The Service League Of Greenville Pledges $2 Million To New Cancer Center And Bed Tower At Vidant Medical Center | Eastern NC Now

    GREENVILLE     In its largest ever donation, The Service League of Greenville has pledged $2 million to Vidant Medical Center Foundation to help build the new cancer center and bed tower currently under construction on the Vidant Medical Center campus. This contribution to the new facility, which is set to open in spring 2018, is the largest to date, and will be distributed over seven years.

    "In our presentation to the Service League, it was stunning to learn how so many of the members had been very personally affected by cancer," said Chief Philanthropy Officer Dana Casson. "Their gift is personal and incredibly meaningful. Every member will be able to take great pride and comfort in knowing they helped impact the lives of eastern North Carolina in a positive way."

    Here in eastern North Carolina, an estimated 7,500 residents are diagnosed with cancer annually, and approximately 2,900 die from cancer each year. The mortality rates are higher than the national average because too many cancers are being detected in later stages. Vidant Health is embarking on a mission-critical journey to change all that-to transform cancer care in the region.

    The new facility on the Vidant Medical Center campus will serve as the hub to provide cancer care in Greenville, as well as deliver cancer care throughout the region. Plans are driven by this vision: to prevent the incidence of cancer whenever possible, diagnose the disease in its earliest stages, and ensure that every patient with cancer receives world-class care without leaving the area.

    "Vidant is very grateful to The Service League of Greenville for their generosity," said Vidant Medical Center President Brian Floyd. "Our team of clinicians and professionals is committed to paving the way for a world without cancer, and this donation is critical in reaching that goal."

    The league, whose mission is "to minister to the suffering, the friendless, and the needy through various projects, which benefit the hospital and community," is celebrating its 77th year of service.

    The organization operates several amenities throughout Vidant Medical Center, including the Coffee Shop, the gift shops, all vending services, and two freestanding Starbucks coffee operations-known as the Coffee Corner and the ECHI Cafe. The group was also monumental in helping fund The Service League of Greenville Inpatient Hospice, which provides inpatient medical care in an environment that meets the emotional, spiritual and comfort needs of patients and their loved ones during a terminal illness. The group also helped fund the construction of The Service League of Greenville Interfaith Chapel.

    All projects from the league's hospital operations are donated back to the hospital through the Vidant Medical Center Foundation. Through the years, The Service League's total commitment to Vidant Medical Center is more than $11 million. The donations help provide the most up-to-date equipment, mainly for pediatric care.

    If you would like additional information, please contact Varessa Wall, Vidant Cancer Care Campaign Manager at (252) 847-8994 and varessa.wall@vidanthealth.com.

    Vidant Health, a mission-driven, not-for-profit corporation, owns, leases or has a majority membership interest in eight eastern North Carolina hospitals. The health system includes Vidant Beaufort Hospital, Vidant Bertie Hospital, Vidant Chowan Hospital, Vidant Duplin Hospital, Vidant Edgecombe Hospital, The Outer Banks Hospital, Vidant Medical Center, Vidant Roanoke-Chowan Hospital, Vidant Home Health and Hospice,Vidant Wellness Centers, Vidant Medical Group and is affiliated with the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. On the web at www.vidanthealth.com.