Resources and Testimonials


The Hearst Cancer Resource Center wellness and support services provide a bridge between standard medical care and a full range of healing therapies. Our integrative approach offers a foundation for care that includes an array of programs designed to strengthen the body, educate the mind and alleviate the stress which often comes with a cancer diagnosis. 

Resources

The services listed below are free to cancer patients, family members and friends. These resources are designed to help those touched by cancer, and their loved ones, live better lives during treatment and beyond.

HCRC Supports Cancer Patients and Family Members

Although we are experiencing changes to our lifestyles due to the coronavirus, the challenges of cancer do not end. Especially at this time, we are here to support all of your cancer needs, for the patient and the family. Our staff is ready to assist our cancer community through zoom, phone or in person, whichever fits best for you!

HCRC Class Updates and Offerings

* ALL Classes and Support Groups have waivers to sign, so please connect with us before joining a group or class: (805) 542-6234 or email us at [email protected].

Other programs and classes are added regularly, so please call HCRC at (805) 542-6234, email us at [email protected] or check our calendar link above.

Guest Lectures and Education

October 2023

Breast Cancer Education (**in-person** RSVPs required)
Tuesday, October 17, 5:30pm
Speakers: Bianca Russell, MD - Geneticist; Karen Song, MD - OB/Gyn; Amanda Shrewsbury, Genetic Counselor

To register for this presentation, please call Hearst Cancer Resource Center at (805) 542-6234 or email us at [email protected].

November 2023

Nutrition Education with Angela - zoom link required
Wednesday, November 15; 5:30pm
Speaker: Angela Fissell, RD

To register for this presentation, please call Hearst Cancer Resource Center at (805) 542-6234 or email us at [email protected].

December 2023

Join us for our annual Holiday Open House
Thursday, December 7, 4:00-6:00pm

Phone Consultations

  • Phone Consultations are available during our business hours with Julie Neiggemann, Nurse Navigator, Lauren Jermstad, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and specific days and time with Angela Fissell, Registered Dietitian (805) 542-6234 or email us at [email protected].
  • The HCRC staff are here to answer your calls. We are here to serve you and support you. (805) 542-6234 or email us at [email protected].

Video Lecture Series

The Hearst Cancer Resource Center, along with SLO Oncology & Hematology Health Center and UCLA, have created a collaborative educational series: Advances in Gastrointestinal Cancer Care. This series features Joel R. Hecht, MD, a National leader in gastrointestinal clinical research, and local oncology experts, as they discuss new therapies for the treatment of gastrointestinal cancer.

 View each of the presentations by topic and physician here.

Helpful Tips to Reduce Stress

  • Take breaks from watching, reading, or listen to news stories about the coronavirus, including social media.
  • Take care of yourself.  Spend some time stretching, meditating or praying. Try to eat healthy meals, if possible get outside for some exercise, get plenty of sleep and avoid alcohol and drugs.
  • Think about things to do that bring you joy, such as gardening, knitting, reading a book, or work on a puzzle.
  • Make an effort to talk with others about your feelings and concerns.  Call, Facetime or Skype with family, grandkids or friends.
  • Join mindfulness or meditation programs.
  • Join a support group with peers or survivors. 

The HCRC Staff wants you to know: Don’t forget we are here to help, serve and support you. You are not alone!

Patient Testimonials

Stephen Hearst

Like so many, my family has been touched by cancer. 

When we heard about the vision for a local center that would help cancer patients and their loved ones gain control of their lives by providing free support, education and information, we wanted to be part of it.

In April 2008, the doors opened to the Hearst Cancer Resource Center at French Hospital Medical Center, and today it serves 600 cancer patients and their families every month.

The Center helps people cope with the trauma of diagnosis and treatment, support and comfort when they need it most.  This is very close to our hearts.

This is a tricky disease, there is still a lot to do, part of that work is helping people and the people that care for them, and we are doing that today through the Hearst Cancer Resource Center.

Tom Vendegna

In 2003, I was diagnosed with cancer and personally experienced the fragmented nature of cancer services in San Luis Obispo County.

I then began a journey with French Hospital Medical Center to create a free cancer resource center; one place, working collaboratively and supporting other community cancer programs, where people with cancer and their families could receive information, support and hope.

I’m a doctor and a cancer survivor so I understand the trauma of diagnosis, the fear, the uncertainty, and the tremendous need for answers. After treating a Hearst family member following a life-threatening accident, Steve Hearst asked me if there was anything he could do to express his gratitude. Indeed there was!

Our vision became reality when Steve Hearst and other family members graciously donated the seed money to create the Hearst Cancer Resource Center. That support has been followed by the incredible generosity of the Hearst Foundation as well as many others, which allowed the Center to open in 2008.

Today, we serve all cancer patients and their families free of charge; and we are here to help guide you through your journey toward recovery.

Learn More About Our Hearst Cancer Resource Center

To learn more about our services and how we can help, please call us at (805) 542-6234 email us at [email protected] or use our online feature, Find a Doctor.