The dream is coming true, said Trisha Jungels. Construction for the Jamestown Regional Medical Center Cancer Center begins Monday, Oct. 1.

Jungels, JRMC’s Chief Nursing Officer and Interim Chief Executive Officer, said oncology services were a dream of the Boards and the community when JRMC moved from downtown to southwest Jamestown in 2011.

The JRMC Operating Board made its decision to begin construction at its regular meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 26.

“This is a great day for Jamestown and the surrounding communities,” Jungels said. “Miles matter when you’re sick. We thank the community for helping us bring state-of-the-art cancer care close to home.”

JRMC announced its construction plans at the JRMC Cancer Center Mile Marker 256: a Private Debut on Thursday, Sept. 27.

Construction will include eight infusion rooms. Those rooms will serve more than 100 people a month, which will save 160,000 miles of travel each year.

In Stutsman County, cancer is the leading cause of death for individuals ages 45-84.

“This is a community of supporters,” said JRMC Foundation Director Lisa Jackson. “Whether it was lemonade stands, t-shirt sales or gifting retirement accounts, the community made this happen. The community has supported JRMC since we opened our doors almost 90 years ago.”

JRMC already offers some chemotherapy infusion services in the JRMC Emergency Department. The JRMC Cancer Center will allow the hospital to offer a wider range of treatments.

Community welcome to tour cancer center space

The community is welcome to learn more about the JRMC Cancer Center at the Brunch Out Cancer event on Sunday, Sept. 30.

The event is open from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and includes small tours of the JRMC Cancer Center shell space and a light brunch. Admission is a freewill donation to the JRMC Cancer Center.

To learn more about the JRMC Cancer Center or Brunch Out Cancer event, call (701) 952-4880.