Eighth Annual ‘Day of Hope’ Event Raises $316,556 for Local Mission Hope Cancer Center Patients

SANTA MARIA, CA – September 1, 2021 – The eighth annual Day of Hope event, benefiting local cancer patients at Mission Cancer Center, was once again a tremendous success and delivered hope unlike any other year.  The Marian Regional Medical Center Foundation today announced that the eighth annual event raised more than $316,556 in support of patient assistance needs, the acquisition of advanced technology and equipment, and programs and services. 

This year’s Day of Hope fundraising total of $316,556 represents the support of more than 30 sponsors, the work of more than 30 community teams, and hundreds of donors throughout the community and the nation. Last year’s Day of Hope 2020 event raised $257,202 and this year’s total of $316,556 represents a 23% increase in donations. 

"During the pandemic, we have contemplated how to approach Day of Hope to ensure community wellness and safety are top-of-mind," says Robert Dichmann, MD, Cancer Program Medical Director, Mission Hope Cancer Center. "While the events were different, the outpouring of community support remained steadfast. The funds raised from this year’s Day of Hope will provide critical resources, programs, and advanced technology for local cancer patients at Mission Hope Cancer Center, and we are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support."

At today’s Day of Hope Celebration the following individual teams and company teams were recognized for going above and beyond in their fundraising efforts. 

TOP TEAMS – Individual Teams Category (as of August 20, 2021):

1st Place: Passion for Color – raised $13,290
Team led by Angelica Gutierrez

2nd Place: Maggi’s Dream Team – raised $6,251
Team led by Maggi Daane

3rd Place: Team Betty – raised $3,146
Team led by Catriena Lyons

TOP TEAMS – Company Teams Category (as of August 20, 2021):

1st Place: Rancho Harvest – raised $30,425
Team led by Jessica Manriquez 

2nd Place: Rugged Radios – raised $29,254
Team led by Taryn Timothy 

3rd Place: Dignity Health Home Health and Infusion- raised $4,370
Led by Maggie Maratas and Michele Rodriguez

Day of Hope 2021 was held on August 4, 2021, and community volunteers sold the Santa Maria Times Special Edition Day of Hope newspaper at more than 30 locations throughout Santa Maria Valley. In addition, the Day of Hope Car Parade was led by this year’s event Ambassador Karissa Sanchez and parade sponsors Pacific Petroleum and Cruzin’ for Life.

Although the 2021 Day of Hope event has concluded, community members can still make donations in support of local cancer patients and families at Mission Hope Cancer Center. To make a donation or to learn how to get involved for next year’s event, please visit www.supportmarianmedical.org/dayofhope or call the Marian Foundation at (805) 739-3595.  

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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 Marian Regional Medical Center

Marian Regional Medical Center is a state-of-the-art, 191-bed medical center located in Santa Maria, CA. The modern facility is home to a broad array of services including a level III trauma center, a level II neonatal intensive care unit, a nationally recognized cardiac care center, and boasts the Central Coast’s only Comprehensive Community Cancer Program as recognized by the Commission on Cancer. Marian has been recognized for quality and patient safety and named one of America’s 250 Best Hospitals by Healthgrades®.

Marian Regional Medical Center together with Arroyo Grande Community Hospital in Arroyo Grande, CA and French Hospital Medical Center in San Luis Obispo, CA make up Dignity Health Central Coast, a network of hospitals, physicians, and outpatient services including physician offices, ambulatory surgery centers, technologically-advanced laboratories and imaging centers, and a full service home health agency.