Funds Raised Will Support New Comprehensive Cancer Center in Richardson

 

RICHARDSON – The Richardson Regional Medical Center Foundation has successfully completed its largest ever fundraising effort – the “Cancer Should Not Have the Last Word” capital campaign. On December 31, the final day of the campaign, an anonymous donor came forward with a major gift that helped the campaign surpass its $5 million goal.

 

“We were able to start the New Year with a celebration – it doesn’t get any better than that,” said Maria MacMullin, Richardson Regional Foundation’s Director of Development. “We owe our success in large part to the dedication of the campaign chairs and members of the committee who have spread awareness of the new Cancer Center to the Richardson community and beyond.”

 

The Foundation raised nearly $5.1 million through private contributions, corporate donations, and grants, including a $250,000 grant from The Meadows Foundation and a $1 million challenge grant from the Rees-Jones Foundation. The funds will support the new Richardson Regional Cancer Center, an affiliate of UT Southwestern Medical Center, which opened in October at the hospital's Bush/Renner Campus. The Cancer Center will bring advancements in cancer treatment by expanding medical, surgical and radiation oncology, clinical research, genetic counseling, patient education and support services in one convenient location.

 

“Raising this money was a labor of love for me,” said cancer survivor and campaign chair Judy Martin. “I believe the Cancer Center is the future of Richardson. With its advanced technology, exceptional physicians and staff, and the leadership of Medical Director Barry Levinson, M.D., the Cancer Center will lead the way for new and novel cancer treatment right here at home.”

 

Thanks to generous donors, the Cancer Center features unique artwork to help inspire and heal patients, including an angel sculpture in the courtyard, hand-blown glass clouds suspended from the main entrance ceiling, an indoor wall of water in the lobby, and a meditation room on the second floor. An art case displays images and items related to Lance Armstrong’s cycling career, along with items related to the WildRide! Against Cancer, the Foundation’s annual bike rally charity event.

 

Lance’s mother Linda Armstrong Kelly and her husband, Ed Kelly, served as honorary chairs of the “Cancer Should Not Have the Last Word” campaign.

 

“Ed and I are overjoyed about the success of the fundraising campaign and being able to see the new Cancer Center become a reality for North Texas,” said Linda Armstrong Kelly, whose son Lance beat cancer 12 years ago. “Being involved in this campaign has been a very special and personal project for us, and we are grateful for the tremendous support of the community. This campaign was truly a community effort.”

 

The total cost of the Cancer Center development project was $23 million and was funded through a combination of tax-exempt bonds, a $2 million economic challenge grant from the City of Richardson and the “Cancer Should Not Have the Last Word” private donations.

 

The Richardson Regional Medical Center Foundation is a not-for-profit, charitable organization supported by business and civic leaders who donate their time, service and expertise to raise funds and awareness for Richardson Regional Medical Center. Established in 1977, this organization’s fundraising have helped upgrade obstetrical services, establish the Center for Women’s Health, enlarge the Senior Health Center, expand cardiovascular services, and bring the first Novalis®-enhanced linear accelerator in Texas and the seventh in the United States, to the Lance Armstrong Shaped Beam Surgery™ program at the Cancer Center. For more information or to make a donation, call (972) 498-7678 or visit www.RichardsonRegional.com/Foundation.

 

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