MEDIA RELEASE

Kona Community Hospital’s (KCH) fifth annual Hope Event is 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23 at KCH’s Radiation Oncology Clinic. The event is held in honor of all cancer patients, survivors, caregivers and their families and to promote cancer awareness.

It also marks the fifth anniversary of the Radiation Oncology Clinic.

The Hope Event and anniversary celebration will feature volunteer services such as massage, haircuts and beauty treatments, as well as information booths with the American Cancer Society of West Hawaii and other organizations, food, live music and more. Attendees will also be given an opportunity to donate their hair, which have to be eight inches or more.

“The Radiation Oncology Clinic is a significant benefit to our community because prior to 2005, patients traveled to Hilo or Oahu to receive this treatment. Now, it is offered in our very own backyard and we are very proud to offer this care,” said Earl Greenia, KCH Chief Executive Officer. “Many people may not know that it also houses a state-of-the-art Linear Accelerator – the best on the Big Island.”

The first patient treatment at the ROC was May 5, 2005. The ROC is currently treating approximately 15 patients a day, 3,000 patients per year and has consistently increased the number of patient treatments on an annual basis since its opening.

“The Radiation Oncology Clinic at Kona Community Hospital is something we should all be proud of as members of the community,“ said Radiation Oncologist, James Lambeth, M.D. “From people to premises, professionalism impressively blends with friendly and courteous service and state-of-the-art equipment.”

Instead of having to travel for treatments that usually last less than 15 minutes long, patients can be treated at the ROC and go back to their daily lives in a matter of minutes. The convenience and benefits of having a clinic in West Hawaii are outstanding.

Judy Shibly’s father was treated at the ROC and said, “The radiation oncology center at Kona Community Hospital is nothing short of a wonderful and welcome miracle for all the folks of West Hawaii needing treatment. My dad, Nick Morgan, received over 40 treatments. At that time, he was almost 89 years old and was able to drive himself every morning for treatment since the center was so near. He was home in half an hour to receive much needed rest and work in his garden, which brings him so much happiness!”

Jim Higgins, Chairman of the Kona Hospital Foundation, said, “We invite all of the generous supporters of the Radiation Oncology Clinic, who donated five years ago to this capital campaign, to please join us in this momentous celebration. We want to thank them for making this project a reality.”

“Throughout my career, I have met amazing people who have survived or have passed away from cancer,” said Poppy Sokham, KCH’s Lead Radiation Therapist. “Our hope is that those who attend will learn what they can and also remember those who have been through the battle, so we can fight this deadly disease.”

“We want to encourage everyone to have a positive outlook on life and spread hope,” said Emily Mendez-Bryant, KCH’s Community Relations Director. “Cancer affects each and every one of us and, as a hospital we know the importance of providing support and education to our community.”

For more information or to volunteer, provide complimentary services or sponsor the event, contact Kona Community Hospital at 322-6960.