Keeping cancer care close to home PeaceHealth United General Medical Center
Expanded Cancer Center
Since 1972, United General Medical Center has provided comprehensive cancer care in one location. Serving communities in Skagit County, we are committed to offering advanced cancer care to our patients right here in Sedro-Woolley, Washington. Our team of cancer specialists and caregivers provide a full spectrum of services such as screening and detection, diagnosis and surgical consults, chemo- and radiotherapies as well as free support and educational programs to bolster patients throughout treatment and recovery. Centralized care means doctors and caregivers have a common place to collaborate to ensure every patient receives personalized care and ongoing support as they navigate their health journey. For patients in need of ongoing care including daily treatments, a fully equipped, advanced Cancer Center is critical—particularly for the more remote communities in eastern Skagit County.
United General Cancer Center Team
Growing need for cancer care Every month, United General’s Cancer Center treats 150-200 patients, and our numbers are growing. In the last four years, patient treatment rates for medical oncology increased by 59%. To meet growing demand, we envision an expanded Cancer Center featuring a modern and welcoming environment paired with top-of-the-line care to promote comfort and recovery for every patient.
Our community deserves the best possible care According to the Washington State Department of Health, cancer has been the leading cause of death in Skagit County for the last 20 years. As the county’s population steadily grows, so does our need to invest in the advancement of cancer care for our patients. The Cancer Center of PeaceHealth United General Medical Center continues to buck the trend in rural-urban cancer disparities. While many barriers
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exist for more remote communities to access comprehensive cancer care, United General has invested in onsite cancer specialists, advanced therapeutics such as RapidArc radiotherapy and a fully outfitted facility that surpasses most other critical access hospitals. Your help will ensure we can continue to provide exceptional care close to home.
Key investments for United General Cancer Center Phase 1 ($8 million):
New LINAC Linear Accelerator, a powerful device that conforms to a tumor’s shape and destroys cancer cells while sparing surrounding normal tissue Cancer Center upgrades including new carpet, updated restrooms, paint and artwork
Phase 2:
Additional chairs for Chemotherapy Infusion and Outpatient Infusion to support treatments such as iron infusions for anemia, osteoporosis injections, IV antibiotics and more
Private chemotherapy suites to increase privacy, ensure patient safety and provide a piece of home for patients and families
Spaces for supportive services such as acupuncture, massage, nutritional classes, lymphedema classes, music therapy and support groups
Your capable medical staff demonstrated sensitivity, compassion, respect and gentleness that put me at ease and helped me through what at times were unpleasant, though necessary, facets of my treatment. You make each patient feel special. While I continue on the road back to a healthy life,
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I will always remember the part that you played in my recovery.
– A GRATEFUL PATIENT
Please join us in making this expanded Cancer Center a reality. Your gift will ensure each patient’s needs— medical, physical, emotional and spiritual—are met in a place that’s close to home.
The Schaffner family (clockwise): Chris, Bryson, Laura, Emily, and Ethan
A story of hope and healing In June 2018, 35-year-old Chris Schaffner learned that he and his wife would welcome their third child. Two weeks later, Chris was diagnosed with Stage 3B Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. For a young man whose daily routine consisted of working 12 hours at his newly opened independent pharmacy followed by an evening run or game of tennis, the diagnosis came as a shock. While Chris’s chemotherapy regimen went well overall, his body’s ability to fight infections had plummeted and remained below safe levels for most of his treatment. At one point, Chris’s care team needed to administer a delicate combination of booster drug and chemotherapies, which required round-the-clock monitoring during hospitalization until he was safe from the risk of serious side effects.
“My care experience at United General was second to none. I truly don’t believe I could have received better care anywhere else in the world. There is no substitute for knowing your nurses’ names or for the entire staff knowing yours. The staff was exceptional. They treated me like a VIP and always made me feel safe. The convenience of receiving this level of care within 10 minutes of my house was amazing. I can’t imagine having to fight traffic driving to Seattle and back when you aren’t feeling well.” In January 2019, two weeks after finishing his last chemotherapy treatment, Chris helped deliver his baby daughter, Emily. “The birth of my daughter is one of the most emotional moments of my life. It’s hard to put that feeling into words. My goal now is to spend as much time with my family as possible.”
Be part of creating more hope and more stories of hope and healing by investing in exceptional cancer care—right here in your community. Please join us in making this expanded Cancer Center a reality.
PeaceHealth United General Medical Center
To make a lifesaving difference, contact: Jennifer Fix CFRE Development Officer jfix@peacehealth.org 360-421-5646
Sharon Rutherford RN, BSN, MSHA Director of Clinical Services srutherford@peacehealth.org 360-856-7429
Chris Johnston PharmD, FACHE Chief Administrative Office cjohnston@peacehealth.org 360-856-7563