Lisa Soule, Manager Media and Public Relations 254-724-7758 or 254-724-3047 Pager: 254-762-0791 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 9, 2007

Scott & White breaks ground on new Cancer Treatment Center
- Facility funded through donations -

TEMPLE, Texas - Scott & White honored donors Monday at a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Glenda Tanner Vasicek Cancer Treatment Center. Vasicek, a longtime Scott & White employee, died of cancer earlier this year.

Family members of the center's namesake, along with principle donors and staff, witnessed Monday's symbolic move forward, paving the way for the first phase of a multi-faceted facility that will consolidate cancer services at Scott & White.

The campaign for the Cancer Treatment Center kicked off with a pledge by Bill Reeb, retired president and CEO of Wilsonart International, and was soon boosted by a $1 million challenge grant from the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation, Inc. The grant called for Scott & White to achieve a fundraising goal of at least $9.5 million to receive the $1 million match.

"The campaign really began rolling with a $1 million pledge in Glenda's honor and quickly answered our dream of a new treatment center," said Scott & White Chief Development Officer Nancy Birdwell. "Our donors have been so generous, we have been able to completely fund this venture through philanthropic efforts."

The $1 million gift in Vasicek's honor was pledged by Scott & White Trustee Ross McKnight, prompting other large donations and the naming of the center after Vasicek. Wilsonart and its parent company, Illinois Toolworks Inc., also have been generous supporters of the project.

"Along with our large donations, we have received an outpouring of support from nearly 2,000 individuals, corporations, and foundations who wanted to contribute to this cause for personal reasons," Birdwell said. "We are honored to be the recipient of such heartfelt gifts and hope that all those who contributed feel a sense of ownership and pride in this new center."

Approximately 2,000 new cases of cancer are diagnosed and more than 16,000 patients undergo some form of cancer treatment at Scott & White each year.  Scott & White officials say the new center will allow the care to take place with ease and comfort in one central location.

Architects are completing the center's final design with construction expected to begin in earnest this fall. A multi-opening approach will take place as construction and renovation projects are complete.

Back to Top