Diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in 2023, Guadalupe resident Eileen Hongo underwent 20 rounds of chemotherapy, 35 rounds of radiation therapy, and other procedures as part of her treatment plan.
Between her appointments at Mission Hope Cancer Center in Santa Maria, she formed strong bonds with fellow patients as well as physicians and other staffers on-site. The closing chapter of Hongo’s treatment plan in 2024 marked a turning point for both her and the center.
Last March, Hongo began spearheading a fundraising effort to bring something new to the center: a designated resource library for patients. It was an idea she gradually formed during her treatments.
“There were some things that would have been nice to have—not necessary, but nice to have as a chemo patient,” Hongo told the Sun.
Outside of the center’s infusion area, Hongo envisioned a separate space where patients could not only choose to mingle with or confide in one another, but also look to for a variety of resources—books and brochures on different cancer types and ways to manage the side effects of treatment, for example, as well as children’s books and guides for parents with cancer to help them discuss their diagnosis with their kids.
Over the course of about a year, Hongo collaborated with local businesses, friends, family, and other community members to raise nearly $40,000.
These proceeds allowed Mission Hope to transform one of its rooms (previously an open lobby space for staffers or volunteers to use for meetings if needed) into its new patient resource library.
The funds paid for the library’s expansive book selection, with several titles available in both English and Spanish, and renovations to modernize the space, including new handcrafted cabinetry, comfy seating, and a coffee station counter.
“I hope that every patient who walks into that room feels supported and comforted and also reminded that they’re not alone in this,” Hongo said.
During Hongo’s fundraising campaign to make the library a reality, she partnered with a handful of venues in the Santa Maria Valley and Guadalupe, including Orcutt’s Old Town Wine and Brew, Trattoria Uliveto, and the Guadalupe Social Club, to coordinate dinner events and other programs where a portion of proceeds would benefit her cause.
“It was phenomenal to see the community come together,” said Hongo, who reached out to local entertainers to perform—including singer-songwriter Jineanne Coderre and other musicians—at some of these events.
On April 7, Mission Hope Cancer Center hosted an unveiling ceremony to celebrate the library’s debut. To recognize Hongo’s commitment and dedication, the center placed a plaque in her honor at the library.
Physicians at the center and other employees of Dignity Health were in attendance to congratulate Hongo, including Dr. Julie Barone, a breast surgical oncologist, and Dr. Ben Wilkinson, a radiation oncologist. Jessa Brooks, vice president of philanthropy at the Marian Regional Medical Center Foundation, also attended.
On brand with the new library’s wide variety of books, magazines, and brochures, its coffee station boasts more hot beverage selections (coffees, teas, hot chocolate, etc.) than anywhere else at Mission Hope, Derek Baden, senior director of cancer care services, told the Sun.
“I frequent it every day because it’s got the best coffee in the building,” said Baden, a big fan of French roast. “When you want to spoil yourself, you pop down there.”
Baden described the new library as “a nice social hub where patients can connect with others, share their experiences, and really start to build a support network,” especially those feeling lonely or isolated during the treatment process.
“Treatment can be really stressful, anxiety inducing. … [The library] offers a welcome escape, where they can immerse themselves in books or magazines or just a temporary distraction from their worries,” Baden said. “I think it turned out beautifully.”
Highlight
• The Santa Maria Public Library will host one-on-one tech help sessions on May 10 and 24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and May 18 from 2 to 4 p.m. Those who schedule 25-minute appointments during these sessions can get instruction on topics related to new phones and devices, such as general setup and app installation. Call (805) 925-0994 to set up an appointment.
Reach Senior Staff Writer Caleb Wiseblood at cwiseblood@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in May 8-18, 2025.
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