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Sentara Healthcare puts the last steel beam on its new cancer center

According to the American Cancer Society, 11 years from now, 36% more people are expected to have cancer.

NOROFLK, Va. (WVEC) — Sentara Healthcare is one step closer to opening their cancer center, in Norfolk.

It’s the first cancer center of its kind for Hampton Roads, and once it’s open, patients can receive all their treatment and support in one spot.

Today, construction crews added the last steel beam to the building’s frame, but before lifting it to the top, cancer survivors signed the piece with names and messages.

Credit: Megan Shinn
Sentara Leigh Hospital is swiftly building a new Cancer Center, in Norfolk where people can receive all their treatment under one roof. Cancer survivors signed their names to the final steel support beam.

The messages surrounded painted daffodils, which symbolize hope for current and future cancer patients.

Credit: Megan Shinn
Sentara Leigh Hospital is swiftly building a new Cancer Center, in Norfolk where people can receive all their treatment under one roof. The final beam was painted with daffodils, the flower's extract has cancer-killing properties.

"I needed to put my name on that beam, in appreciation for the help that I got," said cancer survivor, Sue Frey. "It said 'thank you, Doctor Hofer. He's my hero and I'm here today because of him."

"Getting a cancer diagnosis is something that you'll never forget,” said cancer survivor, Cindy Allen. "So, this is a dream come true, certainly for me but also for the Sentara Cancer Network."

The new cancer center costs 93.5 million dollars to build. The center should open by the middle of 2020.

Medical experts from Sentara Medical Group, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Virginia Oncology Associates, and other community physicians will work inside the building.

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