experienced the fragmented nature of cancer support services in San Luis Obispo County. I then began a journey with French Hospital Medical Center to create a free cancer resource center; one place, working collaboratively and supporting other community cancer programs, where people with cancer and their families could receive information, support and hope. I’m a doctor and a cancer survivor so I understand the trauma of diagnosis, the fear, the uncertainty, and the tremendous need for answers. Our vision became reality when Steve Hearst and other family members graciously donated the seed money to create the Hearst Cancer Resource Center. That support has been followed by the incredible generosity of the Hearst Foundation as well as many others, which allowed the center to open in 2008. Today, we serve all cancer patients and their families free of charge; and we are here to help guide you through your journey toward recovery.”
— Tom Vendegna, M.D., cancer survivor & Hearst Cancer Resource Center Advisory Committee Chair
What we offer In just five years, the Hearst Cancer Resource Center (HCRC) has experienced more than 34,000 visits and contacts, averaging about 550 every month. The center offers survivors the information they need to make important health care decisions, while providing resources to smooth the road during treatment. “We are here to offer continued support with the transition of survivorship,” explained Michelle Ellis, RN, OCN, CBCN.
The HCRC also takes a holistic approach to support and services for cancer patients and their families. More than 20 mind-body programs are available to those affected by cancer. Among many, some of these programs include the Laughter Club, “Warm Yarns” Knitting Circle, Healing Bowls, Yoga, Tai Chi, Art Therapy and a wide variety of support groups for patients, caregivers and family members.
The center uses environmentally & cancer patient friendly materials: nontoxic paint, floors made out of cork and recycled water bottles, donated wigs, cupboards filled with hats made or donated by the community, and skin care products.
Where Hope Thrives – French Hospital Medical Center
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A helping hand to guide you: nurse Navigator Program Michelle Ellis , a local Certified Oncology
Nurse, has dedicated her life to helping cancer patients through every step of their journey. With 17 years of experience, she understands that after a cancer diagnosis, it is extremely important to tie together all aspects of care and give hope during this difficult time. That is why she joined the Hearst Cancer Resource Center at French Hospital as a Nurse Navigator.
As a Nurse Navigator, Michelle helps guide, advocate for, and support those who suddenly find themselves going through a difficult cancer diagnosis. All services are free of charge and include:
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Where Hope Thrives – French Hospital Medical Center
• Facilitating access to services from before diagnosis, through treatment, and beyond. •
Assistance in assembling necessary information such as films, pathology reports/slides, operative reports, and referrals to local or tertiary care centers.
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Making time with health care providers more productive by assisting patients with identifying their immediate concerns to address with their doctor.
• Access to financial and social services. • Finding lodging, transportation and/or mileage reimbursements for travel to appointments. For more information or to contact Michelle, please call (805) 542-6234.
Jennifer Diamond Cancer Resource Library When Jennifer Diamond was diagnosed with a rare form of appendix cancer, she and her family found it extremely hard to access accurate information about her disease. After Jennifer passed away at age 30, her parents – Alice and Harvey Diamond – vowed to help others by providing resources to cancer patients and their families.
They created the Jennifer Diamond Cancer Foundation in their daughter’s honor.
In April 2008, the Hearst Cancer Resource Center opened its own Jennifer Diamond Cancer Resource Jennifer’s wish was to help others fight the disease Center Library, which features state-of-the-art with information and resources. The Foundation Apple computers, reference books, printers, DVDs and Internet access. This invaluable resource offers now supports seven cancer libraries in cancer patients and their loved ones access to cancercenters and hospitals from Palm Springs to San related information and resources. Luis Obispo.
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Hearst Cancer Resource Center Milestones Over the past five years, the Hearst Cancer Resource Center (HCRC) with its local partners has
provided vital support services and resources free of charge to those in our community struggling with cancer. Beginning with only nine programs, the HCRC now offers 20 uniquely different programs – everything from laughter class, art therapy and yoga, to tai chi, lectures and support groups. We are grateful for the many individuals, businesses and private foundations who, through their contributions and donations, have made a difference in the lives of so many cancer patients and their families.
April 2008: The HCRC hosts its first annual Share the Hope fundraiser at Hearst Ranch and Hearst Castle. The event raised more than $145,000 for cancer support services.
January 2009: The HCRC introduces a free nutrition consultation service for cancer patients provided by a registered dietitian.
September 2008: The HCRC
HCRC Endowment Fund September 2007: William Randolph
Hearst Foundation awards French Hospital Medical Center a $1 million grant for the establishment of the HCRC Endowment Fund, which will help preserve the long term funding of the center. In 2010, the Hearst Foundation awarded an additional $800,000 for the endowment. Appreciated donations have continued and such financial support allows for all the services provided by the HCRC to be free of charge.
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Where Hope Thrives – French Hospital Medical Center
introduces the Nurse Navigator program – the only such program in San Luis Obispo County at the time. This specially trained nurse helps guide, advocate and support those undergoing a complicated cancer diagnosis. The program is free to patients and their families.
March 2010: The HCRC introduces free Spanish cooking classes to the Latino community which focuses on cancer prevention. This program was made possible by a grant from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation.
February 2012: The HCRC
introduces Art Therapy - Expressive Arts for Healing workshop, co-sponsored with the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art. This free workshop introduces cancer patients and cancer survivors to varied art techniques used to help create hope, express uncertainties and elaborate on issues of illness and life changes. This unique program was made possible by a donor who wishes to remain anonymous.
November 2012: The inaugural Surfing for Hope event, designed to help inspire cancer patients through the positive energy of surfing, raises more than $61,000 for the HCRC and the Angel of Hope Fund.
January 2013: The HCRC partners with Jack’s Helping Hand to launch a new Children/Teen Support Group to encourage children who have parents with cancer to express their feelings. The support group is led by a professional therapist who understands the complexity of a child’s needs and can offer appropriate counseling and tools. This program was made possible by a grant from the Rotary of San Luis Obispo de Tolosa.
October 2012: The HCRC joins Alpha Pregnancy and Parenting
Angel of Hope Fund April 2011:
The HCRC creates the Angel of Hope Fund, which provides immediate financial assistance for basic medical needs of cancer patients in treatment and their families. Financial assistance enables HCRC clients to continue cancer treatments uninterrupted by helping with day-to-day expenses such as medical supplies, transportation, medical insurance, co-payments and childcare. Several fundraising events have raised more than $85,000 for the fund and, to date, 127 recipients have received support.
Support as the two charity beneficiaries of the SLO GranFondo cycling event. The GranFondo offered four fully supported routes to suit the recreational rider or the seasoned competitor along the beautiful Central Coast. Net proceeds were $57,000 which was divided between the two charities.
Where Hope Thrives – French Hospital Medical Center
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Local Doctor’s Family Donates in Memory of Loved Ones Cancer touches the lives of nearly everyone
on the Central Coast, and doctors and their families are not exempt from this unfortunate fact. Dr. Michael Clayton, a local urologist, and his wife Jennifer have both been touched by cancer in many ways, and that is why they have made generous donations to the French Hospital Medical Center Foundation. One of these generous donations was given to the Hearst Cancer Resource Center Endowment Fund back in 2010. The Clayton’s gave this gift in memory of Annelisa Hahn, a special family member who sadly lost her battle with breast cancer.
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Where Hope Thrives – French Hospital Medical Center
“I’ve always felt it was important to support groups that help families connect and navigate through such a difficult time,” Dr. Clayton said. “I lost my mother and brother to cancer, and it’s a very painful process. Cancer affects the families of those diagnosed as well as the patients.” “We’ve given to French Hospital before, but the Hearst Cancer Resource Center is unique in itself,” Clayton continued. “And though we have sent four children off to college, we still wanted to give as much as we could because it’s the right thing to do.
French Hospital is a generous star in our community. We need a solid hospital and we need to have confidence in the care around us. Everybody’s got to do something to help out.” Dr. Clayton hopes that his generous donations will inspire others in the community to donate to French Hospital, whether their lives have been personally touched by cancer or not.
Fundraisers and Events Several events help raise funds for the Hearst Cancer Resource Center services and programs. Read on for more information on a few of these events.
Annual Share the Hope Fundraiser
Surfing for Hope
French Cup
For the last five years, Steve Hearst has graciously hosted this event at Hearst Ranch and Hearst Castle, where attendees gather at the Neptune pool for a live auction, music, dancing and dinner in support of the HCRC. Since the tradition of this event began, the HCRC has raised nearly $650,000 and started an Endowment Fund, ensuring that the operations of the HCRC will remain free. On April 20, 2013, the Share the Hope event will pay tribute to George R. Hearst Jr. and the fifth anniversary of the HCRC opening.
In November of 2012, “Surfing for Hope” was held to honor cancer survivors and benefit the HCRC. The event emphasizes the center’s holistic approach by inspiring those with cancer to gain positive energy through the sport of surfing. Bob Voglin, Drs. Thomas Spillane and Karen Allen designed the event, which included a memorial paddle to honor those who lost their battle with cancer, a dinner, auction and a surf contest. More than $61,000 was raised by the event. The 2013 event will take place on September 20-21, 2013. Registration and information can be found at www.surfingforhope.com.
The French Hospital Medical Center Foundation hosts an annual golf and tennis tournament called the French Cup. Funds raised for this event go directly back into patient programs and services offered at French Hospital Medical Center. In 2009, this event raised more than $48,000 and benefitted the HCRC Endowment Fund. The HCRC Endowment Fund along with donations to FHMC allow for all the services provided by the HCRC to be free of charge in perpetuity.
Where Hope Thrives – French Hospital Medical Center
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PUMA Aquatics The PUMA Aquatic team has donated $49,000 to the HCRC over the past four years by competing in an annual meet at Arroyo Grande High School. The meet offers a silent auction, concession stand sales and entry fees to help raise money. Local sponsorships also contribute to the donations.
SLO GranFondo The SLO GranFondo is a long-distance, mass participation cycling event that welcomes riders of all abilities to the diverse riding landscape of California’s Central Coast. Starting in San Luis Obispo, the SLO GranFondo offers four fully supported routes ranging from 25-100 miles and draws hundreds of riders to the area. The event benefits the HCRC as well as Alpha Pregnancy and Parenting Support, another local nonprofit. Over $57,000 was raised for the two organizations by the 2012 event. The 2013 SLO GranFondo will be held on October 12, 2013. Registration and information can be found at www.slogranfondo.com.
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Where Hope Thrives – French Hospital Medical Center
REAL PEOPLE | REAL STORIES “They just aren’t the words you ever expect to hear – ‘You have prostate cancer.’ Most men are shell-shocked. I know the feeling. But I survived and today, I give back by volunteering at French Hospital’s Hearst Cancer Resource Center. The Man-to-Man group I help facilitate is one of many free resources available at the center to cancer patients and their loved ones. The support group is important because we hear others tell their story, hear the decisions they made and why, and listen as they share in a relaxed and open way. I am a husband, father, grandfather, combat veteran, a retired commercial pilot, and cancer survivor ... and I hope to help you too.”
— Richard Hathcock, cancer survivor
Where everyday heroes make all the difference The Hearst Cancer Resource Center (HCRC)
has an abundance of valuable resources, which include the staff and volunteers that make its programs possible. One such hero is HCRC Director Beverly Kirkhart, who is a breast cancer survivor herself. She co-founded the Breast Cancer Resource Center in Santa Barbara, and has authored “My Healing Companion”, and coauthored “Chicken Soup for the Surviving Soul.”
Our Heroes The following are the Advisory Committee, partners, volunteers and major donors who help make the Hearst Cancer Resource Center such a tremendous place for cancer patients and their families.
Advisory Committee
Community Partners
Chairman
American Cancer Society
Thomas Vendegna, M.D. FHMC President & CEO Alan Iftiniuk HCRC Medical Director Thomas Spillane, M.D. Board Members Deborah Baldwin Cheryl Cuming Sandy Dunn Stephen Hearst Stephen Hilty, M.D. Stephen Holtzman, M.D. Katie Lichtig Susan Minker, M.D. Debby Nicklas, FHMC VP Philanthropy The backbone of HCRC is its advisory committee and volunteers. Our wonderful volunteers teach classes, offer services and donations to the Hearst Cancer Resource Center. Each volunteer displays great leadership qualities and allows for the center to remain free of charge for each client.
Staff Carla Adams, FHMC COO/CNE Beverly Kirkhart, HCRC Director
Cancer Connection Cancer Support Community Jack’s Helping Hand Team Survivor
Volunteers Elizabeth Apfelberg Judi Belanger, RN Linda Brause Julia Buckley James D. Cain Gayle Condon Sandy Crandall Shoosh Crotzer Shannon D’Acquisto Paddy Doron Bea Elder Doris Goodill, RN Richard Hathcock Gary Hicklin Jane Johansen Victoria Kastner Leslyn Keith
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James and Sandra Copeland Coral J. Corsaut Michelle Craft, M.D. and Dustin Craft Gary Cushing, M.D. and Karon Cushing
The following donors have supported the HCRC through major and special gifts:
Digital West Networks, Inc.
American Charros Association
French Hospital Medical Center Medical Staff
Darius and Sarah Anderson
Sanjay Ganpule, M.D. and Smita Ganpule
Anonymous
Tom and Linda Grissom
Ann Kellogg
Anonymous
Erin Hearst Knudsen
Jan May
Anonymous
George Randolph Hearst, Jr.
Julia McKenna
Stephen Hearst
Barbara Perry
Anonymous In honor of Deborah Villa, M.D.
Madeline Rocha
Anissa Balson
Cyndey and Reed Holcomb
Bank Of America
Alan and Cathleen Iftiniuk
Jeanne Bayer
Jennifer Diamond Cancer Foundation In memory of Jennifer Diamond
Andrew Schneider Debbie Schobel Julie Schultz, RN Maureen Segor Debby Smith Deborah Smith-Cooke Hayley Townley
Nanci Bell and Family
The Keller Family
Greg Blackburn
Ben Kulick
Peter and Kim Brosnan
Jim Malone, M.D and Jessica Malone, N.P. In memory of Sharon Hancher
Roman Bukachevsky, M.D. and Anne Yarema
Devin Wallace
Central Coast Wine Classic
Bonnie Wolfe
City of San Luis Obispo Michael Clayton, M.D. and Jennifer Clayton In memory of Rita M. Clayton, Lawrence J. Clayton and Annelisa Hahn
Where Hope Thrives – French Hospital Medical Center
Hearst Ranch Winery
Robert and Josie Bertino
Nicole Vito
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Bert and Candace Forbes
Susan Minker, M.D. In memory of Allen Minker Neva Orton Pacific Management and Development Inc. Kirk Perron
Brian and Christine Pritt PUMA Aquatic Swim Team R.E. Wacker Associates, Inc Rabobank The Rossi Family
Villa San Juliette Holdings LLC Susan L. Vincent In memory of Delores and Manny Vincent
Jim and Debi Saunders Family Tammy Simons SpiderTech, Inc.
Thank you to all of our donors
Thomas Spillane, M.D. and Karen Allen, M.D.
— big and small — who have
Jonathan Stella, M.D. and Kelly Stella In honor of Holly Goswell In memory of Jaini Marie McClory
contributed to the HCRC over
William Randolph Hearst Foundation
has truly made a difference
The Hollywood Location Company Ke-Ping Tsao, M.D. and Su Tsao Thomas Vendegna, M.D. and Gayle Cekada, M.D. & Friends
the past five years. Your support for cancer patients and their families in our community.
SUPPORTING THE HCRC Community support is essential to maintain and grow HCRC programs and services. Community donations are sought to contribute to ongoing programs and services, as well as an endowment to preserve the long term funding of the HCRC. To make a tax-deductible donation, contact the FHMC Foundation at 542-6496 or visit www.supportfrenchhospital.org.
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Where
Hope
Thrives
You’re Invited To The
Hearst Cancer Resource Center Five-Year Anniversary Open House Tuesday, April 9
Join us in celebrating five years of living life and sharing hope with cancer patients and their loved ones.
3 – 6 PM
Hearst Cancer Resource Center 1941 Johnson Ave, Suite 201A, San Luis Obispo For more information or to RSVP please call (805) 542-6234
Enjoy Tours of our center Meet-and-greet community partners Wine from Hearst Ranch Winery Tasty hors d’oeuvres Live music and more!