“Share the Hope” event raises more than $592,000 for advanced technology to support local cancer care
Funds will support advanced imaging technology provided by French Hospital Medical Center in a new comprehensive cancer center
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA - May 13, 2026 - The French Hospital Medical Center (FHMC) Foundation is proud to announce that its 17th annual “Share the Hope” event, held on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at Hearst Ranch in San Simeon, raised more than $592,000 to support advanced imaging technology in a new San Luis Obispo comprehensive cancer center.
“The support shown at 'Share the Hope' every year powerfully illustrates what our generous community can accomplish together," said Steve Hearst. "It is a deep honor to host this event at Hearst Ranch, knowing that it directly funds both the indispensable, no-cost services of the Hearst Cancer Resource Center and the progress toward a state-of-the-art new cancer center. This collaboration will deliver an unmatched patient experience, keeping exceptional cancer care close to home."
More than 200 guests attended Share the Hope, which began with a reception by the famous Neptune Pool at Hearst Castle, followed by a gourmet dinner, live auction, and live music at the historic Hearst Ranch Dairy Barn. Since 2008, Share the Hope has raised more than $6.6 million to benefit French Hospital’s Hearst Cancer Resource Center—which offers no-cost programs, services, and resources for local cancer patients. The annual event is hosted by Steve and Barbara Hearst, whose family have been instrumental supporters of the HCRC since its inception in 2008.
“We are incredibly grateful for the compassionate support of our community, all to benefit local cancer patients,” said FHMC Chief Philanthropy Officer, Tessa Espinoza. “It is our privilege to provide care, healing, and critical resources through the new comprehensive cancer center and the Hearst Cancer Resource Center for anyone touched by cancer.”
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. 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. The cancer center will be easily accessible, conveniently located near the corner of Tank Farm Road and Broad Street in San Luis Obispo. Construction on the two-story, 58,650-square-foot building is actively underway and completion is expected in late 2026.
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 Hearst Cancer Resource Center (HCRC), a unique support resource dedicated to helping cancer patients and their families from diagnosis through recovery. The HCRC compassionately supports cancer patients through nearly 10,000 patient interactions each year while providing 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. All HCRC services are offered at no charge to patients, thanks to donor support.
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, is the 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. To learn more, visit 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.
About CommonSpirit Health
Inspired by faith. Driven by innovation. Powered by humankindness. CommonSpirit Health is building a healthier future for all through its integrated health services. As one of the nation’s largest nonprofit Catholic healthcare organizations, CommonSpirit Health delivers more than 20 million patient encounters annually through more than 2,300 clinics, care sites and 137 hospital-based locations, in addition to its home-based services and virtual care offerings. CommonSpirit has more than 155,000 employees, 45,000 nurses and 25,000 physicians and advanced practice providers across 24 states and contributes more than $4 billion annually in charity care, community benefits and unreimbursed government programs. Together with our patients, physicians, partners, and communities, we are creating a more just, equitable, and innovative healthcare delivery system. Learn more at commonspirit.org.
About The Leapfrog Group
Founded in 2000 by large employers and other purchasers, The Leapfrog Group is a national nonprofit organization driving a movement for giant leaps for patient safety. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, Leapfrog’s other main initiative, assigns letter grades to hospitals based on their record of patient safety, helping consumers protect themselves and their families from errors, injuries, accidents and infections.