It is difficult to imagine that the news of a cancer diagnosis can encompass a hopeful perspective. With the opening of the new Lee Memorial Health System’s Regional Cancer Center on Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers, however, there is cause for quiet celebration. Why? For the first time in Southwest Florida, there is a place of hope and healing, where patients are nurtured in a life-affirming atmosphere that represents a true partnership between the hospital system and its private physician partners: 21st Century Oncology, Florida Gynecologic Oncology and Florida Cancer Specialists.

The shared dream of Sharon MacDonald, Vice President of Oncology Services, and Dr. James Orr Jr., Medical Director of the Regional Cancer Center and Florida Gynecologic Oncology, has successfully come to fruition in the 63,000-square-foot center that houses the area’s finest oncology physicians, radiation therapy, a resource library, research facilities, a pharmacy, palliative medicine
and even wig fittings. Just outside the center,a soothing healing garden provides serenity and solitude where patients and visitors can relax and find inner peace.

Exhausted from fighting disease, patients can rest at this comprehensive destination where special people passionately work to make their journey as easy as possible. While reality dictates that families must sometimes prepare for the inevitable, palliative care nurtures each patient’s mind, body and spirit in between treatments.

In the medical community, there is a sense of relief that this collaborative entity exists right here in Southwest Florida.

“This is a place where cancer patients can come and know that they do not have to fight this disease all on their own,” says Sharon. “We will fight with them, every step of the way.”

Pictured, front row from left: Sharon MacDonald, Regional Cancer Center; James Orr, Jr., MD, Florida Gynecologic Oncology; Cynthia Merrill, Regional Cancer Center; Anne Holt, Regional Cancer Center. Back row, from left: Debbie Michiaels, Florida Gynecologic Oncology; Christine (Tina) Gegeckas, Regional Cancer Center; Dara Leichter, Regional Cancer Center; Lowell Hart, MD, Florida Cancer Specialists; Cami Kulwicki, Florida Gynecologic Oncology; Maureen Curcio, Regional Cancer Center; Sherry Dula, Florida Gynecologic Oncology; Lisa Smithwick, Florida Cancer Specialists

Lee Memorial Health System’s Regional Cancer Center
8931 Colonial Center Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33905
T: 239.343.9500 F: 239.343.9501
www.leememorial.org/foundation