Community leaders donate $5 million for cancer care
Largest gift in Asante’s history to name new cancer facility in Medford
MEDFORD, Ore. (Feb. 18, 2021) Mary and Dick Heimann, community leaders and philanthropists, made a life-changing gift to the people in Southern Oregon who need cancer care. The Heimann’s $5 million gift to Asante Foundation — the largest donation in Asante’s history — will name the regional cancer center building in Medford.
“For the community that we love, we wanted to do something that will leave a legacy,” said Dick Heimann, co-founder and vice chairman-emeritus of Lithia Motors. “The services and conveniences will provide excellence in medical care within this facility and will have a tremendous impact on so many people.”
“Donor generosity through AsanteForward ensures these all-important expansion projects can continue. This historic gift is a testament to the community’s devotion to helping each another—particularly the 2,000 people diagnosed with cancer in Southern Oregon every year,” said Floyd Harmon, Executive Director, Asante Foundation. “We’re grateful for the Heimann’s leadership and advocacy for people with cancer and their families.”
The Heimann Cancer Center will join Spears Cancer Center as part of the Asante Regional Cancer Institute, bringing all outpatient cancer services under one roof. This includes imaging, radiation, chemotherapy, lab tests and doctor consultations, and an array of supportive services, greatly increasing the ease and access of Asante’s cancer services for patients. Construction is currently underway for the 80,000-square-foot building and it is expected to open in early 2022.
“When we saw the regional cancer center plans and the possibilities for this community, it was really important for us to be able to make a gift and inspire others. It’s going to be a very special place,” said Mary Heimann.
“Our hope is that this becomes the second largest gift in Asante’s history, inspiring others to make an even bigger gift to make AsanteForward a success,” said Dick Heimann.
A portion of the Heimann’s gift will help build a pediatric cancer clinic to help children facing cancer, in the new children’s hospital-within-a-hospital in the patient pavilion under construction at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center. Additionally, the Heimann Medical Chair endowment will help Asante recruit and retain top medical leaders for cancer care.
“The projects behind AsanteForward are made possible because of philanthropy. In its third year, the $50 million capital campaign has surpassed the $25 million milestone as a result of this gift. We continue to be amazed by the community’s response to help Asante meet the most urgent needs. Thank you,” said Andrea Reeder, Campaign Director, Asante Foundation.
Learn more or get involved today: www.asantefoundation.org.
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About Asante Foundation
For more than 60 years, philanthropy has helped Asante provide and enhance health care for communities throughout Southern Oregon and Northern California. Asante Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Asante, a local, community-owned and governed not-for-profit health system, is an integral partner in Asante’s vision to be your trusted health partner for life – every person, every time. Asante Foundation launched AsanteForward, the most significant campaign effort in our history, to transform the quality and scope of health care available in Asante’s nine-county region, with a goal of at least $50 million. This campaign is the largest philanthropic endeavor ever attempted in this area. At the core of AsanteForward are five specific initiatives including behavioral health, cancer care, expanded emergency services and a new patient pavilion to house several areas of care including a new women’s and children’s hospital, cardiac care, critical care and advanced surgical services. To learn more, please visit asantefoundation.org.
Asante is a local, community-owned and governed not-for-profit organization with nearly 6,000 employees who provide medical care to nearly 600,000 people in a nine-county area of Southern Oregon and Northern California. It includes Asante Ashland Community Hospital, Asante Physician Partners, Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford, Asante Three Rivers Medical Center in Grants Pass, and additional health care partnerships throughout the region.
Contacts:
Desirae MacGillivray Myers
Communications and Marketing Manager, Asante Foundation|
(541) 789-2843
Desirae.macgillivraymyers@asante.org