Hoag Family Cancer Institute
Our Stories

Circle 1000, a group of vibrant, dedicated volunteers, has raised millions of dollars to support Hoag Family Cancer Institute. Continuing its tradition, the Circle 1000 Committee hosted its 28th Annual Founders’ Brunch Celebration on May 4. More than 350 Circle 1000 members, friends, physicians and nurses gathered to celebrate a legacy of service to individuals, families and caregivers affected by cancer.

“Take a minute to look around the room and see what a difference we are making in the fight against cancer,” said Beth Knapp, chair of the 28th Annual Founders’ Celebration Brunch. “I am honored to be part of such an extraordinary group. Thank you for supporting Hoag Family Cancer Institute and for being a part of our Circle 1000 family.”

Father Gregory Boyle, author and nationally-recognized humanitarian, brought the audience to laughter, tears and silence during his keynote speech.

“Service is the hallway that gets you to the ballroom where you arrive at a place of connection and exquisite mutuality,” he said. “At Homeboy Industries, I’m not the great healer for gang members in need of healing; the truth be told, we’re all in need of healing. It’s one of the things that unites us as members of the human family.”

This year’s brunch was dedicated in loving memory of Arden Flamson, a long-time member of Circle 1000 and past chair. In 2015, Circle 1000 raised more than $775,000 for cancer care at Hoag.

Friends Who Care

When Sandy Sewell, Newport Beach resident and breast cancer survivor, founded Circle 1000 in 1987, she had a very simple goal of gathering a group of friends and asking each to contribute a minimum of $1,000. She then tasked them with asking their own circle of friends to participate. From the powerful bonds of friendship, Circle 1000 grew to more than 1,000 friends whose annual support has allowed Hoag Family Cancer Institute to bring new technology, provide educational advancement for nurses and conduct clinical research.

For more information about Circle 1000, visit www.hoaghospitalfoundation.org. For more information on how you can support Hoag Family Cancer Institute, contact Carlin Schneider at (949) 764-7209 or Carlin.Schneider@hoag.org.

About Hoag Hospital Foundation

Thanks in large part to philanthropy, Hoag has become one of the nation’s finest health care systems and serves a diverse and growing population. Hoag Hospital Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Hoag (a separate 501(c)(3) corporation), is an integral partner in Hoag’s vision to become a trusted and nationally recognized health care leader. Under the direction of a volunteer Board of Directors, the Foundation launched Hoag Promise, Our Campaign to Lead, Innovate &Transform with a goal of $627 million by 2020. Comprehensive in the truest sense of the word, the Hoag Promise campaign encompasses every institute, center and specialty area of Hoag and includes programs, innovation opportunities, research, technology, facilities and staff to drive Hoag’s continued clinical leadership, innovative spirit and transformative potential.