Supporting Efforts to Fight Cancer
Coping with cancer can be one of life's toughest challenges. At the UNC Health Blue Ridge Cancer Center, we are dedicated to supporting our patients during these difficult times and providing outstanding care. The Cancer Care Fund is designed to help us enhance our services and ensure that patients who require assistance with their treatments or personal care items receive the help they need. The fund also supports community outreach programs, with all funds staying local.
Donations to the Cancer Care Fund support:
- Assistance with pharmacy and medication expenses
- Transportation assistance
- Personal care items such as breast cancer camisoles, hats, & turbans
- Nutritional consults
- Community Outreach Programs
- Survivor and Caregiver Programs
- Other necessary items related to care
The Cancer Center at our Valdese Campus
On the Valdese Campus, the new $38 million Cancer Center opened on August 8, 2023.
“We’ve waited for this day a long time,” said Chief Operating Officer Jon Mercer. “This facility is beautiful and welcoming to anyone needing treatment. Now, you don’t have to travel for state-of-the-art cancer care.”
Greg Jones, MD, only the second radiation oncologist in the Valdese Cancer Center’s 56-year history, says the project has taken a while, but the result is worth the wait. “This Cancer Center is extraordinarily well-equipped, allowing radiation oncology and medical oncology to share an outstanding space with multiple support services. Both departments will be able to use all common forms of treatment, eliminating the need for patients to travel elsewhere.
“A diverse and comprehensive team of frontline teammates have been active participants in the planning and design of the project,” Mercer said. “We wanted to ensure we provide the best care possible for the patients we serve well into the future.”
The cancer care and infusion center is housed in a new 34,272-square-foot addition that features new infusion therapy and treatment areas with private and open space, radiation and chemotherapy exam rooms, consultation areas, and treatment spaces. Equipment includes two new Linear Accelerators, a CT Simulator, and a Superficial X-ray.
“We will have some much-needed space for education, support, and group therapy,” said Wenimar Salvador, MD, the medical oncologist at the center. “This cancer center is a testament to our commitment to you. This center will bring high-quality healthcare closer to you and your family.”
The Valdese Cancer Center was first accredited by the Commission on Cancer in 1972 and is one of the longest-continuously accredited programs in the state.
Above - Watch a video about the opening of our new Cancer Center.
