Gifts at Work

Hoag has a long and robust partnership with the private community. In fact, it’s because members of the community have invested in Hoag that it has grown into a trusted, nationally recognized healthcare leader. Countless patients and their families, physicians, nurses and staff have been touched by the kindness of our donors. Philanthropy has helped Hoag create programs, recruit staff, acquire technology and open or upgrade facilities – all things that would not have been possible without the generosity of our community.

Below are highlights of a few recent examples of Circle 1000 supported initiatives at the Hoag Family Cancer Institute:

Tomosynthesis

Much of the funds raised in 2011 were directed to a new and progressive technology in the fight against breast cancer. Hoag Breast Care Center is now the first and only breast center in California to provide state-of-the-art Digital Breast Tomosynthesis as part of its comprehensive breast imaging services. Digital breast tomosynthesis provides physicians with a greater opportunity to detect early-stage breast cancers which may not have been visible using traditional mammography.

Sandy Sewell Oncology Nursing Scholarship

The members and donors of Circle 1000 know that nursing is the core of excellent patient care and have shown their gratitude through the generous support of oncology nursing at Hoag. This includes the creation in 2007 of the Sandy Sewell Oncology Nursing Scholarship. Many of the Circle 1000 committee members have had cancer and experienced the extraordinary oncology nursing at Hoag. This is a very complex area of nursing that requires specialized training and continuing education. Each year a Hoag oncology nurse is selected to receive the scholarship.

Annual Oncology Nursing Conference

Thanks to generous donor support, Hoag is the site of the Annual Oncology Nursing Conference. The conference is well attended by radiation and oncology nurses from all over the western U.S., as well as pharmacists and nursing students interested in specializing in oncology. Designed to address the practical issues and clinical challenges encountered daily by oncology nurses, the conference includes sessions on new technologies, the latest in treatment options, symptom management and side effects.

Patty & George Cancer Center Renovation

The Patty & George Hoag Cancer Center is one of the largest cancer centers in Southern California offering state-of-the-art cancer care in a comforting, patient-centered environment. The Patty & George Hoag Cancer Center is currently in the process of upgrading the interiors to create a more contemporary style. Improvements include updating the colors, finishes, flooring and furniture in the lobbies, hallways and dressing rooms of each floor. The bathrooms are also being upgraded. The overall impact will be to modernize the aesthetics for the benefit of patients, families and staff.