PORT ANGELES — The proposed expansion of Olympic Medical Center’s cancer center got another boost recently from multiple donors.
The Olympic Medical Center Foundation presented a check of $43,285 to OMC at a board of commissioners meeting Wednesday.
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 RE/MAX Prime.
The foundation has given $318,000 toward the expansion based on gifts from 175 donors, OMC Foundation officials said.
OMC is planning a $7.9 million expansion of the Sequim cancer center that could open as early as late 2018, hospital officials have 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 communitywide effort.”
“It is imperative that we expand the space to treat cancer,” Jones said. “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 past 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.
• An education space that will allow an area 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 Bruce Skinner at bruce@omhf.org.
“We hope that many local people will become a part of this fundraising effort,” Jones said.
“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.”