Providence Willamette Falls celebrates opening of new cancer center

Carol D. Suzuki Cancer Center

World class cancer-care is coming even closer to home for Clackamas County residents and surrounding communities. Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center is now serving patients at the Carol Danielson Suzuki Cancer Center.

A new 32,000-square-foot expansion project at Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center features the Carol Danielson Suzuki Cancer Center, expanding the reach of Providence Cancer Institute, which treats more people with cancer than any other health system in Oregon. With expanded capacity for chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments and access to surgical oncology services, more patients will receive cancer care closer to the communities where they live. They also will benefit from the convenience of consultations, clinic visits and surgery in one location. The new cancer center includes Providence Cancer Institute Willamette Falls Clinic, which opened to patients in March.

“Previously, patients have needed to travel quite a distance to get their cancer care, and this new facility is going to allow patients to receive care that’s really close to home,” said Lyn Dobrunick, MN, FNP, AOCN, executive director, Providence Cancer Institute. “The new center makes it easier for Clackamas County residents to participate in innovative treatments and clinical trials that offer patients the very latest in cancer care.”

Construction on the hospital expansion and cancer center began in the spring of 2021. Designed by PKA Architects and led by Fortis Construction, the new facility also includes 8,500 square feet of space for future growth and expansion of clinical services. The project created a new entrance and patient drop-off on the east side of campus and easy access for parking.

“We’re excited to be investing in the health of our community and demonstrating our commitment to elevating care for our patients and their loved ones,” said Brad Henry, chief executive, Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center. “This expansion allows us to keep care local and grow in a way that meets the needs of our patients while also reducing travel and making care more accessible for our rural communities.”

The new facility was supported in part by Providence Willamette Falls Medical Foundation, which committed more than $3 million in charitable gifts. Carol D. Suzuki Cancer Center is named in memory of Carol Danielson Suzuki, a role model of love, purpose and joy who courageously battled cancer for more than two years with family by her side. She was dedicated to serving others in the communities she called home, which included Oregon City. Now, her spirit of serving has manifested in a new center that will provide hope for cancer patients. 

The community is welcome to attend an open house of the new facility from 5:30 to 7 p.m., on Tuesday, April 4.

Providence Cancer Institute of Oregon offers the latest in cancer services and research, including diagnosis, treatment, prevention, education and support. Providence is home to the Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, an internationally renowned leader in cancer immunotherapy since 1993, where investigators lead more than 400 active clinical trials for cancers of the breast, lung, colon, prostate and other conditions. Learn more at Providence.org/ORcancer.

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