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on 4/25/2019
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On April 23rd, St. Anthony Regional Hospital took a momentous step in meeting the future health care needs of west central Iowa as the organization broke ground on its $16.5 million regional cancer center. St. Anthony Hospital Board and St. Anthony Foundation Board members, administration, and medical staff commemorated the event by moving the first shovels of dirt. Numerous colored shovels were used to represent the types of cancer awareness ribbons.
“This groundbreaking event signifies the official build of our new cancer center. St. Anthony Hospital and St. Anthony Foundation board members, volunteers, staff, and our community members are working diligently to see this project come to fruition,” said Ed Smith, St. Anthony President and CEO. “We know there is much work yet to do, but this spring we are one step closer to opening a tremendous facility to continue the fight against cancer.”
A special ceremony was held featuring a presentation by Tom Gronstal, St. Anthony Hospital Board Chair, that revealed features of the cancer center including upgraded, next level treatment technology, expanded space with natural lighting for improved patient experience and convenience, and improved coordination of care, all under one roof.
Cancer survivors, Emily St. Peter, DMACC nursing student of Carroll, and Gale Zellweger, retired Glidden Ralston High School teacher, shared their stories of hope and healing. Both St. Peter and Zellweger received cancer treatment at St. Anthony and expressed how grateful they were for the medical treatment available here in their own community. They thanked those who worked so tirelessly to provide their treatment from the doctors, therapists, oncology certified nurses, and all the caring staff in infusion, radiation, and medical oncology areas.
St. Anthony Radiation Oncologist Randal Hess, M.D., and Medical Oncologist Mark Westberg, M.D., of Medical Oncology and Hematology Associates of Iowa at St. Anthony, displayed their support of the new cancer facility, which will treat an anticipated 2,000 patients each year.
“We know there is great need for technology, equipment and providers to treat cancer patients here in west central Iowa,” said Dr. Hess. “I am so proud to be part of a community that passionately supports cancer care with their own personal time and resources. The realization of this project speaks volumes about the community of Carroll and the communities in this region.”
“We have seen research that supports the fact that patients battling cancer do well when surrounded by family and friends,” said Dr. Westberg. “We are obligated to do everything we can to afford patients and their families the opportunity to heal close to home.”
Interviews can be heard at this link.
Please enjoy this slideshow of photos taken by Jeff Storjohann.
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