Battling cancer a journey unlike any other for Day of Hope ambassador

Jo Ann Costa is perhaps the perfect person to take on the role of Day of Hope ambassador.

The Shell Beach resident spent 30 years working at Marian Regional Medical Center, where she served in a variety of administrative positions.

“I started in 1986 in the laboratory at Marian Regional Medical Center and had a very long career,” said Costa. “It was always an honor and privilege to serve in any capacity that they asked me.”

In November 2015, after three distinguished decades working for Marian, Costa felt she was ready to move on to the next phase of her life.

“After 30 years, I decided to retire,” said Costa. “It was time and unfortunately six days later, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I had a routine mammogram and discovered it at that time. It was a bit of shock, of course. Nobody expects that they’re going to get cancer.”

The diagnosis was an emotional blow, especially for someone that was such an avid traveler.

Costa and her husband had visited many countries around the world and were looking to continue their travel pursuits.

“I was afraid that whole world was going to come crumbling down and be at an end,” said Costa.

Instead, it was just the beginning, the start of what would be a very difficult and arduous journey towards recovery.

“I got the diagnosis and fortunately, felt just like I was an insider,” said Costa. “I knew just who to call and I knew where I was going to get my treatment and care (Mission Hope Cancer Center).”

Still, Costa added, it’s one thing to know Mission Hope Cancer Center, but it’s much different to be an actual patient there.

“Even though I knew about the services, I still needed that special touch they provide here,” said Costa. “That real hand holding and guiding you through every step in the process and treatment and what you need.”

Costa said her cancer was extremely aggressive and needed extensive treatment.

She said her doctor, Dr. April Kennedy, had to, “throw the whole book at it.”

“We went through a very serious regime of chemotherapy. That was actually the hardest thing I have ever done in my life,” said Costa. “I’ve hiked Machu Picchu and I’ve hiked the Grand Canyon, rim to rim, but nothing compares to the difficulty that chemotherapy was to me.”

After 15 months of treatment, which included two surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation and a clinical trial, she received a clean bill of health.

“Getting through that, I felt like now was the time to go on with my life and not to let cancer be the deciding factor in how I’m going to lead my life,” Costa said.

Soon after she received the good news, she made a trip to one of her favorite places, Yosemite National Park.

Costa later expanded her travels to well outside of California, visiting several places in 2017.

“Last year we were able to go Europe and do a Rhine River cruise,” said Costa. “Went to Australia. We went to Alaska with my family.”

Capping off the whirlwind year of travel was the topper, going to a place this past January she had long wanted to see.

“My husband and I fulfilled a dream that I’ve had for a long time and that was to set my foot on that seventh continent and go to Antarctica,” said Costa.

Now, back on the Central Coast, Costa is still busy, volunteering her time with community endeavors.

One of her responsibilities is the ambassador role for the Day of Hope, the day-long fundraiser that benefits Mission Hope Cancer Center patients.

“Donations are needed to keep the programs going that are provided at Mission Hope, particularly those that are related to education of patients and families,” said Costa.

The donations that are collected through the sale of $1 Santa Maria Times newspapers helps supports the myriad of programs offered at Mission Hope, including rent money, gas and grocery cards, educational programs, and many other services.

Those services, patients say, are part of what makes Mission Hope stand out and why it’s critical to support what is one of the only fully-integrated cancer centers in the entire state.

“Here you can stay at home,” said Costa. “You can have your loved one, your care givers right there with you can you can be absolutely sure getting state-of-the-art care that is second to none anywhere in this country.”

It’s a place Costa said she is honored to have been a part of, once as a Marian employee, and now as a patient.

Now, as she plans for her next excursion, she also knows that she remains on the most important journey of her life.

“It doesn’t end,” said Costa. It will be a lifelong journey for me and I know everyone at Mission Hope Cancer Center is there for me and will be walking with me for the rest of my life.”

The 6th annual Day of Hope will be held on Wednesday, April 11 in Santa Maria, Orcutt, Lompoc and Nipomo.

Santa Maria Times newspapers will be sold at various locations in those communities during the morning commute.

All proceeds directly benefit patients at Mission Hope Cancer Center.

For more information, visit unite.dignityhealthphilanthropy.org/mariandayofhope