The French Hospital Medical Center Foundation is pleased to announce that their “Gathering for Good” event, formerly known as the Celebration of Caring Gala, raised more than $473,000 to support patient programs at FHMC, with a focus on cancer services. Gathering for Good took place on October 18, 2025 at the White Barn in San Luis Obispo and was attended by more than 270 guests. The event also celebrated the FHMC Foundation’s 20th anniversary and success in raising over $70 million since 2005 in support of French Hospital, San Luis Obispo’s original non-profit hospital.
At the event, Edwin Hayashi, MD, and his late brother Howard Hayashi, MD, were honored with the 2025 Louis Tedone, MD, Humanitarian Award. Each year, the FHMC Foundation Award recognizes the extraordinary contributions of individuals dedicated to building healthier communities. Dr. Edwin Hayashi accepted the award on behalf of himself and his brother, who passed away in October 2024.
Dr. Edwin Hayashi and Dr. Howard Hayashi have been foundational to the health and well-being of the Central Coast. Both have long been recognized for going above and beyond in their care and compassion for their patients. Dr. Howard Hayashi was the founding Director of the SLO County Trauma Program, serving in this role until his illness. Dr. Edwin Hayashi is the founding Chairman of FHMC’s Cancer Committee and countywide Tumor Board, which he continues to chair today. Dr. Howard Hayashi was a founding partner of Associated Surgeons, for which Dr. Edwin Hayashi continues to serve as managing partner. Together, they were the first doctors to bring several revolutionary, minimally invasive procedures to the Central Coast. These complex operations allow patients to stay close to home for their care rather than traveling to tertiary centers outside of the Central Coast.
Both physicians have served on the faculty at their respective universities and have supported a wide range of interests and nonprofit organizations throughout the county. Dr. Edwin Hayashi continues to serve on the Hearst Cancer Resource Center (HCRC) Advisory Committee at French Hospital and remains an advocate, partner and resource to the HCRC staff and cancer community.
At Gathering for Good, a special Call to Action raised more than $109,000 for the FHMC’s Early Breast Cancer Detection Program. This program provides free breast cancer screening mammograms and follow-up diagnostic testing for patients who could not otherwise afford them, low-income, uninsured and underinsured patients. The fund ensures that these patients have access to potentially life-saving breast cancer screenings, increasing the likelihood of a positive outcome after a cancer diagnosis.
“We were honored to present Drs. Edwin Hayashi and Howard Hayashi with this truly well deserved Humanitarian Award,” said Sue Andersen, FHMC President and CEO. “The overwhelming outpouring of support for both Hayashis, from fellow physicians and the San Luis Obispo County community, is evidence of the incredible impact these brothers have made in local health care for patients and their families.”
Since 2006, this annual Foundation event has raised more than $4,250,000 to support FHMC patient programs and services. The success of Gathering for Good is due to the incredible generosity of its sponsors, contributors and guests.
To learn more about the Foundation or to donate to the Early Breast Cancer Detection Program, visit www.supportfrenchhospital.org. Donations can be made as a tribute to honor Drs. Edwin and Howard Hayashi. For more information about free mammogram clinics, contact the Hearst Cancer Resource Center at (805) 542-6234.