Patients, caregivers celebrate opening of new cancer center at McKay-Dee Hospital

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OGDEN — When Gaylene Greener was diagnosed with cancer in 2014, there were so many tumors in her liver they couldn’t be seen separately; she said doctors advised her to begin treatment immediately.

“Today, with the grace of God and the wonderful treatments which I’ve had, I’ve survived this cancer 9 1/2 years,” she said.

Greener, who lives in Corrine, Box Elder County, said she has visited the infusion room at Ogden’s McKay-Dee Hospital at least weekly since her diagnosis, and the people she meets there — medical staff and patients — are important to her.

“Such an important part of being able to heal in this cancer journey is being able to talk to one another and know that somebody else is experiencing the same thing that you are,” she said.

She shared her story with media, patients and Intermountain Health employees on Thursday at the “bell ringing” and grand reopening for the hospital’s remodeled cancer center on Thursday, celebrating upgrades to her “home away from home.”

Greener said the new Intermountain Cancer Center meets her dreams with power outlets that are easy to reach, comfortable chairs, a welcoming room with artwork and sunlight, space for nurses nearby, and different spaces for patients with different needs — community areas and private areas.

She expressed gratitude she is still around to benefit from the new cancer center after her initial prognosis for stage 4 colon cancer was 18 months to two years to live.

“I didn’t think, seriously, that I would ever live long enough to see this happen, to see the completion of this place. … I’m so grateful to be standing here today with all of you in this beautiful space. As you can see, it’s like my dream come true,” she said.

Judy Williamson, president and CEO of McKay-Dee Hospital, said the center was built to create a healing environment while providing needed care. She said the bell is the most symbolic part of cancer treatment, signifying a “triumphant celebration of patient accomplishment.”

Caregivers, patients and architects lined up along a rope to pull the bell Thursday, commemorating the opening of the new cancer center. Williamson said the center brings cancer care “close to home” and puts all of the services together.

“This new space will empower our patients and bring a feeling of home and hope throughout their treatment journey,” Williamson said.

The remodeling of the cancer center is the larges renovation to the hospital since it was built in 2002, Williamson said, and was made possible through $4 million in gifts and community donations.

“Every detail was crafted to create a soothing and supportive atmosphere for those going through the most difficult time in their lives,” she said.

Another patient, who identified herself only as Jennifer N., said the new cancer center’s rightly lit rooms and location at the front of the main hospital building will communicate to future patients that they are seen and that there is hope.

“I’m delighted to see that patients will know, as I do, that they are relevant at McKay-Dee Hospital,” she said.

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If you or your loved one has cancer, come here. Come here to heal, to be seen by real people who are invested in your healing.

–Jennifer N., cancer patient

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The patient also spoke about learning she had cancer and her experience with treatment at the hospital.

“It has been and continues to be very challenging. You might be tempted to feel sorry for me, but I don’t think you should, because I consider myself a very wealthy woman. From the infusion chair to the surgical suite to the table in radiation therapy, I have always been met at the door with the most incredible caregivers,” she said.

She travels 300 miles from Lander, Wyoming, to receive care in Ogden, and does so intentionally because of the extraordinary care she has received. She said she is convinced her chart says to treat her the best.

“If you or your loved one has cancer, come here,” she said. “Come here to heal, to be seen by real people who are invested in your healing.”

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