Chesapeake Health Foundation kicks off cancer campaign
Feb. 25, 2004 — For nearly 30 years, Chesapeake Health has been dedicated to providing the most advanced and compassionate care to those facing cancer in our community. Now its turning to the public for support in continuing that mission. This month the Chesapeake Health Foundation kicked off a $2 million fund-raising campaign to expand services for those facing cancer.
The campaign titled Hope for Tomorrow Caring for People with Cancer will last 18 months. Its goal is to raise money to expand Chesapeake General Hospital's cancer services. With the funds, the Sidney M. Oman Cancer Treatment Center will be renovated to include a patient resource center, space for a much-needed second linear accelerator for radiation therapy, and rooms for chemotherapy. Donated funds also will help bring an innovative method of cancer treatment to the hospital called "brachytherapy," a minimally invasive procedure where radioactive seeds are directly implanted into the cancer site. Other funds will go toward enhancing hospice care for terminal cancer patients.
The campaign also will raise money to develop new services for women facing gynecological cancer and fund a patient care coordinator to serve as a liaison between cancer patients, their doctors and caregivers.
The Harry Bramhall Gilbert Charitable Trust already has made a donation of $135,000 to the effort. Deceased some 20 years, Gilbert was a former naval officer and local architect.
But that's only the beginning and for the campaign to succeed, community support is needed.
Our plans are ambitious, but our mission is steadfast, said campaign chairman Don Goldberg of D.D. Jones Transfer & Warehouse Co. At Chesapeake Health, we feel it is a privilege to offer comprehensive cancer care and treatment to the thousands of people in our community who are touched by cancer. We are committed to offering the best care possible and with your support and dollars, we can.
For more information on how you or your business can help or make a donation, call 757.312.6314.