The expansion of Olympic Medical Center’s Cancer Center in Sequim is another big step toward reality.
The Olympic Medical Center Foundation presented its largest donation in history to Olympic Medical Center on Feb. 7, a $250,000 gift to be used for the cancer center, cardiac equipment and funding for several other hospital departments.
The foundation gave $198,814 towards the expansion, $21,102 for cardiac equipment, and $30,084 to purchase equipment for Sequim pediatrics, ICU, diagnostic imaging, the emergency room and obstetrics.
The foundation has given more than $1 million to or on behalf of OMC in the last 15 months, including $701,000 towards the cancer center expansion.
“We are extremely pleased that we are able to give you a quarter of a million dollars today,” foundation president Duane Wolfe said.
“And we think that our goal of raising $1 million towards the cancer center project is within reach if we continue to receive donations from the community, which has been very generous.
Campaign Expansion Chair Bill Littlejohn of Sequim said, “The expansion is extremely important. The number of patient visits at the Cancer Center has grown by 157 percent over the last 10 years, and even more growth is expected in the future. According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the number of new cancer cases in the U.S. will increase by 45 percent.”
Both the mayors of Port Angeles and Sequim spoke during the presentation to the commissioners at their normal bi-monthly meeting.
“Medical facilities are important to a community with a significant number of retirees,” Sequim Mayor Dennis Smith said. “We feel very fortunate to have a facility like the Cancer Center in our community. Because of it, our residents don’t have to travel to Seattle for treatment.”
“OMC makes it possible for people to stay home for outstanding medical care,” Port Angeles Mayor Sissi Bruch said. “It also helps us recruit other workers to our community and helps to generate economic impact, which benefits everyone.”
The OMC Foundation and commissioners recognized several local foundations and other organizations who have contributed to the effort, including the First Federal, Albert Haller and Walkling Foundations and the Port of Port Angeles.
The foundation was also the recipient of a gift from the George Barclay Hampton estate.
“It is imperative that we expand the space to treat cancer,” Foundation Executive Director Bruce Skinner said. “A successful capital campaign will ensure that we will have the capabilities to treat this dreadful disease locally.”
Persons who are interested in more information or in making a donation can call the OMC Foundation office at 360-417-7144, or by emailing them at bruce@omhf.org.
“We hope that many local people will become a part of this fundraising effort,” Skinner 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,” he said.
