(435) 716-1000
1400 North 500 East
Logan, Utah 84341Map

Logan Regional Hospital

Cancer Treatment Center Open House

Cache Valley residents are invited to tour the new Cancer Treatment Center at Logan Regional Hospital on Wednesday, May 21, from 5 to 7 p.m.

For more information contact: Paul Norton, Director of Communications
Phone: (435) 716-5378
Email: paul.norton@imail.org
May 1, 2008

Cache Valley community residents are invited to tour the new Cancer Treatment Center at Logan Regional Hospital at an open house on Wednesday, May 21, from 5 to 7 p.m., at 1281 North 600 East, Logan.

"This is a monumental healthcare milestone for our community, bringing the latest cancer radiation oncology treatment technology home to Cache Valley," said Bob Cash, Logan Regional Hospital administrator. "The hospital expresses sincere thanks to the community for their support of this project. The center is possible thanks to generous donations pledged to the Logan Regional Hospital Foundation." The new cancer treatment center is a true partnership of support between the community and Intermountain Healthcare. To date, the Logan Regional Hospital Foundation's cancer treatment center campaign has raised more than $1.4 million in contributions from community residents and members of the Logan Regional Hospital family, including employees, physicians, volunteers, and governing board members.

Bringing Healing Home
Each year, more than 300 Cache Valley residents are diagnosed with cancer. Approximately 40 percent of those patients have had to leave the valley for radiation oncology therapy, which typically runs five days per week for five to seven weeks. The treatments last only a few minutes, but the round-trip drive can take several hours. Radiation oncology often leaves the patient exhausted or not feeling well. Traveling outside the valley for this treatment takes the cancer patient, and the person driving them, away from home or work for most of the day throughout treatment. The new center allows these patients to stay close to home.

Improving Care for Patients
The new Cancer Treatment Center offers the following benefits to Cache Valley residents:

World-class linear accelerator, with the most advanced technology available for treating tumors in any part of the body and minimizing side effects of radiation.

Cancer physician specialists at the center, including two Huntsman-Intermountain radiation oncologists, Gary Whipple, M.D., and Leslye Ingersoll, M.D.; as well as medical oncologist Ali Ben-Jacob, M.D. These cancer specialists work closely with surgeons and other physicians in Cache Valley.

Cancer education center, open to the public, with access to the latest cancer information and research on the most up-to-date treatment outcomes.

Additional cancer services, such as cancer conferences and committees, and the opportunity for cancer patients to participate in national clinical trials. Additional cancer programs and services will be added in the future.

Dedicated to Dr. Merrill and Betty Daines
The cancer treatment center at Logan Regional Hospital is dedicated to Dr. Merrill and Betty Daines of Logan. The Daines have been pillars in the community who have improved life and healthcare in Cache Valley for more than 50 years. "Merrill and Betty have never sought the limelight," said Cash. "They have just gone quietly about making good and important things happen in our community. By dedicating the cancer treatment center to the Daines, we are recognizing in a small way our appreciation for what Merrill and Betty have personally given each of us."

Merrill Daines worked as an internal medicine physician in Logan from 1951 to 1988. In addition, he served as medical director and an emergency room physician at Logan Regional Hospital until the early 1990s. He also served and continues to serve in numerous community service leadership capacities, including the Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, Utah State University, Logan City Schools, Sunshine Terrace, Logan Regional Hospital, and more. He has received many honors and awards for his service through the years.

Betty worked with her husband for decades to improve healthcare in Cache Valley. She served as a first aid instructor for the Red Cross from 1951-1975. She also taught medical self-help classes and worked with Merrill to vaccinate school children and migrant workers in the valley. Further, Betty has provided decades of volunteer service at Logan Regional Hospital and in the Logan City Schools. She is also a member of the Rotary Club.