Cancer center designed for comfort

Plans for a cancer center, to be part of Carson-Tahoe Hospital's new regional medical center in north Carson City, will incorporate expansive views and soft natural tones designed to comfort those fighting the disease.

Renderings of the design of the 40,000-square-foot building were revealed this week.

"We just conducted a session with the physicians and others who will be in the cancer center," said Ned Eyre, president of the Carson-Tahoe Foundation Board. ""We're emphasizing Nevada's colors, bringing in the wonderful soft green color from the sage with the darker tones in the mountains, trying to tie the center to its natural setting.

"We want a feeling of openness that will take advantage of the tremendous views," he said. "We're very fortunate to have the center in such a beautiful setting and we're trying to develop as peaceful a feeling as we can. We're very excited about this."

Expected to cost $13.1 million, the building will house a range of services, from radiation and chemotherapy treatment to support groups. The Hospital's Resource Center, alternative therapy options and clinical trials will all be under one roof, Eyre said.

"Cancer patients are usually under stress, in pain and confused," he said. "I think the nicest part and main reason for this center is bringing everything in one building. It's a tremendous advantage for cancer patients from a psychological standpoint and it makes it easier for the physician to coordinate care."

Groundbreaking for the new center, to be located on the Regional Medical Center campus, is expected in August.

The building is being funded through grants and private donations. The Foundation has raised $3.4 million thus far and Eyre is confident the rest of the money will be raised.

"The community has shown tremendous support to date without anything positive to go on," he said. "Now that people can see schematic drawings, I'm sure we'll get more support. The community will come through for us."

In 2003, the American Cancer Society estimates there were 10,300 newly diagnosed cancer cases in Nevada and 4,300 people will die of the disease. Nevada ranks 15th highest overall in cancer mortality rates among the 50 states and Washington, D.C.

Contact Susie Vasquez at svasquez@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.