BRISTOL – Bristol Regional Medical Center will vastly expand and renovate its chemotherapy and infusion center serving cancer patients, a project made possible by a $1.5 million philanthropic investment by the Leonard Family Foundation of Bristol, Va.
The gift is being made to Bristol Regional through the Wellmont Foundation as part of the foundation’s initiative to strengthen Wellmont Health System hospitals through community support. To honor their gift, the hospital will name this newly renovated and expanded area the Jackie Leonard Infusion Center, which will be located inside the J.D. and Lorraine Nicewonder Cancer Center.
“This gift is a strong vote of confidence in Bristol Regional,” said Bart Hove, the hospital’s president. “It is a sign of the appreciation this community feels for our hospital and their desire to see it continue to advance. The Nicewonder Cancer Center is already a beacon of hope for patients who come to us from Bristol and the surrounding region, and the new Jackie Leonard Infusion Center will ensure our hospital remains on the leading edge of cancer treatment.”
Frank and Jackie Leonard have a longtime commitment to Bristol Regional and the Bristol community. For the past half-century, the couple has made a significant impact throughout the region through the Electro-Mechanical Corporation and through their involvement with a host of civic organizations and their church. Jackie Leonard, a Bristol native, is known for her commitment to family and friends and to a variety of community endeavors.
“Our lives have been touched by the hospital and its physicians and staff in a very profound way,” Frank Leonard said. “Bristol Regional is one of our greatest community assets, and we all need to do everything we can to stand with the hospital and strengthen its ability to serve our family and friends in the future.
“We truly believe all of us need to support our hospital to make it the best it can possibly be.”
Todd Norris, executive director of the Wellmont Foundation, commended the Leonards for their commitment to helping patients now and for generations to come.
“This kind of generosity and vision is a cause for celebration and deep gratitude from our entire community,” Norris said. “This is truly an example of one family investing in the health of thousands of people who will receive healing and renewed hope through the center.”
Renovations to the existing center will begin in the coming weeks, enlarging both the size of the space and scope of services. In addition to creating a cutting-edge, spa-inspired environment for patients, the Jackie Leonard Infusion Center will include new spaces for family members to support their loved ones who are undergoing chemotherapy treatment. A new pharmacy and lobby will also be added, as well as new work stations for clinical personnel.
The Nicewonder Cancer Center is already on the cutting edge of cancer treatment, as it offers the region’s only CyberKnife Stereotactic Radiosurgery System, which uses state-of-the-art robotic technology to treat otherwise inoperable tumors. Such advances as CyberKnife, and now the Jackie Leonard Infusion Center, were made possible through philanthropic support from community and business leaders.
“Philanthropic support for the center has made this and other leading-edge technologies available,” Norris said, “and this newest investment by the Leonard Family Foundation continues to demonstrate the difference people can make. Philanthropy like this has always been at the heart of medical advancement in our country.”