Carson Tahoe Cancer Center marks 16 years

Carson Tahoe Health is celebrating its 16th anniversary of opening the Carson Tahoe Cancer Center during November.

Since 2006, this 35,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility, tucked away along the northwestern foothills just west of our Regional Medical Center, had provided comprehensive cancer treatment, intervention, support, and after-care to regional patients.

“From the moment we opened our doors, we have worked hard to redefine healthcare excellence in Northern Nevada,” Michelle Joy, president and chief executive officer, said in a news release. “Our compassionate staff, robust treatment facilities, and extensive support services allow our neighbors facing cancer to not only get the care they need, close to home, but also build a community of support around them.”

The Carson Tahoe Cancer Center was Northern Nevada’s first freestanding, comprehensive cancer center opened to patients and the community, according to the release. Now, the facility includes full-time medical and radiation oncology practices, an ambulatory infusion center with views of the Eagle Valley, and a resource center.

Events to connect patients and their families are hosted throughout the year, such as HopeFest in August which annually funds patient support, THiNK PiNK in October for Breast Cancer Awareness, and Survivor Day in April. Additionally, the Merriner Cottages located next door to the cancer center provide patients and their families a home-away-from-home with comfortable lodging during their treatment.

So far, the Carson Tahoe Cancer Center has made a community impact in several ways:

• In 2015, CTCC announced its affiliation with one of the top academic cancer research institutions in the country, Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah.

• The CTCC maintains accreditation by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer, which signifies the highest standards of excellence when it comes to cancer healing and treatment, intervention, support and after-care.

• A gift of $543,898, through the William N. Pennington Foundation in 2021 allowed Carson Tahoe to remodel its 15 “home away from home” Merriner Cottages, which provide respite to rural patients facing cancer. Additionally, community supporters and long-time supporters, including Ruth Merriner who gave the inaugural gift to build the cottages, help bolster this resource for our community.

“From diagnosis to treatment to recovery, we’ve been here for our community every step of the way throughout these 16 years. We look forward to continuing to improve, expand, and lead the way in cancer care,” Joy said.

For information, visit CarsonTahoe.com/Cancer.