Cancer center expansion makes it ‘first of the first’

While thunder clapped and rain poured over the Regional Medical Center’s H. Filmore Mabry Center for Cancer Care Tuesday afternoon, inside was filled with warmth and cheer as hospital officials, patients and government leaders celebrated the grand opening of the expanded facility.

“It is real nice,” said S.A. Bolin, a prostate cancer patient for the past two years. “It is more convenient and they will be able to take more patients. It won’t be crowded. It will help the whole community.”

Bolin’s cancer, which spread to his bones, has been easier to bear because of the “one-of-a-kind” services provided at the center by a staff he praises highly.

“They have always done a good job here,” he said, adding the expansion puts the center on par with larger cities. “You don’t have to go out of town to get the services. You get it here.”

Through the expansion, the hospital hopes to treat people who would travel to Columbia and Charleston for treatment. An out-migration of about 14 percent has been cited.

Despite having to move the festivities inside because of frequent lightning, the weather did not seem to dampen the spirits of those gathered.

Groundbreaking for the $8 million expansion was held in June 2012.

The 9,696-square-foot addition to the Mabry Center for Cancer Care at RMC has allowed for additional medical oncology space, four additional exam rooms and patient, family and support areas, as well as a second linear accelerator to handle increasing patient volumes for radiation.

Fifteen additional chemotherapy rooms were added, for a total of 25.

The hospital paid for the project using a portion of a $25 million borrowing package.

The multiphase project was done without interrupting patient care. The expanded center has been seeing patients since the spring.

Janet Barrett, a three-year breast cancer survivor, came to Tuesday’s grand opening for informational purposes.

“In case I have to come back, I want to be familiar with what is here,” she said. “This is a blessing. I don’t know why people would choose elsewhere. It is top-notch here.”

The Rev. Dr. Caesar Richburg, chairman of the RMC board, said the center’s expansion makes Orangeburg the “first of the first” when it comes to cancer care.

“It is no longer that we have to get in our cars and travel southeast or northwest to go to the other service areas,” Richburg said. “It can all be done here in Orangeburg.”

Orangeburg County Councilman Clyde Livingston said he did not know of another county the size of Orangeburg that has such a premier cancer facility.

“I look back at the people who had the vision in years gone by to start the cancer center,” he said. “Looking to the future, there are greater things to come.”

Livingston noted the hospital is growing and has a great location between Charleston and Columbia and near Augusta and Savannah.

“If we work together and work out those little differences we have from time to time, I think we will have many more great days in Orangeburg and Calhoun counties,” he said.

Calhoun County Councilman James Haigler praised the expansion, noting cancer touches everyone’s lives.

“Calhoun County has been in a supportive role and we will continue to be,” Haigler said.

RMC Foundation Board Chairman Donna Matthews said although the building and expansion are beautiful, the beauty goes much deeper.

“The beauty of the whole project is the beauty of the people we get to help. So many people will benefit from this beauty,” Matthews said.

Cancer Center Director Theresa Chandler said rain or no rain, clouds or no clouds, the day is a “bright beginning.”

“We know that our patients are being taken care of in a caring environment,” Chandler said. “It is our honor to take care of you and to take care of this community and to give not only our brains and our knowledge but our love and also our commitment.”

The Mabry Center was built in 1992 to treat and accommodate 400 patients a year.

Last year, more than 1,000 patients were treated, and more than 5,000 radiation treatments were performed.

Prayers were offered Tuesday for the doctors and patients who provide and receive care at the center and that all may experience healing.

In an effort to symbolize life and hope, butterflies were released into the raindrops.

Following the program, attendees were able to partake of refreshments, take tours and win door prizes.