Plans are underway
To bring radiation oncology to the
region, Baylor Scott & White Health
will purchase a linear accelerator,
the machine that delivers the dose
of radiation. The vault to house
this technology is already in place.
The linear accelerator will be stateof-the-art, Ms. Clark says. “We will
be bringing in the newest technology
available to us. We’re very excited
about that.”
The clinic will also hire a radiation
oncologist as well as radiation
therapists, who will administer the
» FUNDRAISING GOAL
treatment. A nurse navigator along
with support staff also will be hired
as the need for comprehensive cancer
services grows.
When the Rock Prairie Clinic
was designed, space was reserved on
the first floor for additional cancer
care services. Although plans are
yet to be drawn, Ms. Clark says the
cancer clinic will be “open and airy.”
“We know that natural light may
aid in the healing process,” she says.
While the clinic will start with one
linear accelerator, the space has been
designed to accommodate two as
future needs dictate.
“We have a real opportunity to
bring some of those services to the
community and help people realize
they can stay in the community to
receive that care,” says Ms. Clark.
Receiving cancer treatment near home
not only saves on travel costs, it also
allows the patient to remain close to
family and friends, which can be crucial
in fighting the disease. “Fighting cancer
takes a team approach from medical
professionals as well as a team approach
from your social support network,”
Mr. Jennings says. n
$1.2 million
Philanthropy is necessary to bring comprehensive cancer services, including
radiation oncology, to the region through the purchase of a linear accelerator.
“When you add philanthropy, all the little things that you may not be able to
add otherwise will be able to be there,” says Michael Moore, vice president of
philanthropy for the Scott & White Health