BCHS, American Cancer Society and CSM Group team up to offer 'Grace' at Cancer Care Center
BATTLE CREEK, Mich. - For people diagnosed with cancer and their supporters, high stress levels and emotions can lead to fear. Research suggests that healing environments with elements of nature, art and music provide a more positive experience and may lead to improved outcomes for these patients. That is why Battle Creek Health System has teamed with the American Cancer Society and CSM Group of Kalamazoo to offer 'Grace' in The Cancer Care Center lobby.
'Grace,' a collaborative by artists and designers Andrew Freemire and the late John Galloup, will be unveiled during an open house at the Cancer Care Center on September 17 at 5:30 p.m. The mobile was created after construction management firm CSM Group completed the renovation and expansion of The Cancer Care Center last year and provided the funding necessary to provide the mobile.
"The culture at CSM Group is founded on community and family," says Todd McDonald, CSM Group vice president. "This project has allowed us to positively impact both."
It is collaborations and partnerships like these that are vital to the community, according to American Cancer Society Community Program Manager Jean Thompson. The ACS offers free programs and services to cancer patients and the community through the Cancer Resource Center located inside The Cancer Care Center.
"Hearing the words 'You have cancer,' has a tremendous impact on a person and their loved ones, and many people aren't even sure where to turn or what resources are available to them at the time of diagnosis," Thompson says. "Thanks to the Battle Creek Health System's and American Cancer Society's shared commitment to supporting patients and their families during this difficult time, the American Cancer Society Cancer Resource Center is here at The Cancer Care Center to provide support and assistance when it is needed most."
The ACS Cancer Resource Center and 'Grace' are just two of the latest examples of the innovative cancer care at Battle Creek Health System. According to Denise Brooks-Williams, president and CEO of Battle Creek Health System, "We have a long history of innovational leadership in cancer care. We have received numerous national honors for patient satisfaction, for participation in clinical trials, for state-of-the-art technology, and recently we again received the Commission on Cancer's Outstanding Achievement Award as a Community Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Program. I am proud to say that we are the only hospital in the state of Michigan to receive that honor twice."
Andrew Freemire, an accomplished multi-medium, large-scale artist and designer recently moved into offering professional experiences for students in structural design production, construction, and installation. He teamed up with the late John Galloup to create a special piece of art that might bring solace to those fighting cancer.
"John and I designed 'Grace' to enhance the nurturing, peaceful, and beautiful environment of The Cancer Care Center," says Freemire. "As it glides above visitors, it is with our deepest intent that she will bring inner peace - acceptance, courage, and a sense of personal, comforting grace."
Ultimately, the impact of 'Grace' will be felt for generations of cancer survivors and those who support them.
"It is my hope that 'Grace' will offer the same hope and healing to all who walk through the doors of The Cancer Care Center," says local cancer survivor Julie McDonald. "Not just those with cancer, but the caregivers who also are affected by this disease."
The American Cancer Society Cancer Resource Center at The Cancer Care Center has trained volunteers available to work with patients and their loved ones on issues such as transportation to treatments, help with financial and insurance questions, provide information on clinical trials, and lend a supportive ear. For more information on The Cancer Care Center or the American Cancer Society, call (269) 966-8176 or (800) 227-2345.
About The Cancer Care Center at Battle Creek Health System
The Cancer Care Center at Battle Creek Health System offers comprehensive, state-of-the-art services based upon the latest cancer research, sophisticated diagnostic equipment, a multi-specialty team including board certified surgeons who discuss and coordinate treatment plans, and life-long patient follow-up through cancer registry.
The Cancer Care Center recently unveiled its newly renovated facilities adding 6,000 square feet of new area and 3,000 square feet of renovation giving critically needed treatment space for cancer patients, lifesaving new technology, a more healing environment, and room to grow complementary therapies. It also includes an American Cancer Society resource library for patients and community members who wish to learn more about this disease. The Cancer Center also offers an ACS program called 'Road to Recovery' that provides transportation for patients to their lifesaving and life-sustaining treatments at the hospital.
The Cancer Care Center is a member of the Mercy Cancer Network, a group of Trinity Health organizations throughout the state that links local hospitals and cancer centers to provide patients and families access to the most advanced medicine and latest in cancer diagnostics, clinical research trials, and therapeutic technology.
About the American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. As a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers, we fight for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight. As the nation's largest non-governmental investor in cancer research, contributing about $3.4 billion, we turn what we know about cancer into what we do. As a result, more than 11 million people in America who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will be celebrating birthdays this year. To learn more about us or to get help, call us any time, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.
About CSM Group
CSM Group is a construction management firm with significant experience across a wide variety of industries including healthcare, education, retail/hospitality, office, not-for-profit, places of worship, green building, and more. Founded in 1983, the company consistently ranks as one of the top five contractors in West Michigan and is among the largest in the state specializing in construction management. It has been the recipient of some of the industry's most prestigious awards, including recognition by the Associated Builders and Contractors' with its Award of Excellence 20 times. The Michigan Quality Council has also recognized CSM Group with the "Navigator" Award for the two consecutive years, helping organizations improve their performance using the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award Criteria for Performance Excellence.
CSM Group is a member of the Green Building Council and has been LEED accredited since 2005. With headquarters in Kalamazoo, Mich. and an office in Grand Rapids, Mich., CSM Group employs nearly 70 people. For more information, visit csmgroup.com.
For the latest medical information, visit the BCHS
web site at www.bchealth.com
or call the BCHS Marketing Department at (269) 966-8132.
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