Valley Medical Center will open Phase One of its comprehensive Cancer Center on Feb. 3, 2025, marking a major step forward in cancer care for South King County.

Located in the East Pavilion on Valley’s main campus, this state-of-the-art facility will bring together Valley’s nationally recognized cancer programs and services. Coordinated care under one roof will make it much more convenient for patients.

“Cancer is the No. 1 cause of death in our community,” explains Jeannine Erickson Grinnell, Chief Executive Officer & Chief Financial Officer at Valley Medical Center. “Here in South King County, where we serve more than 600,000 residents, patients and families deserve comprehensive cancer care without having to commute to Seattle or Tacoma. They deserve access to advanced treatment options and support services. Most importantly, they deserve a place of hope and healing where their care is truly coordinated.”

The timing is critical. Valley has seen a 25 percent increase in cancer patients over the past five years. As Southeast King County’s population continues to grow, so does the need for cancer care close to home.

The accredited Infusion & Immunotherapy Center will be able to welcome and treat 40 percent more patients than ever before. It will offer cancer care including chemotherapy, blood treatments and targeted biotherapy. The Center will also serve patients who need infusion therapy for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, chronic headaches and multiple sclerosis.

Also, the first phase of the Cancer Center will have additional service areas including an Acute Symptom Management Clinic, Infusion Pharmacy, FastTrack Treatment and the Trapper & Samantha Wellbeing Resource Center.

A cornerstone of Valley’s Cancer Center is its complete approach to patient care. Patients have access to a full network of support, including patient navigators, oncology social workers and free services through partners like Cancer Lifeline. These services include nutrition guidance, wellness classes and support groups. Modern conveniences, such as telehealth visits and MyChart, make it easy for patients to connect with their care team, schedule appointments and access test results.

At the heart of our program is a specialized medical team. “During a patient’s cancer journey, our specialists create an individualized treatment plan. Their care team may include medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons and other specialty clinicians who collaborate to provide the best possible care,” says Navanshu Arora, MD, Associate Medical Director for Cancer Services.

“Valley is accredited by the Commission on Cancer as a Community Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Program,” Grinnell notes. “This recognition reflects our commitment to providing the highest quality care, and our new Cancer Center strengthens this commitment to our community.”

The 41-bay Infusion & Immunotherapy Center will have comfortable, spacious treatment areas where patients can receive care from specially trained teams. Photo illustration courtesy of Valley Medical Center

The Cancer Center’s development is funded by three main sources: strategic partnerships for the building and parking garage; hospital Board-designated capital funding; and widespread support from nonprofit organizations, staff and clinician donors, and community members.

“Our community inspired this project and is helping make it possible,” says Grinnell, highlighting the vital role of community support. She recognizes Valley Girls & Guys, a group of local cancer thrivers and loved ones led by fearless founder Tina McDonough and her Board. “They stood beside us, lifted us up when we struggled, and gave us the hope to make this happen.”

As a public district hospital, Valley ensures cancer care is accessible to all who need it. “We want our community to receive excellent care close to home, from people they know and trust,” Grinnell reflects. “While we hope you never need us, we’re here if you do.”

The next phase will include an oncology and hematology clinic, a multidisciplinary clinic for team collaboration and a laboratory. Future expansion will include a welcoming café space for families, radiation oncology and support facilities, completing the vision for comprehensive cancer care.

The community’s continued support is essential as Valley works to raise the remaining $45 million needed to complete the Cancer Center’s next phase.

“The Cancer Center represents more than a building – it’s a commitment to fighting cancer with advanced medicine and unwavering support for patients and their families,” Grinnell adds.

To learn more about the Cancer Center project and how you can help, visit valleymed.org/cancercenter.