Annual swim meet raises $9,000 for the Hearst Cancer Resource Center

Jan. 29, 2010 ---

French Hospital Medical Center (FHMC) Foundation recently received a generous donation from the PUMA Aquatic Swim Team for the Hearst Cancer Resource Center (HCRC).

The swim club raised $9,000 for the HCRC from their second annual Pumpkin Classic swim meet during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The October meet raised money through local sponsorships, entry fees, a silent auction, and the concession stand.

PUMA Aquatic Swim Team Coach Jud Clark presented the check to the HCRC Director Beverly Kirkhart and FHMC President and CEO Alan Iftiniuk on January 21, 2010.  Since 2008, the PUMA Team has raised more than $21,000 for the programs and services at the HCRC.

The Hearst Cancer Resource Center provides free supportive and educational services necessary for cancer patients to understand their disease, tolerate treatment, and maintain dignity and quality of life throughout all aspects of their cancer experience.

The HCRC collaborates with its community and physician partners to bring San Luis Obispo County a comprehensive epicenter of knowledge and empowerment. It is staffed by oncology professionals, houses the latest information on cancer treatment options, nutrition, pain management and stress reduction.

In the year since the HCRC has opened its doors to the community, it has experienced more than 9,500 visits from cancer patients and family members, as well as many community organizations, free of charge.  Without public support, the HCRC could not provide such comprehensive programs and services to the community.

PUMA is a year-round competitive age group swim team offering practices at four locations in San Luis Obispo County. PUMA is an affiliate club of Southern California Swimming, one of 59 local committees of USA Swimming. PUMA offers a variety of competitive programs for all ages and skill levels from novice through high school and national caliber swimmers.

For more information on the Hearst Cancer Resource Center or to make a donation, call the FHMC Foundation office at (805)542-6496 or visit www.supportfrenchhospital.org.