(Photo courtesy of Bob Brown | Eye Expressions)

MEDIA RELEASE

Kona Community Hospital’s (KCH) fifth annual Hope Event was Saturday, Oct. 23 at KCH’s Radiation Oncology Clinic (ROC).

It brought more than 150 people together to bring hope, celebrate life, and to recognize how cancer affects each and every one of us.

The Hope Event and five-year anniversary celebration featured volunteer services from local businesses such as Intrigue Dezign and Tiana’s Avon and Wigs, as well as live music, food and more.

In an effort to give back to cancer patients and survivors, five people donated their hair, which will be made into wigs through the American Cancer Society of West Hawaii affiliation with Pantene’s Beautiful Lengths program.

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.

“We want to encourage everyone to have a positive outlook on life and spread hope,” said Emily Mendez-Bryant, KCH’s Community Relations Director. “As a hospital, we know the importance of providing support and education to our community. Having this event, along with celebrating the five-year anniversary of the ROC gives us hope that anything is possible.”

Founded in 1914, Kona Community Hospital is a 94-bed full-service hospital with 24-hour emergency services that supports the west region of the island of Hawaii.

It is a member of the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, a special agency of the state of Hawaii established in 1996. It is fully accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.

Kona Community Hospital is dedicated to providing and enhancing accessible comprehensive healthcare services to the West Hawaii community.

(Photo courtesy of Bob Brown | Eye Expressions)

(Photo courtesy of Bob Brown | Eye Expressions)

(Photo courtesy of Bob Brown | Eye Expressions)