Greetings from the Johnston Memorial Cancer Center. Things have been hectic here at the center but, I wanted to catch everyone up on what is happening. Many exciting things have been happening, from treating our 100th radiation patient to fighting a flood in our Front Lobby, more on that later.

I hope everyone had a great holiday and was able to spend lots of time with their families and friends. Two of my sons celebrated the holidays in Iraq and I know they would both tell everyone how important it is to take advantage of every opportunity to celebrate life.

I want to thank everyone for their cards, their gifts, and of course all of the cakes, candies, and cookies that we feasted on during the holidays. Although a few pounds heavier, our taste buds have never been happier.

I would like to take this time to say goodbye to Stephanie Cook, our RN, who left us to pursue another chapter in her career. She helped us to open our center and provide the best care possible from day one. She will be missed by the staff and patients alike. Kim McGaffey will be taking her place. More details on her in my next blog.

Great news, Blue Ridge Medical Specialists, which consists of Dr. Ben Cowan, Dr. Sue Prill, Dr. Suzanne Patton, Dr. Al Weir, and Dr. Al Blow have signed a contract with the hospital to provide Medical Oncology at our Cancer Center. The group saw their first patient on March 17. Our first chemotherapy patient was seen shortly after that on April 1. Plans to finish the rest of the building are underway, medical oncology suites and the second floor. Completion is expected sometime in the Fall of this year. We are hopeful that Cancer Outreach Associates will also be relocating their practice here soon.

As many of you know at the same time that we complete our building, we will be breaking ground on the new hospital which will be located beside the Cancer Center. We are very excited about our new neighbors.

We have added new staff in the Medical Oncology Department at the center: Arlinda Arnold, Receptionist, Lori Haga, Receptionist, Tara Fite, Medical Assistant, Pamela Patterson, Nurse, and J.D. Henegar, Housekeeping. We will have pictures and info on them in my next blog. Welcome aboard.

I want to send special thanks out to the 2nd Grade students of Watauga Elementary. Instead of exchanging Christmas gifts this year, they pooled their money together and made gift bags for all of our cancer patients. Our patients were deeply touched by their kindness and generosity, a valuable lesson for all of us.






I would like to thank Carl and Connie Street from the Chosen Believers Pentecostal Fellowship Church for the time, effort, and money they have spent on providing the cancer patients at our facility with baskets filled with goodies and prayers, a true gift from the heart. The church is located at 26177 Lee Highway. Pastor Lonnie Keen holds services on Wed at 7:00 p.m., Sunday School at 10:00 am / Services at 6:00 p.m. Singings are held the 2nd Sat night of every month at 7:00 p.m. The church also delivers meals to the elderly in the community. Many thanks again from our cancer patients.


We would also like to thank the members of the Rosedale Baptist Church that come by once a month to feed the staff at the Cancer Center. I do not know if I can afford to eat so much good food. It is truly appreciated.


The cold weather that we have had recently reminded us how important it is to be prepared. One of our fire sprinkler pipes burst resulting in a flood in our main lobby. Luckily, our dedicated team here at the cancer center banded together and quickly took control of the situation and saved the building from disaster.

Congratulations to Donna Delp, our receptionist, who was recently named one of the JMH Star Performers for the quarter. She is one of the many the reasons that our patients feel welcome when they come to our Cancer Center.

I would also like to take this time to thank a special group of special people here at the Cancer Center, our volunteers. They man the reception desk five days a week providing support to our staff and to our patients. Their efforts are greatly appreciated. Ron and Nancy Domst are two of our volunteers that help staff the center.

The Cancer Center now has a Breast Cancer Support Group that meets in the building the second Thursday of every month from 2-4 p.m. For details or more information, please call Luedell Bailey at (276) 628-1601.

We have also moved the ACS “Look Good Feel Better” Program that was located at the hospital to the Cancer Center. It is held on the fourth Saturday of every month and is led by Debbie Woods. She can be contacted at (276) 628-8861.

I will be getting a knee replacement on April 28 and be out for 3-5 weeks. Wish me luck and keep me in your prayers. I will update you after my surgery.

Normal hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Medical Oncology numbers are (276) 739-2235. Fax number is (276) 619-2497. Radiation Oncology numbers are (276) 739-CARE (2273) or (276) 739-2222 for Radiation Oncology. Fax number is (276) 628-1523. Entrance to Medical Oncology is located in the front of the building. The Radiation Oncology Entrance is located at the rear of the building. You can take either exit 19 or exit 22 to reach us. We are located about 100 yards from the DMV.