French Hospital Medical Center (FHMC) Foundation recently received a generous donation from the Puma Aquatic Team (PUMA) for the Hearst Cancer Resource Center (HCRC). The swim club raised $12,500 for Breast Cancer Awareness month from their annual Pumpkin Classic swim meet on October 25 and 26, 2008.
PUMA Booster Club President, local reconstructive surgeon Gary Donath, M.D., coordinated the event. It is the biggest fundraiser the aquatic team has held to date. The meet raised money through local sponsorships, entry fees, a silent auction, and the concession stand.
The HCRC unites local non-profit organizations, physicians, and the community to provide supportive and educational resources to those touched by cancer. The programs and services help patients to understand their disease, tolerate treatment, and maintain dignity and quality of life throughout all aspects of their cancer experience. In the eight months since the HCRC opened to the community, it has served over 2,600 cancer patients and family members, as well as many community organizations, free of charge.
PUMA is a year-round competitive age group swim team offering practices at four locations in San Luis Obispo County. PUMA is an affiliate club of Southern California Swimming, one of 59 local committees of USA Swimming. PUMA offers a variety of competitive programs for all ages and skill levels from novice through high school and national caliber swimmers.
For more information on the Hearst Cancer Resource Center (click) or to make a donation, call the FHMC Foundation office at 805.542.6496.
