Patients, family members, friends, donors, caregivers, physicians and all those interested in attending are invited to the grand opening celebration for the new St. Charles Cancer Center. The event will begin at 5:30pm, August 14 with a short program, ribbon-cutting ceremony, tours of the facility and refreshments in the healing garden. Dr. Dhara MacDermed will play the cello during the event accompanied by an 89-year-old cancer survivor.
“We started this journey many years ago to build a comprehensive cancer center where all services are available in one location,” said Dr. Linyee Chang, medical director of the St. Charles Cancer Center. “It is time to celebrate the incredible amount of time, effort and resources that have gone into making this healing facility a reality.”
The $13 million cancer center was designed and developed with input from caregivers and patients. Floor-to-ceiling windows along one wall of the medical oncology room will give chemotherapy and other infusion patients a healing, peaceful view during their treatment. Exam rooms have separate entrances for patients and staff, so that patients have a direct route with little congestion in the hallways. Work areas for physicians, nurses and other patient care support staff are located in an open, central area where the entire team can communicate easily and better coordinate care.
The new Les Schwab Medical Oncology Wing opened to patients July 1, while the John D. Picchetti Radiation Oncology Wing renovation will be complete this month.
Thanks to community donations, St. Charles Foundation has raised 97 percent of its $5.7 million capital campaign toward the project.
“This event is one way we hope to show our gratitude to the Central Oregon community for coming together and supporting cancer services in our region,” said Lisa Dobey, executive director of St. Charles Foundation. “Please join us as we celebrate the care and service this new center will provide our community for decades to come.”
