SANTA MARIA, CA, April 8, 2025 – Dignity Health Mission Hope Cancer Center in Santa Maria unveiled its newly modernized Patient Resource Library, a vital resource for cancer patients and their families.

As a patient at Mission Hope Cancer Center and the Day of Hope 2024 event Ambassador, breast cancer survivor Eileen Hongo saw the need for a patient resource library to provide valuable education and support to patients and their family members. As such, Hongo, a Guadalupe native, began a fundraising effort, asking her loved ones to cumulatively fundraise to make the Patient Resource Library a reality at Mission Hope Cancer Center. In total, Hongo’s fundraising efforts reached nearly $40,000 and all donations for the effort were made in her honor. 

The Patient Resource Library offers a wide range of educational materials (in both English and Spanish), including books, brochures, and other resources covering various cancer types, treatment modalities, side effect management, and emotional well-being. It provides a comfortable environment for patients and their loved ones to research, learn, and connect with valuable information.

“I wanted to use my role as a Day of Hope Ambassador to make a significant impact,” Hongo shared. “What started as a simple book nook grew into a beautiful, welcoming resource center library area.”

The resource library is complete with handcrafted cabinetry, a coffee station, and comfortable new seating—all designed to support patients and their families. 

“Seeing this space come to life and knowing it will serve others for years to come is incredibly meaningful,” Hongo added.

"Eileen's dedication and vision have made this library a reality," said Kathleen Sullivan, Dignity Health Central Coast’s Vice President of Post Acute Care Services. "Her commitment to supporting cancer patients is truly inspiring, and this library will serve as a lasting testament to her compassion and advocacy."

To commemorate Hongo’s dedicated efforts, a special plaque in Eileen’s honor was placed at the Patient Resource Library. The unveiling ceremony, held on Monday, April 7th, celebrated Hongo's contributions and highlighted the importance of cancer patient education and support.

“I think it's so important for for patients to know that the cancer center is just that – it is a safe place where the doctors and the nurses, this entire team of people, work endlessly to make sure that the patients feel safe and that, whatever it is that they're going through, that they’re being heard.”

For more information visit missionhopecancercenter.com.

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About Mission Hope Cancer Center

Mission Hope Cancer Center, located on the Marian Regional Medical Center campus, is the region’s only advanced comprehensive cancer care center. Highly specialized physicians, oncology nurses and therapists provide integrated oncology care to the Central Coast. Mission Hope features the most advanced technology and provides the entire spectrum of cancer care and a multitude of support services and therapies. This state-of-the-art facility unites Santa Maria oncology treatment, imaging, research, education and outreach services at one location. It is accredited as a Comprehensive Community Cancer Center by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer and received seven commendations. The Marian Cancer Care Program at Mission Hope Cancer Center is a recipient of the Outstanding Achievement Award, which is the highest designation awarded to community cancer centers and Marian is one of only three designated programs between San Francisco and Los Angeles.

About Dignity Health Central Coast

Seven award-winning hospitals comprise Dignity Health Central Coast: Arroyo Grande Community Hospital in Arroyo Grande, Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz, French Hospital Medical Center in San Luis Obispo, Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria, Sequoia Hospital in Redwood City, St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Oxnard and St. John’s Hospital Camarillo, all recognized for their quality of care, safety, and service.

Additionally, Dignity Health Central Coast has a network of nearly 50 physician offices known as Pacific Central Coast Health Centers that include primary care, cancer care and various specialty offices. Dignity Health Central Coast also includes premier ambulatory surgery centers, technologically advanced imaging centers, outpatient services, and comprehensive home health services.

Learn more at dignityhealth.org/centralcoast.