PORT ANGELES — The Olympic Medical Center Foundation raised $165,000 at its 15th annual Harvest of Hope fundraiser, with most of the funds earmarked for the planned expansion of the OMC Cancer Center.
Those who attended Saturday’s fundraiser at Sunland Golf & Country Club — which featured food prepared by chef Kathryn Kitts from The Sweet Beginning Cafe in Sequim and wine from Camaraderie Cellars of Port Angeles — also contributed $30,000 to fund the cancer center’s Patient Navigator program that provides basic living expenses for low-income cancer patients.
The foundation presented the Rick Kaps Award to foundation supporter Steve Oliver, who was the organization’s first president in 1985.
The award — named after a former Sequim High School basketball coach and educator who died of cancer — is presented annually to an organization or individual who has contributed to cancer care and overall health care on the North Olympic Peninsula.
To date, the OMC Foundation has generated $440,000 in its capital campaign to raise money for the expansion of the cancer center at 844 N. Fifth Ave. in Sequim.
Plans are to create additional clinical exam space, an expansion of the pharmacy, more infusion and chair space, and an education space that will allow for physicians and staff to explain the short- and long-term effects to patients and support them during difficult emotional times.
“We hope that many local people will become a part of this fundraising effort,” said foundation campaign chair Bill Littlejohn of Sequim.
“It’s an opportunity for people to leave a lasting legacy, and 100 percent of the monies raised will go towards the project. No funds will be used for administrative or fundraising costs. There will also be naming rights opportunities.”
The number of patient visits at the cancer center has grown by 157 percent throughout the past 10 years, OMC officials said, and more growth is expected in the future.
“Due to people living longer and an aging baby boomer population, the number of incidents of cancer will rise,” OMC CEO Eric Lewis said.
Lewis said the expansion will make the cancer center viable for the long term and that it will enable OMC to recruit and retain the best physicians and other cancer professionals.
“It will literally save people’s lives,” he said.
According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the number of new cancer cases in the U.S. will increase 45 percent by 2030.
Those who want to donate can contact the OMC Foundation office at 360-417-7144 or bruce@omhf.org.
