Everett, Wash.
Published: Friday, August 24, 2007

New cancer center is a life-affirming place

 @7. Editorial :It's easy to be impressed by the technological firepower of the newly opened Providence Regional Cancer Partnership in Everett. With a price tag of more than $10.8 million for equipment alone, the arsenal of state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment tools rivals the best in the world.

But this community gem is about so much more than technology. The well-thought-out and respectful inclusion of complementary therapies further broadens the definition of comprehensive care, offering an array of healing services aimed at the emotional, spiritual and even social needs of cancer patients and their families.

Equally, and perhaps even more impressive, is the positive energy and optimism emanating from within the walls of this life-affirming space. As more than 1,000 people discovered at open house events last week, there's an enormous sense of excitement and pride housed under the roof of this building, which was expressly designed to diagnose and treat cancer.

Those who took the opportunity to explore the facility were amazed and impressed. From the warmth of the main entry (complete with fireplace and bistro coffee bar) to the resource library and bright, airy, open spaces, the attention to detail is amazing. Even the selection of artwork was made with careful consideration to the preferences of cancer patients.

The 11 physicians and 25 staff members involved in planning and hosting the open house events, were at the top of their game, proudly sharing their areas of expertise and bringing to life the concepts of partnership and collaboration envisioned in the original scope of this dream project.

Standing at the podium to introduce the guest speakers for the gala opening on Thursday night, Executive Director Jean McMahon described the caliber of people in this community who helped shepherd the center from concept to reality.

"I'm so grateful that we could come together to celebrate, and that we took the past two months to get everyone moved in and settled," she said. "Now we're ready to get down to the business of raising the bar for quality health care in our community in a safe and comfortable space."

Recognizing that cancer treatment is so much more than protocol, dosages and grueling procedures, the Providence Regional Cancer Partnership has met its goal of raising the bar for quality care in our community. Generations of cancer patients and their families will benefit.
© 2009The Daily Herald Co., Everett, WA