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"It's a dream come true" was the attitude of all those who gathered Wednesday for the groundbreaking ceremonies at the site of Kosciusko Community Hospital's Cancer Care Center on Provident Drive, between the Health and Wellness Clinic and MedStat.
Mike Mullins, KCH CEO, opened the ceremonies by introducing the guests who played and continue to play key roles in planning, designing and operating the new facility. Each of the guests followed with brief speeches.
John Davis, chairman of the KCH board of trustees, related talking to an elderly woman who dreaded the frequent trips to Fort Wayne for chemotherapy. He also spoke of a "total commitment to excellence" and how the new facility would be a monument to those who battle cancer.
Willis Alt, CEO of K21 Foundation, spoke of the Foundation's involvement in the venture and its general interest in health and medicine.
Dr. Neal Van Ness, board member and chairman of the KCH cancer committee, promised the "highest level of care for cancer patients in the community."
Dr. Patrick Silveus, board member and president of the KCH medical staff, spoke on behalf of the physicians and surgeons serving KCH and the new Cancer Care Center.
Joan Darr, chief operating officer, said, "I'm honored to have been a part of the original team of nurses at KCH 26 years ago. I am committed to building a state-of-the-art facility at KCH."
Tom Irmscher, president of Irmscher Construction, expressed appreciation for being part of the team building the center. The firm has built several such centers in the past. He said, "Cancer Care Centers are special. God bless those who will be coming into the building."
Roger Weir, board member and pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Warsaw, closed the ceremony with a prayer of dedication.
The group adjourned to complete the groundbreaking process.
More details on the center and photos of the actual groundbreaking and an artist's rendering of the center will be included in Saturday's Times-Union on the business page.
