Cancer is a Team Sport
A look inside Mission Hope Cancer Center - Arroyo Grande
"Small town doesn't mean small medicine." That's how Derek Baden, head of Cancer Care Services at Mission Hope Cancer Center Arroyo Grande, describes the level of cancer care available on the Central Coast. While many people may assume they need to travel to larger cities for advanced treatment, Mission Hope offers comprehensive, patient-centered cancer care close to home.
"Almost anything you can do at Stanford or UCLA regarding infusion and oncology, we can do right here at home," Derek said.
Under the direction of medical director Dr. Keith Ayrons, the center offers expert cancer care, an infusion center where patients receive chemotherapy and other treatments, and its own on-site pharmacy, where each medication is prepared fresh and dosed specifically for every patient on the day of their visit.
Supporting Every Step of the Journey
Beyond medical treatment, Mission Hope Arroyo Grande provides support for every aspect of a patient's cancer journey. A nurse navigation program guides patients from diagnosis through treatment and into survivorship. A social worker and registered dietitian help address patients' emotional, practical, and nutritional needs, while a cancer rehabilitation program led by John Malinowski helps patients stay active with balance classes, stretching, reformer pilates, and even line dancing every Thursday evening.
"Our big philosophy is that cancer is a team sport, so that means you can't do it alone," Derek said. "We don't just treat the illness, we treat the person."
For patients, this support and compassion can make all the difference during their care. Heather, a grateful patient shared, "I had never had anyone go to bat for me the way the staff at Mission Hope did. I cried because I could not believe that someone advocated for me, I have always had to be my own advocate. People may not realize that not everyone has a support system at home, and for many of us the staff at Mission Hope is our support system.”
Experiences like this reflect the commitment caregivers bring to every patient interaction and the people-centered approach that extends throughout Mission Hope Cancer Center.
Treatment Powered by our Community
Many of these services are provided at no cost to patients. This is where local philanthropy makes a real difference. Donations keep two full-time drivers on the road, taking patients to and from appointments all over the Central Coast. Donations also help to fund the nurse navigation program, offered free of charge to every patient, as well as some of the expense patients have to bear when entering the lymphedema program.
"It's expensive to be sick," Derek said. "So we try to help patients as much as we can by offsetting some of those financial burdens." Every donation helps ensure patients receive not only exceptional medical care, but also the support, resources, and compassion they need throughout their cancer journey.
If you would like to help support this program, you can make a gift here > > >