Photographs taken before COVID-19
16 HamiltonHealth.com
The Whitfield Healthcare Foundation celebrated the
opening of the $46 million, 55,000 square foot Peeples
Cancer Institute in January following a four-year fundraising
campaign. Contributing benefactors were recognized at a
special evening event on January 18, 2020. Key supporters,
including legacy donors Shelby and Willena Peeples, along
with Hamilton leadership and Peeples Cancer Institute staff,
were honored at the event.
The Institute’s opening fulfills Hamilton’s bold vision for
a new era in cancer care. The new facility offers the most
advanced technologies and innovative programs and
services in a healing, nurturing environment. Peeples Cancer
Institute boasts three stories for patient care, along with
administrative offices, collaborative clinical workspaces, and
a fourth floor, which has been shelled in for future growth.
The first floor houses Judd Radiation Oncology and includes
diagnostic and treatment rooms for patients undergoing
radiation therapy. One of the highlights of Judd Radiation
Oncology is the Varian Medical Systems TrueBeam Linear
Accelerator, which allows the team of radiation therapists
to treat cancerous tumors with unparalleled precision and
accuracy. The second floor houses physician offices, medical
oncology examination rooms, and the women’s diagnostic
center with state-of-the-art mammography. Medical infusion
is on the third floor of the facility, where patients receiving
chemotherapy can choose a private infusion room or semiprivate
infusion suite which offers natural light and expansive
views of the outdoors.
A soothing color palette is incorporated throughout the
facility to create an inviting and aesthetically pleasing patient
environment. Thirty-eight pieces of original art by local and
regional artists were commissioned for the Institute, with
the majority of pieces already sponsored by community
members, many in honor or in memory of loved ones and
friends.
Over 275 guests attended the evening event and were
welcomed into the two-story lobby atrium by Hamilton
leaders and Foundation staff. Notes of appreciation
from Hamilton healthcare workers hung from the Tree
of Gratitude, which stood at the entrance, setting the
tone for an evening of gratitude for supporters and
project partners. Atlanta jazz artist Mose Davis and
his trio provided entertainment and offered a special
tribute to donors with a performance of “Wind Beneath
My Wings.” Scott Sellers, chair of the Foundation board,
Jeff Myers, president and CEO of Hamilton Health Care
System, and Jane Snipes, Executive Director of the
Whitfield Healthcare Foundation, lauded the generosity
of the Peeples and the community. Recognition plaques
highlighting community donors and portraits of Shelby
and Willena Peeples were dedicated by Scott Sellers. In
addition, portraits of Shelby and Willena Peeples were
unveiled for Hamilton’s Hall of Honor. Throughout the
evening, tours were conducted by Hamilton and Peeples
Cancer Institute leaders, as guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres
and mingled with physicians, administrative and clinical
staff, and artists whose work is represented in the
facility. Directing his comments to guests in attendance,
Board chair Scott Sellers stated, “You are here tonight
because you have impacted this facility and in turn helped
transform healthcare in our community. Perhaps you are
one of our Foundation members who has given generously
of your personal resources, or one of our project partners
responsible for design and construction, or one of our
esteemed artists, or a Hamilton team member providing
care–whatever your relationship to this sacred space, we
are here to honor you and say thank you.” Sellers read the
dedication plaques in honor of Foundation benefactors
and Shelby and Willena Peeples as he toasted the
commitment, generosity, and philanthropy of those who
helped Hamilton fulfill its vision. As donors and guests
exited for the evening, they were presented a keepsake
gift from the Foundation–a canvas with an image of the
cancer institute.
Recapping the evening, Jane Snipes remarked, “I have
said repeatedly that there is no community stronger,
more thoughtful, more intentional, more loving or more
/foundation
Peeples Cancer Institute Opening
Culminates Four-year Capital Campaign
Shelby and Willena Peeples pose in front of their Peeples
Cancer Institute recognition area with their children
/foundation
