Sanford Health opens the Sanford Joe Lueken Cancer Center on Monday, Sept. 10, bringing the latest cancer care to northern Minnesota.
An open house and tours are scheduled Aug. 28 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Construction began in June 2017 on the $12 million, 20,500-square-foot center named in honor of Bemidji grocery store owner Joe Lueken. Lueken was very active in his community, supporting many organizations and charities and was known for his overwhelming generosity. He died in 2014 at age 72 after a battle with cancer.
The Joseph and Janice Lueken Family Foundation gave a significant lead gift to the Care Without Limits campaign to expand and centralize cancer care and honor Lueken’s legacy. Every year more than 500 people are diagnosed with cancer in this area. The family agreed there was no better way to remember the local luminary than through a gift, making the dream of a new cancer center come to life.
“My husband was tireless in his efforts to enhance the quality of life in this region. He was the son of a small-town baker who grew up to be a successful businessman and philanthropist,” said Janice Lueken. “But he was also a 30-year cancer survivor and lived with Parkinson’s for 20 years. Through it all it was his positivity, spirituality and determination that were a testament to his character. Joe was truly an inspiration to us and all who knew him.”
The new cancer center is connected to Sanford Bemidji Main Clinic and brings all the cancer services into one location, providing better continuity of care for patients and collaboration among staff. It has 20 infusion suites, 15 exam rooms, on-site infusion pharmacy and lab services, boutique, bistro, garden and other patient-centered amenities. It also creates a hub for services like radiation and medical oncology, palliative care, infusion pharmacy services, patient navigation, nutrition, financial counseling, social services, genetic counseling and survivorship. Additionally, patients will have access to the latest in clinical trials.
Unique features include an outdoor patio and indoor fireplace lounge where patients can receive infusion treatments, conference room space for meetings and patient education, a meditation room overlooking a flower garden and space for the addition of a second linear accelerator for radiation treatments in the future.
Sanford Joe Lueken Cancer Center is located at 1233 34th St. N.W., in Bemidji.
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Posted In Bemidji, Cancer, Cancer Screenings, Cancer Treatments, Company News, News