CVMC foundation campaign to raise $5 million for cancer center

With the $40 million expansion of Carson Valley Medical Center expected to begin soon, the CVMC Hospital Foundation has started a campaign to raise almost $5 million for a new cancer center.

"Our community hospital plays such an important role in our lives and we as a community are so very fortunate that the team at Carson Valley Medical Center are proactively addressing our community's health needs," said foundation member Lois Wray.

The center’s expansion, which the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services approved in May, will include space for a cancer center.

Among the needs the foundation is working to fund include $4 million in imaging equipment, $500,000 for SMART beds and $126,000 for rehabilitation equipment.

Wray donated $50,000 and is hosting an event at the Pink House in Genoa on Oct. 9 for the Imagine Campaign.

A private fundraiser is being hosted at the Bently Heritage Estate and Distillery in Minden in December.

Lois’ husband Dan Wray was diagnosed with cancer in August 2018. The Wray family relied on Carson Valley Medical Center and Dan’s doctor Garrett Schwartz, M.D., and his staff.

"We leaned heavily on these dedicated people to keep us straight on countless tests, procedures done, his medication, what tests he did or didn't have to fast for, where we were going, and what to expect," Lois said.

Lois  founded The Pink Fund, which directly supports women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

"Our hope is that the services CVMC provides continue to grow and meet the needs of our local families,” Wray said. “By joining this cause, we can all make a powerful impact on our local healthcare system and our community.”

The foundation was the beneficiary of a second quarter Giving Tree donation in July.

“We at the CVMC Hospital Foundation are truly blessed to have the support and generosity of our community and its members, particularly those that give regularly like those of The Northern Nevada Giving Tree,” said Executive Director Kimberly Bodenstein. “It takes a village to do many things, and providing the margin of excellence for our hospital through community donations is essential to our rapid growth.”

Anyone interested in making a donation to the Cancer Care Center should contact Bodenstein at kbodenstein@cvmchospital.org.

According to previous reports, CVMC expansion was initially estimated to cost $29 million. Work is expected to begin in September of this year, according to CVMC, with completion estimated by October 2023 and certification by December 2023.

For information about the hospital’s foundation, visit cvmchospital.org/foundation.