A survivor’s pitch for new cancer facility
I write in support of the proposed plan to build a new cancer facility at Greenwich Hospital. Almost 16 years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was encouraged by many to head to Manhattan to receive the “best” care. While I had a stellar surgeon, at that time my daughters were 7 and 10 years old, and follow-up visits meant relying on friends for help with child care. Plus, the travel was brutal. I wish I had been comfortable having my surgery at “home.” It would have lessened my overall terror and anxiety at that time.
Post-surgery I received my care at Greenwich Hospital’s Bendheim Cancer Center. My care there was, in fact, the “best” care I could have imagined. I received the support and high-quality treatment in my hometown with former Greenwich Hospital Oncologist Dr. Dickerman Hollister, who was able to see me between hospital patients and provide the emotional and clinical support I needed.
As a survivor and lifelong Greenwich resident, I believe that now is the time to expand on the cancer care we have here. We quite simply must provide top-of-the-line cancer care to our residents. We owe them this. The new cancer center absolutely must be across the street from the hospital. That cohesiveness is key for needed services and accessibility to our oncologists. Please give our residents the peace of mind to know that their doctors are nearby, to know that they have their support should terror creep in or should they have an adverse reaction to treatment. A “satellite” location is not helpful. I cannot stress this enough.
I understand that some residents have concerns, but I believe many of their concerns have, and will continue to be, addressed by the hospital. I believe that the Town of Greenwich must consider all its residents’ needs. Perhaps it will take a few extra seconds to exit nearby driveways but the difference for cancer patients to be expertly treated near their homes is critical to their peace of mind during such a pivotal time in their lives.
This proposal is exciting and creates in me a sense of pride to think that those who follow me in their cancer journeys can be fully supported locally. I am but one voice of many survivors but I represent all those who come after me. As I reach my 16th anniversary of being cancer-free, I fervently hope that the needs of local patients will be given serious consideration as this pivotal proposal is considered.
Jackie Salkin is an Old Greenwich resident.