"New era'' begins for cancer patients
Sara Waite
Journal-Advocate
STERLING, Colo. (Aug. 24, 2009) — Thursday afternoon marked “the beginning of a new era for healthcare services in northeastern Colorado,” according to Michelle Joy, CEO at Sterling Regional MedCenter.
That’s because it was the day that ground was officially broken for the new David Walsh Cancer Center, a regional treatment center “that mirrors any of those on the Front Range,” Joy said.
Joy welcomed a crowd of an estimated 100 to 150 people, including local politicians, community leaders, hospital staff and the Frank and Gloria Walsh family. The Walshes donated $8.8 million to SRM for the cancer center as a memorial for their son, David, who died in 1998 after a battle with metastatic esophageal cancer.
Joy said the cancer center is the realization of plans a long time in the making.
“Patience is a virtue northeastern Colorado has exhibited for many years in regards to cancer care,” she said.
She said talks began more than seven years ago about establishing a cancer treatment center in Sterling, but planners faced the obstacle of funding for equipment and a building. The Walshes’ donation removed that obstacle.
“It is through Frank and Gloria Walsh’s selfless giving and their never-ending commitment, dedication and desire to make Sterling a better place for all that we are here today — celebrating and giving thanks for a beautiful new state-of-the-art cancer center,” Joy said.
