Sequim cancer center project gets windfall from donors

By Sequim Gazette Staff • October 11, 2017 1:30 am
Olympic Medical Center is planning a $7.9 million expansion of the Sequim cancer center that could open as early as late 2018. Graphic courtesy of Olympic Medical Center
Olympic Medical Center is planning a $7.9 million expansion of the Sequim cancer center that could open as early as late 2018. Graphic courtesy of Olympic Medical Center

The proposed expansion of Olympic Medical Center’s Cancer Center got another significant boost recently from multiple donors.

The Olympic Medical Center Foundation presented a check of $43,285 to OMC at a board of commissioners meeting on Oct. 4. The donation came as a result of several gifts, including those from Phil and Linda Walker of Sequim, the Sound Community Bank Foundation and Team McAleer at REMAX Prime.

The Foundation has now given $318,000 towards the expansion based on gifts from 175 donors, OMC Foundation officials said.

“We’ve had widespread support for the cancer center expansion,” OMC Foundation president Jim Jones said. “We are pleased that so many people have become a major part of this community-wide effort.”

“It is imperative that we expand the space to treat cancer,” said Jones. “A successful capital campaign will ensure that we will have the capabilities to treat this dreadful disease locally.”

The number of patient visits at the Cancer Center has grown by 157 percent over the last 10 years and more growth is expected in the future, OMC Foundation officials said last week.

The expansion will include:

• Additional clinical exam space;

• An expansion of the pharmacy;

• More infusion and chair space; and

• An education space that will allow for physicians and staff to explain the short- and long-term effects to patients and support them during difficult emotional times.

Those interested in more information or in making a donation can call the OMC Foundation office at 360-417- 7144, or email to Bruce Skinner at bruce@omhf.org.

“We hope that many local people will become a part of this fundraising effort,” said Jones. “It’s an opportunity for people to leave a lasting legacy, and 100 percent of the monies raised will go towards the project. There are also naming rights opportunities.”