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 JDCF OPENS LIBRARY AT FRENCH HOSPITAL MEDICAL CENTER

 On Friday, April 4, the Hearst Cancer Resource Center opened its doors to an invitation-only Grand Opening Celebration. This VIP event drew more than 100 attendees who enjoyed inspirational and personal speeches from Tom Vendegna, M.D., Steve Hearst, San Luis Obisbo Supervisor Jerry Lenthall, San Luis Obisbo Mayor Dave Romero and others. A highlight of the celebration was the unveiling of a beautiful donor monument featuring the names of significant donors. The following day, the HCRC welcomed more than 100 community members who toured through the center while learning about its purpose and programs.

The HCRC is a collaborative effort bringing existing community groups such as the American Cancer Society, Cancer Connections, Enhancement, Inc., and the Wellness Community under one roof to provide cancer support and education to our community. The services at the HCRC are completely free to the San Luis Obisbo County community. The HCRC was conceptualized by Dr. Vendegna after his personal battle with cancer. French Hospital Medical Center first received the seed money to create the center from members of the Hearst family. Since then, more donations have been given including $1 million from the Hearst Foundation towards a $4 million endowment fund that will allow the center to be funded indefinitely. From the artwork on the walls, to the wigs and hats, the HCRC is completely funded through donations. A gift received just days before the opening was a multi-media library now named the Jennifer Diamond Cancer Resource Library. The library gives cancer patients and their loved ones access to the latest cancer related books, videos, periodicals, computers and research assistance. 

On June 5, 2008, the Diamond's promise was realized at the USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center with the formal opening of the Patient Educationand Outreach Center and Jennifer Diamond Cancer Resource Library. The library is the sixth of its kind to be funded by the Jennifer Diamond Cancer Foundation, a fundraising and outreach organization created by Jennifer during her illness.

The library is housed at the Patient Education and Outreach Center, a state-of-the-art cancer resource facility of the Cancer Center devoted to patients, their families and community members seeking information about cancer. With support from the National Cancer Institute's (NCI) Cancer Information Services, the center also performs outreach activities and conducts informational programs relevant to the communities it serves.

The center also features computers, reference books, printers, DVDs and Internet access. In addition to manual and computerized information, the center has live phone help with specialized counselors with training from the NCI, a patient navigation information system and trained volunteers to assist with access to cancer-related resources.

"We not only have scientific and medical experts here; we also have dedicated volunteers; we have very experienced health educators and health promotion specialists, and we have very experienced cancer patients who want to give back," said Diana Chingos, chair of the Cancer Survivorship Advisory Council.

The Jennifer Diamond Cancer Resource Library is located on the ground level of the Harlyne J. Norris Cancer Research Tower. Level G, Suite 501. It is open daily from 10 am to 3 pm and is staffed by volunteers and USC/Norris staff.

SAILBOAT REGATTA

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2009
The Seventh Annual Jennifer Diamond Cancer Foundation Sailboat Regatta and Fundraiser will be held at the Del Rey Yacht Club in Marina Del Rey, California. For more information, contact Lee Lewis at (310) 420-1362.

The 7th Jennifer Diamond Celebrity Sailboat Regatta 

May Come Down to the Wire

This day couldn't  be better for The Jennifer Diamond Cancer Foundation's 7th annual Celebrity Sailboat Regatta. A special young man will be racing for the those with cancer, he is the world’s youngest solo sailor to Circumnavigate the world with his 36ft sailboat named INTREPID, his name is Zac Sunderland (http://www.zacsunderland.com/ ). It took Zac 13 months of battleing storms, pirates, illness, loneliness, hunger, and fear, to survive in the most hostile environment on the planet. The sun should be shinning brightly this day; the winds should be cooperating and the smell of competition will fill the air. The Del Rey Yacht Club, in Marina Del Rey, is the site for the pre-race festivities and the post race Skipper's & Sailor's party. Held on Saturday, Aug. 22nd, the sailboats will leave their slips in the mid morning and head out for the starting line. Prior to leaving the slips, each boat will be given their official starting time by Roberto Cordero, the Race Committee Chairman at the Del Rey Yacht Club. 

Three classes of sailboats will be participating in the 2009 regatta: Class A, Class B and Cruising Class. The sailboats are assigned to the classes based on the configuration of each individual boat. Racing keelboats and cruiser keelboats  are also invited to participate this year.

The race will provided a great deal of excitement, not only for the racers, but also for the people watching from the press and spectator boats. An event like this will be a lot of fun for everyone involved. It allows sailors to participate in a sailing competition and have a great time doing so and on the flip side, their contributions help bring more awareness to what the foundation is achieving to help people with cancer and there family members.  Educating the public is a major priority for The Jennifer Diamond Cancer Foundation.

After the race, the skippers, sailors, spectators and other invited guests will feast on a Bar-B-Q, Anheuser Busch Beer and other refreshments. Harvey Diamond and Lee Lewis  ( Race Co-ordinator) will be presenting the awards  to all the winners at the ceremony.  Remember to mark your calendar Aug. 22nd 2009 as this is one race you do not want to miss.