Soon-to-be-built regional cancer center gets $500,000 gift

Construction of Lakeland HeathCare’s regional cancer center moved one step closer with a donation from the Lakeland Auxiliary.The philanthropic group from St. Joseph has pledged $500,000 toward the new medical facility at the Lakeland Health Park in Royalton Township, St. Joseph.The cancer center will be a two-story, 30,000-square-foot building that will connect to the existing Center for Outpatient Services Lakeland hopes to break ground for the new regional cancer center this spring at the Lakeland Health Park, with a projected opening date in the fall of 2011.  “It’s really exciting for the Auxiliary to be part of the new regional cancer center,” said Tina Kirby, interim president of the Lakeland Auxiliary, St. Joseph. “Helping out with special projects like this one is what the Auxiliary is here to do.” Lakeland HealthCare’s regional cancer center will provide a full range of oncology services in one location.Services will include diagnostic imaging, laboratory services, screenings outpatient surgery and chemotherapy. The cancer center will feature infusion services, physical therapy and a pharmacy. It will have an educational component with a resource library. Plans also call for an on-site boutique and appearance center for current and former cancer patients.”The generous gifts of the Lakeland Auxiliary, St. Joseph, have been the catalysts for the success of every major fundraising campaign at Lakeland,” said Bill Johnson, president of the Lakeland Health Foundations. “We are deeply grateful that our St. Joseph Auxilians continue to support first-class medical care here in southwest Michigan.” Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: Erin Gerard, Lakeland HeathCare