The Spencer Regional Healthcare Foundation has provided a $1 million gift toward a technology enhancement for radiation oncology services offered by the Abben Cancer Center of Spencer Hospital.

The generous gift represents contributions from hundreds of donors who have supported the cancer center in recent years, along with proceeds from the annual Abben Cancer Center Golf Classic. The $1 million gift makes up approximately 25 percent of the project costs.

"The foundation board was thrilled to make a substantial contribution to this project, as Spencer Hospital further advances cancer treatment in the region," said foundation president Pat Reno in a news release. "In the mid-1990s, foundation leadership and community volunteers orchestrated a major fund-raising campaign to build and equip the cancer center. The cancer center is truly a gift for the community, by the community."

Since Abben Cancer Center opened in 1997, Spencer Hospital has continually upgraded technology to offer patients optimal care. The $4 million project is anticipated to be completed in early August and includes upgrading radiation treatment technology with a new linear accelerator and transitioning the center to a new electronic health record system.

"This project is yet another commitment to enhance cancer care in the region," said Bill Bumgarner, Spencer Hospital president. "Current technology enables Abben's skilled oncology team to care for most types and stages of cancers. With this latest upgrade, additional radiotherapy treatment options will be available closer to home."

The upgrade includes a new linear accelerator for radiation treatment; a software conversion, which will provide a new electronic health record; and facility remodeling to accommodate the new accelerator. The new linear accelerator will enable Abben Cancer Center professionals to offer patients additional treatment options of both stereotactic radiosurgery and stereotactic body radiation therapy when appropriate for their diagnosis. Both treatment options facilitate increased precision for certain radiation treatments.

"We greatly appreciate the support of so many donors from throughout the region, who through their ongoing gifts, recognize the importance of investing in technology to provide exceptional cancer treatment locally," said Bumgarner.