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 7, 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.