The Roy and Patricia Disney Family Cancer Center,  located at the corner of Buena Vista Street and Alameda Avenue (across the street from Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center) opened its doors this month. This Providence Health & Services facility, funded entirely by donations, provides a full range of diagnostic, treatment, care and support services for cancer patients and their families. This includes integrative medicine including herbal remedies and meditation, rehabilitation, nutrition counseling, involvement in clinical trials, a resource center for patients to research their illnesses, social services and spiritual care.

“We were so happy to give the lead gift, and building the Endowment Fund will ensure that it is more than a beautiful building. We are now investing in its future.”

– Patricia Disney, Honorary Co-Chair, Roy and Patricia Disney Family Cancer Center
Leadership Council

From the Providence website:

“Thanks to our community partners, physicians Guild members, and employees, The Roy and Patricia Disney Family Cancer Center Campaign raised a remarkable $36 million!  The Roy and Patricia Disney Family Cancer Center will be the first of its kind serving the San Fernando, Santa Clarita and San Gabriel Valleys.  When our doors open in February 2010, patients will benefit from a standard of excellence in integrated, compassionate cancer care that focuses on the whole person – body, mind and spirit…We created an endowment fund so the cancer center can thrive and continue attracting the best and brightest physicians and researchers.”

You can learn more about the endowment fund and how you can help by clicking here.

About The Cancer Center

The Roy and Patricia Disney family donated $10 million to seed the project. Contributions have come from local studios, which have pledged millions of dollars, physicians, Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center Guild Members, former patients and the business and philanthropic communities. One woman offered a crumpled $20 bill and said she wanted to thank oncologist Raul Mena, M.D., medical director of the cancer center, who treated her and whose vision helped drive the project.

“So many people have made this project a reality,” Dr. Mena said. “It is such an honor that the community shares our dream and has placed their faith in us to build a top-level cancer center so patients can be treated close to home and family.”

Patients can choose music and video scenes in advance that will be set to play when they arrive for chemotherapy treatments. They will be issued badges so they can feel free to explore the center and easily be summoned for appointments.

Designed by SWA Architects of Pasadena, Calif., the Center reflects nature’s influence in the healing process. The lobby holds a 25-foot glass waterfall cascading into a rock pool. An infinity pool highlights the second floor healing garden.

“The building itself is stunning, designed to be a beautiful place of healing,” said Barry Wolfman, chief executive of Providence Saint Joseph.

Photo Courtesy of Providence Health & Services

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