Cancer center celebrates first anniversary; cookies sent to troops

The Carson Tahoe Cancer Center wanted to celebrate its first anniversary and honor those who had made the creation of the center, located on the campus of the Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center, possible.

So CTRH hosted a private reception Nov. 6 in honor of all of the people who helped make it possible for the more than 31,500 patient visits for medical oncology, radiation oncology, ambulatory infusion and to the cancer resource center. Patients have come from all over Nevada to be treated at the new state-of-the-art facility, which is Nevada's only certified program with a three-year approval and commendation by the American College of Surgeons.

During the reception, Ruth Merriner was presented an Honorary Doctorate in Philanthropy in recognition for her $2 million donation, which provided the funding to build the 15-unit Merriner Cottages, adjacent to the cancer center. The cottages allow out-of-town patients and their families a place to stay while going through treatment. The Merriner Cottages will have been open a year in December and, to date, have been used more than 1,000 nights for traveling patients and their families.

The event organizers wanted to express their thanks to the foundation board and to the community for their continued support and generosity. Without their donations, things like the cancer center and Merriner cottages would not be possible, they said.

During the ceremony, Merriner received a "Doctorate of Philanthropy" certificate, which included a customized lab coat and stethoscope. Dr. Roger Miercort, whose practice, Radiation Oncologist Associates, is located on the bottom floor of the Carson Tahoe Cancer Center, presented her with the award.

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Staff at the Virginia City Visitors Center, with the help of some local cooks and businesses, have mailed more than 50 pounds of cookies and homemade candy to John Toll, Chris Kiechler and B.F. Wyble, three servicemen from the Comstock who are serving in Iraq.

Cookies were donated by Visitors Center Executive Director Susan Sutton and staff member Vic Sherer, local residents Brandi Lee and Karen Wright and the Gold Hill Hotel.

Grandma's Fudge and Red's Candies donated fudge and candy.

Sutton said she didn't expect the three to eat it all themselves; she has been assured they will pass the plates to their buddies.

"The cookies concept came from a realization that we are at war, and those brave young men and women need to know they are supported at home," said Sutton. "Homemade cookies are a gift from the heart and hands of this community."

She plans to do another care package for Valentine's Day and is looking for volunteers to make treats for the troops.

Cookie and candy makers can participate by calling the Visitors Center at 847-4FUN, and the staff will add names to the list and contact donors with the date for the mailing, which will be sometime in early January.

Sutton said that those who don't have the cookie or candy making gene can offer a cash donation to help with the postage, or they can write a letter and the Visitors Center will include it in the mailing.