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Day of Hope Ambassador 2025
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Below are stories about our 2025 Day of Hope Ambassador and former Ambassadors. All of them are advocates for the great work done at the Mission Hope Cancer Center!
2025 - Denise Villarete
Denise Villarete, an Orcutt resident and Registered Nurse, has spent much of her life in service to others. After graduating from Righetti High School, she followed her calling overseas to Hungary in the mid-90s. There, working as a missionary and witnessing gaps in medical access, she felt a deeper pull toward caregiving. Shortly after starting her own family overseas and returning home, that call led her to Marian Regional Medical Center, where she volunteered as a cuddler in the Nursery. Many of the nurses on staff recognized her natural compassion and encouraged her to enroll in Allan Hancock Colleges' Nursing Program, which she did! After graduation, she spent several years as a full-time nurse caring for Santa Maria Valley patients… all while raising two young children! But in early 2023, she found herself on the receiving end of care when she faced a diagnosis that would change her life.
Initially taking time off work for foot surgery, Denise used her down time as an opportunity to complete a routine wellness check. She had no pain or symptoms, just a suspicion of menopause based on changes she was feeling in her body. Instead, she learned through the process that she had ovarian cancer. The news was startling, though somewhat expected based on her own medical background and the knowledge that BRCA genes ran in her family. Genetic testing confirmed she carried the BRCA2 gene, known for causing certain cancers including breast, ovarian, prostate and pancreatic cancer when the gene mutates. Thankfully, her two sons tested negative for carrying the gene, bringing her some comfort early on knowing that the potentially inherited risk was ending with her.
Under the care of Dr. Jon Tamala, Denise embraced her diagnosis and treatment with courage. Along the way, she found strength in unexpected places: support groups, art therapy, and movement classes at Mission Hope Cancer Center. Though she was someone hesitant at first, and a little skeptical, Denise discovered a great network of fellow fighters and survivors who have since become friends and lifelines when times get tough. She also bonded with Cristina Sinco, co-founder of the local nonprofit The Teal Journey Ovarian Cancer Foundation, whose organization funded the genetic testing that informed Denise and her family of their BRCA gene risks. The resources provided by The Teal Journey and Mission Hope Cancer Center gave Denise the information she needed to discuss the nature of her diagnosis with her two (now adult) sons, admitting that discussing female reproductive health can be awkward for them at times. These conversations led to another difficult decision for Denise.
To reduce future cancer risk, Denise made the proactive decision to undergo a double mastectomy to lower her chances of developing breast cancer later in life due to the BRCA genes still in her body. Her risk was over 70% before the surgery, but dropped to nearly 1% after. With open conversations, passionate support from her family, and the motto to “borrow worry only when it’s needed,” Denise has survived and hopes her appointment as Day of Hope Ambassador for 2025 will help remind others to get checked and be proactive with their own health!
On a personal note, Denise has since become a model for The Teal Journey’s annual survivorship fashion show, a fundraiser and celebration of resilience in the face of ovarian cancer. Her hobbies include working out, gardening, light camping, and spending time with her family and dogs. She has more recently gotten into road cycling, something she looks forward to returning to as she continues to get stronger and recover from her cancer care journey.
2024 - Eileen HongoEileen Hongo’s cancer journey began in 2022 when, encouraged by her husband Mark, she underwent an early mammogram, which was clear, but a year later, she discovered a lump. Despite another clear mammogram and ultrasound, a biopsy revealed cancer. Her doctor, Shayli Merlo, urged immediate action, ultimately saving her life.
August 2023 when she arrived for her first chemotherapy session at Mission Hope Cancer Center, Eileen was greeted by family and friends holding pink balloons and signs of support. Diagnosed with Stage 3 invasive ductal carcinoma, she faced the challenge with unwavering support from loved ones, including her husband and daughter Samantha, who meticulously tracked her treatments.
Opting for a bilateral mastectomy, she faced setbacks, including infections and escalating diagnoses. The physical and emotional toll of surgery left her struggling with grief and self-image. However, her community, workplace, and medical team provided unwavering support, and her faith played a crucial role, giving her strength and patience.
Now considering reconstruction, Eileen reflects on the journey’s loneliness, resilience, and unexpected kindness. She’s learned to accept help, finding strength in her family and faith. Despite the hardships, she remains grateful for life and the people who stood by her and continues to be an active donor and volunteer on behalf of Mission Hope!
August 2023 when she arrived for her first chemotherapy session at Mission Hope Cancer Center, Eileen was greeted by family and friends holding pink balloons and signs of support. Diagnosed with Stage 3 invasive ductal carcinoma, she faced the challenge with unwavering support from loved ones, including her husband and daughter Samantha, who meticulously tracked her treatments.
Opting for a bilateral mastectomy, she faced setbacks, including infections and escalating diagnoses. The physical and emotional toll of surgery left her struggling with grief and self-image. However, her community, workplace, and medical team provided unwavering support, and her faith played a crucial role, giving her strength and patience.
Now considering reconstruction, Eileen reflects on the journey’s loneliness, resilience, and unexpected kindness. She’s learned to accept help, finding strength in her family and faith. Despite the hardships, she remains grateful for life and the people who stood by her and continues to be an active donor and volunteer on behalf of Mission Hope!
2023 - Andrea Sauceda In December of 2021, at the young age of 38, Andrea discovered a lump in her breast and scheduled an appointment with her gynecologist. Andrea’s gynecologist ordered a mammogram and ultrasound just to be safe, even though Andrea was not experiencing any concerning symptoms. Following a mammogram and breast biopsy, Andrea’s diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma was confirmed.
In July of 2022, Andrea proudly completed her chemotherapy treatment and in October of 2022 she completed her radiation therapy.
Drea has been keeping up with her routine maintenance scans and appointments. She is also back to teaching her preschool students which she loves! They bring Drea so much joy and is keeping busy with being a Mom to 2 girls.
2022 - Jessica NunezJessica Nunez, a Santa Maria native, attended her annual well-woman exam in 2021 and expected the visit to be a routine check-up. Her life changed during the appointment when her physician felt a lump in her breast. Further testing was ordered, including a biopsy and genetic testing, which revealed that the 36-year-old had stage 2 breast cancer with a BRCA 1 gene mutation. This was a frightening moment full of unknowns, tears, and confusion that Jessica will never forget.
Due to being diagnosed during the COVID-19 pandemic’s CDC guidelines, Jessica found herself at many appointments alone; however, she quickly found comfort, peace, and holistic care from the staff, nurses, and community at Mission Hope Cancer Center.
Fast forward to early 2022, and after six months of chemotherapy and a double mastectomy, Jessica is now on the road to recovery. She is forever grateful for the medical care, kindness, and support she has experienced at Mission Hope Cancer Center. “Mission Hope helped me through this process by working very quickly to get me on treatment,” says Jessica. “The nurses at Mission Hope are very friendly, kind, and passionate about what they do. During my journey, I never felt alone.” Local patients, like Jessica, look to Mission Hope Cancer Center for life-saving treatments and healing programs.
2021 - Karissa SanchezKarissa Sanchez was diagnosed with breast cancer just a few months after getting engaged in 2020. The save the dates had been sent, the venue was booked, but unfortunately, the planning came to an abrupt halt when she received a devastating diagnosis two months after celebrating her 30th birthday. Instead of picking out honeymoon destinations, she scheduled chemotherapy treatments, planned for surgery, and took one day at a time. The COVID-19 pandemic meant Karissa attended many appointments and treatments by herself but she quickly became close friends with the staff and nurses at Mission Hope Cancer Center. Karissa never felt alone because she knew the friendly faces waiting for her were eager to hear of the revised wedding plans.
She also looked forward to the virtual support group hosted by Mission Hope Cancer Center to connect with others undergoing breast cancer treatment. Karissa is on the road to recovery and feels forever indebted to the service, kindness, and support she received at Mission Hope Cancer Center. Karissa recently said yes to the dress and is planning her dream wedding in Maui last fall, 2021.
2020 - Taryn TimothyOn March 13, 2019, I was diagnosed with stage three ductal carcinoma HER2-positive BRCA negative breast cancer. To beat cancer it takes a village and Mission Hope Cancer Center is my village—from the volunteers wishing me hello or goodbye, to the gals in the lab who always greeted me with a big hug and my awesome physician who always has a smile that makes all my worries go away. Of course, I cannot forget to mention the chemo nurses at Mission Hope Cancer Center as they are not just nurses, they are your friends.
Throughout my treatment journey, I have felt very fortunate to always have someone with me by my side. Mission Hope Cancer Center isn’t just our one-stop shop we go to because we are sick; it’s our second home. The six rounds of treatment I received saved my life but my journey is far from over and I continue to take it day by day with a smile. I am honored to be this year’s Day of Hope Ambassador.
My name is Taryn and I am a survivor.
2019 - Janna DoumaFor a large portion of the community, cancer is a disease that impacts generations. For Janna Douma, it was no different. Janna’s exposure to cancer began when her father went to the doctor to check on several spots on his ear, eyelids, and nose. The skin cancer was so extensive that a portion of his nose had to be removed and— amazingly—a new nose utilizing skin from his forehead was crafted. At his death in 2011, his autopsy revealed he also had prostate cancer.
After her dad’s funeral services, Janna’s mother revealed to her that she had tumors visible along with her breasts. Recognizing the severity of this revelation, Janna immediately took her mom to the doctor and she was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer two weeks later. At that point in the disease, cancer had metastasized throughout her body. Never receiving mammograms throughout her life, Janna’s mom was given 18 months to live. Janna undertook caregiving duties and used this precious time to bond with her mom during the difficult season prior to her passing.
Seeing the untimely deaths of her parents, Janna’s resolution was strengthened to take testing seriously. “I am different from my parents, in that I do go to the doctor regularly, and I do get tests regularly,” Janna stated. After her annual mammogram in 2017, she was called back to have a biopsy. A visit with Monica Rocco, MD, FACS, at Mission Hope Health Center, brought the news that her breast cancer was in stage 1 with the aggressiveness of cancer at stage 2.
“From the moment I had my mammogram up until today, the people at Mission Hope have been so very kind, so very caring, treating me with the utmost respect, concern, and love,” Janna said, reflecting on her experience. “Mission Hope is very special and I will continue to support it and be involved with the work there.”
Being true to her word, Janna (pictured above with her pink Wonder Woman hat) was a visible representative during Day of Hope 2018, being featured in several news stories and allowing her cancer journey to have a redemptive element. “I was in the grocery store after Day of Hope and the cashier recognized me from a story. She said, ‘I had been putting off my mammogram but when I saw you on the news I made my appointment the next day!’” Janna excitedly shared.
Janna is now cancer-free and plans on participating again in Day of Hope on April 10, 2019. You are invited to join Janna and our spirited teams of survivors and volunteers as we bring hope to our community.
2018 - Thomas & Patricia PuerlingMarriage is a journey filled with many ups and downs. For Thomas and Patricia Puerling, their 57-year marriage has taken the couple through their own share of both good and difficult times, such as when Patricia was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2012. It was a time filled with uncertainty but the couple drew on their faith and credits the Mission Hope Cancer Center team for Patricia’s treatments. After two surgeries and months of radiation therapy, Patricia is now cancer-free.
Unfortunately, this was not the only time the Puerlings would face cancer. Just a few short years after Patricia’s treatment, Thomas was diagnosed with rectal cancer. After seeing the quality of care his wife received at Mission Hope Cancer Center, Thomas felt compelled to also seek care, treatment, and support services at Mission Hope Cancer Center. Thomas underwent concurrent chemotherapy and radiation plus two surgeries, and he too is now in remission.
The Puerlings understand how fortunate they are to have a comprehensive state-of-the-art cancer center in their own community. Their message as survivors is simple – hope. Thomas notes, “We want other people to know that they can have a positive outcome to a cancer diagnosis. If we can just give one person hope, it’s worth it.”
2017 - Mellissa Matheson Cancer survivor Mellissa Matheson is living proof of how community donations truly save lives. In 2014, Mellissa was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer at the young age of 26. As a mother of three, Mellissa’s children were only six, two, and 11 months old at the time.
Since she developed bilateral breast cancer extremely early in life, it was suspected Mellissa may have a genetic syndrome. Thanks to the support Mellissa received from Marian Cancer Care, she was provided with genetic testing vital to developing the best possible treatment plan. And, due to the treatment she received from Mission Hope Cancer Center, Mellissa is now cancer-free and looks forward to living a long, happy, and healthy life with her family.
As Mellissa’s story shows, your meaningful contributions benefit local cancer patients in important ways. Donor dollars fund outreach programs for patients and families struggling to make ends meet. Your support also provides for the acquisition of advanced medical treatments and technologies, as well as vital nurse navigation services, education/support offerings, and preventative screenings.
