Annual “Day of Hope” Event Coincides with Mission Hope Cancer Center’s Fifth Anniversary

Cancer not only affects those with the disease; it affects an entire community. This is why Marian Regional Medical Center, in partnership with the Santa Maria Times, is proud to present the fourth annual Day of Hope community event on Tuesday, April 11, 2017, from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Hundreds of community members will again line the streets of Santa Maria, Lompoc and Nipomo asking drivers to donate $1 to receive a special edition Day of Hope Santa Maria Times newspaper.

As an enhancement to this year’s Day of Hope event, Mission Hope Cancer Center will recognize and celebrate its fifth anniversary with the Eve of Hope event and the Survivorship Celebration. The private Eve of Hope event will take place the evening prior to Day of Hope, and will honor Mission Hope Cancer Center donors. .  Eve of Hope attendees will enjoy a reception and auction of Chris Burkard photography, the same beautiful Central Coast artwork that adorns the walls of the Cancer Center. However, leading up to the event, the auction of photography will be made available for the entire community to participate in bidding at www.auctria.com/auction/waveofhope. The following day, after all Day of Hope festivities have concluded, Mission Hope Cancer Center will host the Survivorship Celebration, where community members are invited to attend and enjoy physician speaking engagements, and special guest Charlie Lustman, a singer, songwriter and cancer survivor from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. 

“This year’s Eve of Hope, Day of Hope, and Survivorship Celebration will be a true celebration of our dynamic community and the many patients that Mission Hope Cancer Center has had the privilege of supporting,” says Monica Rocco, MD, FACS, Medical Director, Mission Hope Breast Care Program. “The fight against cancer is often times long and difficult, and these events offer a chance to raise much needed funding while also celebrating our patients, our community, and how far our comprehensive cancer center has come in five years.”

Every dollar received during Eve of Hope, Day of Hope, and the Survivorship Celebration will remain local and benefit Marian Cancer Care at Mission Hope Cancer Center patients; our family members, neighbors and friends. 

Central Coast community members are invited to support the Day of Hope event in a variety of ways including: 

• Volunteering: Organize a team or join a team to sell newspapers at designated street intersections or locations
• Buying a Bundle: Purchase a bundle of newspapers to share with family, friends and neighbors
• Writing a Check: Make a donation to support the cause, donations can be made as tribute gifts to celebrate a loved one affected by cancer
• Sponsor the Event: Participate as a sponsor and receive recognition and satisfaction knowing you are supporting local cancer care 

 “The annual Day of Hope event provides all community members with a unique opportunity to come together in support of Central Coast cancer patients and families,” states Jessa Brooks, Vice President of Philanthropy, Marian Regional Medical Center. “Whether an individual wants to lead a team to sell newspapers, be an event volunteer or make a meaningful donation, this special event provides an opportunity for all to support local cancer patients and families in need. We are proud that 100% of every dollar raised in our community stays in our community helping local cancer patients in need.” 

Community members interested in supporting the annual Day of Hope event and Mission Hope Cancer Center’s five year anniversary events are asked to contact the Marian Foundation at (805) 739-3595 to discover how to get involved.  

About Marian Cancer Care at Mission Hope Cancer Center

Marian Cancer Care at Mission Hope Cancer Center is accredited as a Comprehensive Community Cancer Center by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer. This award recognition is the highest designation awarded to community cancer centers and Marian Cancer Care is one of only three designated programs between San Francisco and Los Angeles to receive this impressive accreditation for exceptional performance. As the first integrated oncology facility on the Central Coast, Mission Hope Cancer Center features advanced technology and expert health care professionals from the nation’s top medical training programs. This state-of-the-art facility unites Santa Maria oncology treatment, imaging, research, education and outreach services at one location. 

About Marian Regional Medical Center

Marian Regional Medical Center, located in Santa Maria, California, is rated among the top 10% in the nation for cardiac care and its cancer program is distinguished as the only comprehensive Community Cancer Center on the Central Coast.  The need to meet the demand for quality, technologically-advanced care for a growing community led Marian to open its doors to a new state-of-the-art, 191-bed facility in the spring of 2012.  The new facility houses the largest and most comprehensive perinatology/neonatology service providing the most compassionate, quality care to the littlest of patients. Marian is a Dignity Health member of the Central Coast, which also includes Arroyo Grande Community Hospital in Arroyo Grande, CA and French Hospital Medical Center in San Luis Obispo, CA. Dignity Health of the Central Coast is an integrated network of top quality hospitals, physicians from the most prestigious medical schools, and comprehensive outpatient services including primary care offices, premier ambulatory surgery centers, technologically-advanced laboratories and imaging centers and a full service home health agency; all recognized for quality, safety and service.  Each hospital is supported by an active philanthropic Foundation to help meet the growing health care needs of our communities.