“Share the Hope” event raises $550,000 toward advanced technology for cancer care
Funds will support advanced imaging technology provided by French Hospital Medical Center in a new comprehensive cancer center
SAN LUIS OBISPO - May 13, 2025 - The French Hospital Medical Center (FHMC) Foundation is proud to announce that the 16th annual “Share the Hope” event, held on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at Hearst Ranch, raised more than $550,000 to support cancer services through advanced imaging technology in a new San Luis Obispo comprehensive cancer center, currently under construction.
The new cancer center will unite the oncology services of Dignity Health’s French Hospital Medical Center, Marian Regional Medical Center, and Pacific Central Coast Health Centers, as well as a number of physician groups partnering with Dignity Health. For the first time in San Luis Obispo County, all oncology services will be available under one roof, streamlining the team-based care approach, improving patient convenience, and elevating cancer care in our community.
More than 200 guests were treated to a champagne reception by the famous Neptune Pool at Hearst Castle, followed by a gourmet dinner at the historic Hearst Ranch Dairy Barn, featuring an exciting live auction and live music. Since 2008, “Share the Hope” has raised more than $6.1 million to benefit the Hearst Cancer Resource Center (HCRC) and cancer services at French Hospital. The event is hosted each year by Steve and Barbara Hearst. The Hearst family have been instrumental supporters of the HCRC since its inception in 2008.
“Our compassionate community supports local cancer patients, as evidenced with the outpouring of generosity at the event,” said FHMC Chief Philanthropy Officer, Tessa Espinoza. “It is our privilege to provide healing, education and critical resources through the Hearst Cancer Resource Center for anyone touched by cancer.”
The new cancer center will provide a seamless experience for patients, offering a wide range of comprehensive services and programs. These will include: medical oncology, hematology, infusion, diagnostic imaging, radiation oncology, general and oncology surgery, and urology. Located at the heart of the new center will be French Hospital’s Hearst Cancer Resource Center, a unique support resource in San Luis Obispo County dedicated to helping cancer patients and their families from diagnosis through recovery. The Hearst Cancer Resource Center compassionately supports nearly 10,000 patients battling cancer each year with over 30 programs including support groups, wellness classes, educational workshops and lectures, nurse navigation, social work consults, bilingual navigation, registered dietician consults, and transportation services.
The cancer center will be easily accessible, conveniently located near the corner of Tank Farm and Broad Street in San Luis Obispo. Construction on the two-story, 58,650 square foot building has begun and completion is expected in early 2026.
To learn more, or to support the Hearst Cancer Resource Center or advanced technology for cancer care, please visit www.supportfrenchhospital.org/hcrc.
About French Hospital Medical Center
French Hospital Medical Center is a state-of-the-art, 98-bed acute care hospital located in San Luis Obispo, California. French’s Oppenheimer Family Center for Emergency Medicine is the area’s most advanced emergency services center. The modern facility is home to the Copeland, Forbes, and Rossi Cardiac Care Center, San Luis Obispo County’s premier cardiac center, providing the latest cardiac and imaging technology, and the Hearst Cancer Resource Center offering free education, resources and support to cancer patients and their families.
Learn more at dignityhealth.org/frenchhospital.
About Dignity Health Central Coast
Seven award-winning hospitals comprise Dignity Health Central Coast: Arroyo Grande Community Hospital in Arroyo Grande, Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz, French Hospital Medical Center in San Luis Obispo, Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria, Sequoia Hospital in Redwood City, St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Oxnard and St. John’s Hospital Camarillo, all recognized for their quality of care, safety, and service.
Additionally, Dignity Health Central Coast has a network of nearly 50 physician offices known as Pacific Central Coast Health Centers that include primary care, cancer care and various specialty offices. Dignity Health Central Coast also includes premier ambulatory surgery centers, technologically advanced imaging centers, outpatient services, and comprehensive home health services.
Learn more at dignityhealth.org/centralcoast.