The goal is to raise $50,000 for expansion of the Oncology Suite.

RUMFORD – The Rumford Hospital Auxiliary has kicked off the Annual Appeal with a gift of $5,000 toward the $50,000 appeal goal. “This gift to the Annual Appeal is important to the auxiliary,” says its president, Barbara Belanger. “With this kick off we challenge our community, especially other clubs and civic organizations, to step forward with meaningful gifts.”

A significant segment of this year’s ambitious goal is dedicated to the renovation of a large space on the hospital’s third floor for an expanded Oncology Suite. Since the present department was established in 1997, the number of patients treated there has more than tripled. In addition to providing space for more patients and for patients who must lie down while receiving infusions, the new Oncology Suite will allow much more privacy for patients.

Other equipment in the 2003-2004 appeal goals are a blanket warmer to be shared by the Radiology and Emergency departments, an EKG monitor for surgical services, a multi-station gym for the Rehabilitation Department, an infant warmer for the Special Delivery Family Birthing Center and two extra large recliners for Medical/Surgical.

The Rumford Hospital Development Committee, of which Belanger is a member, chose to ask the community to stretch its giving this year to cover the much needed renovations for the Oncology Unit.

“All of us have been touched by cancer – perhaps a family member or a friend or a co-worker,” adds Belanger. “I think this appeal to make treatment for people living with cancer more comfortable will strike a cord with our community.”