Things have been hectic here at the Cancer Center. I am proud to announce that the Radiation Oncology Department at the Cancer Center is now officially open. We have been open since April 2 and are now actively treating patients. Our hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Our phone numbers are (276) 739-CARE (2273) or (276) 739-2222. Our fax number is (276) 628-1523.

The entrance to the department is located at the rear of the building. Temporary signs will lead you to the door upon arrival at the site. You can take either exit 19 or exit 22 to reach us. We are located about 100 yards from the DMV. We hope to have the front of the building open for business in August. Plans are still in progress for the rest of the building, which will open towards the end of the year.

We have a great staff here at the Cancer Center. All are well qualified and are excited about the opportunity to work at the Cancer Center. Here's a litte insight in to each employee.

Beverly Martin, Tumor Registrar: Beverly Martin is a native of Chilhowie, VA, and has been an employee at JMH since 1984. She began her career in Health Information as a Medical Transcriptionist. Ms. Martin entered the JMH Cancer Registry in 1993. Beverly and her husband, David, live on a farm near Chilhowie. Beverly enjoys gardening, boating and the peacefulness of country living. David and Beverly have one daughter, Diane, and in October, will welcome a son-in-law into their family. Over the past 20 years, the Cancer Program at JMH has grown and soon, the newest technology will be available for our patients. Beverly is very excited about the opening of the JMH Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Stephanie Cook, Registered Nurse: Stephanie has been a nurse for 26 years. She came to work at JMH in January 1993 and has worked in many areas throughout the hospital. She will receive her BSN at King College in May of this year. Stephanie and her husband, Richard, live in Blountville, TN. She has two daughters, Pam and Carrice, who live in Radford, VA. Stephanie enjoys kayaking and running. She is excited about joining the Radiation Oncology Team.

Hope Cannon, Business Office Clerk: Hope enjoys reading, walking, swimming,and anything she can do outdoors. She has recently married a wonderful man and has two children, one girl 12 and one boy 7. She attends the Door of Hope Fellowship and loves being a part of that family and joining her new family here at JMH.

Donna Delp, Receptionist: Donna hopes to be a positive influence to all of our patients. She is a two year cancer survivor. She lives in Abingdon with her mother and sister. She enjoys hiking, biking, and jogging.

Tara McCowan, Radiation Therapist/X-Ray Technologist: Tara has worked at JMH since 2004. She received her Associates Degree in Radiology from Virginia Highlands Community College and a certificate in Radiation Therapy from Chattanooga State Technical Community College. She recently got married and has two children, one boy age nine and a girl age six. She enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Sonji Heltzel, Radiation Therapist: Sonji received her Associate Degree from Southwest Virginia Community College. She received her certificate in Radiation Therapy from Virginia Western Community College. She enjoys spending time with her family and shopping for antiques.

Johnny Smith, Housekeeping and Maintenance: Johnny comes to us from the main hospital where he worked in the Operating Room. He will be making sure that things are spotless and in top running shape for our cancer patients. His son will be graduating from the new Pharmacy School in Grundy in the very near future and he is very proud of his accomplishment.

Omar Parker, Medical Physicist: Omar is originally from Pittsburgh, PA, but called North Carolina home after living there for nine years before relocating to Abingdon. He went to North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC for his undergrad and then East Carolina University in Greenville, NC for graduate school. He feels very fortunate to have found his position here at JMH in a very rewarding field.

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.