There has been lots of exciting progress regarding the cancer center since my last blog. Construction continues to move at a fast clip out at the site. Inside walls are going up along with ceilings, and brick walls. The linear accelerator has finally arrived and is in the process of being installed.

I wanted to share a story about three 5th grade classes at High Point Elementary who donated $318.00 for the Food Cart in the Hospice Room here at the hospital. It was donated in honor of one of the teacher’s family members who passed away in our hospice room. It warms my heart to see children learn about what really matters in life, caring for others who are in need. These are the kinds of stories that our community needs to hear. I would love to hear any other stories out in the community that would go to show the kind of people we have in our community. Although I often talk about the physical cancer center building and the equipment going inside of it, the heart of the center will be the people who work there who, like the 5th grade class, understand the importance of caring for those in need and feel called to do so. The cornerstone of the facility will be compassion.

Relay For Life kicked off the 2007 campaign this year at the JMH Conference Center. Over 50 people and representatives from over 25 teams showed up for the event. This year’s theme is “Imagine”. I know I would love to imagine a world without cancer.


Our new Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Bernie Tisdale, has arrived and is in the process of setting up shop to start seeing patients. Dr. Tisdale was the youngest of six children that grew up in rural Lunenburg County, in Virginia on a tobacco farm. He attended the University of Virginia as an undergraduate, medical student, and Family Practice resident. After practicing as a Family Practice physician for four years, he trained in Radiation Oncology at the University of Louisville. He has been a Radiation Oncologist for 12 years, the last ten years in Richmond.

Opening day will be upon us before we know (April 1 for Radiation Oncology and Summer 2007 for the grand opening of the entire building). Job openings have been posted on the JMH website. Furniture is being picked out, along with all of the small details that will make this building something special.

If reading my blog triggers a comment or a question, or if you just want to say hello, please post a comment to me. I really want to hear what the community thinks about the Cancer Center and I want to make sure that you are kept informed with our progress and what is happening in our never ending fight against cancer.