Press Releases

Mercy Hospital Foundation Announces Capital Campaign
to Advance Area Cancer Care

Port Huron, MI…The Mercy Hospital Foundation is pleased to announce a capital fund raising campaign to provide even more advanced cancer care services close to home. Capital funds are needed to offer Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) through the expansive Mercy Radiation Oncology Department.

“This capital campaign is designed to acquire the additional funding necessary to purchase a state-of-the-art software system,” explains Homeira McDonald, MD, a local pathologists and Chair of the Mercy Hospital Foundation. “Mercy has already obtained federal funding and received a financial pledge from the Mercy Medical Staff to help finance these advancements.”

Mercy is the only cancer program in the area to offer radiation therapy services. In 2002 Mercy unveiled its newest linear accelerator, the SmartBeam Linear Accelerator. Advancing the capabilities of this radiation equipment will offer exact pin-point accuracy to contour radiation dosage around the targeted cancer tumor, destroying the cancer while minimizing potential side effects for patients.

“The field of radiation oncology treatment is very technology dependant, and constantly evolving,” explains Kanu Dalal, MD, a Radiation Therapist at Mercy Hospital and Co-Chair of the Mercy Cancer Committee. “As cutting edge technology becomes available, it is extremely important to offer the best care available to our community.” The Mercy Regional Cancer Center treats approximately 350 radiation therapy patients annually.

“Whether you are a cancer survivor, caregiver, family member or friend, cancer can have a powerful and often life-changing affect on you,” concludes Dr. McDonald. “For those looking for an opportunity to help other courageous people touched by cancer, I invite you to learn more about this important Mercy cancer care advancement.”