Local Mission Hope Cancer Center supporter organizes convoy due to Day of Hope cancellation

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - While the cancellation of Mission Hope Cancer Center's Day of Hope brought feelings of disappointment, that didn't stop community members from showing how much the healthcare staff means to them.

"I'm just so appreciative of the staff. I know the hospital gets a lot of attention, and they should, but I think the cancer center also should. Every one of them risks their lives every day to work with the patients," said volunteer Jodi Mrozek with Mission Hope Cancer Center.

More than 20 cars drove by the cancer center cheering on patients, staff and volunteers at this celebratory convoy.

Healthcare staff say they are grateful for the support from the community especially given the cancellation of the Day of Hope event.

Ashley Hahn with the Mission Hope Cancer Center describes what it's like working throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. "It has felt lonely here with COVID-19. It feels amazing to start the day getting acknowledged and see the community come out to support us. It's really fun."

"It's absolutely saying thank you to the staff and the people here. They cannot take a vacation, they cannot stop. These people cannot stop treatment," Mrozek said.

The Mission Hope Cancer Center hopes to still put on the annual Day of Hope fundraiser when the time is right.