On June 2, UPMC Western Maryland cut the ribbon to mark the grand opening of the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at the Schwab Family Cancer Pavilion. UPMC Western Maryland and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center leaders gathered with staff, local dignitaries, and elected officials to mark the occasion.
“We are thrilled to welcome UPMC Hillman Cancer Center to UPMC Western Maryland at the Schwab Family Cancer Pavilion. This enhancement of services expands upon the great care our community is accustomed to receiving right here in Cumberland. UPMC continues to fulfill its commitment to Western Maryland, ensuring the latest technologies, equipment, and procedures are available to the communities we serve locally,” said Michele Martz, president, UPMC Western Maryland. “It has been a pleasure to see the impact UPMC Hillman has already made and witness a new level of expertise blend seamlessly with our already exemplary program.”
All patients receiving cancer treatment at any UPMC Hillman Cancer Center facility, including UPMC Western Maryland, are a part of a large network of more than 80 UPMC Hillman Cancer Centers located in four states and internationally in three countries. This means access to groundbreaking cancer research and more than 600 clinical trials underway at UPMC Hillman and the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. In addition, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at UPMC Western Maryland is part of the network that boasts over 200 world-class oncologists in medical, radiation and surgical oncology and precision medicine in immunotherapy.
Dr. Blanche Mavromatis makes remarks as UPMC Western Maryland president Michele Martz looks on.
“A cancer diagnosis is never easy, but being able to receive world-class, cutting-edge care here in our own community is one less thing our patients have to worry about,” said Dr. Blanche Mavromatis, director, Breast Program and Medical Oncology Research, co-director, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at UPMC Western Maryland. “I am very thankful for UPMC and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, and what this new partnership means for cancer care here at UPMC Western Maryland.”
The oncology team in Cumberland will collaborate with colleagues across this network to ensure that patients benefit from a multidisciplinary disciplinary approach and have access to the latest techniques and treatments available in the oncology field — some of which are only available at UPMC Hillman in Pittsburgh.
“UPMC Hillman Cancer Center is one of the largest cancer treatment networks in the country and serves as the region’s only Comprehensive Cancer Center designated by the National Cancer Institute. One of only 57 such cancer centers in the country,” said Beth Wild, president, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. “UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at UPMC Western Maryland now holds this designation as part of the UPMC Hillman network along with significant, groundbreaking cancer research.”
The opening of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at the Schwab Family Cancer Pavilion also comes as UPMC Western Maryland advances plans to add a new, advanced linear accelerator, supported in part by $2.75 million in federal funding secured by U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and $2.35 million in state funding over the last three years towards this project as a result of the generous support from Governor Wes Moore, Senator Mike McKay and Delegate Jason Buckel. Once in place, the new technology will enhance radiation oncology services in Cumberland by allowing for even more precise treatment while helping ensure patients throughout the region can continue to access high-quality cancer care close to home.
“Too many Maryland families face the heartbreaking reality of a cancer diagnosis each year. It’s critical that our hospitals are prepared to help them battle this disease. That’s why we fought to secure this $2.75 million in federal funding to help bring world-class cancer research and treatment closer to home for patients in Mountain Maryland. The opening of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center will help more residents access the care they need right in their own communities,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.
“When someone receives a cancer diagnosis, the last thing they should worry about is traveling long distances to access treatment. Expanding access to care helps reduce burdens during life’s most difficult moments. That’s why I was proud to work alongside Senator Van Hollen to help secure $2.75 million in federal funding to support comprehensive radiation therapy services at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. This new center represents something deeply important: bringing lifesaving, high-quality cancer care closer to home for the people of Western Maryland,” said Senator Angela Alsobrooks.
The ribbon cutting also served as an opportunity for UPMC Western Maryland to show continued gratitude to the Schwab family of Cumberland for their generosity. “The Schwab family’s extraordinary $1 million gift during our hospital’s capital campaign formed the very foundation upon which this cancer center was built,” said Martz. “The Schwab name has become synonymous with healing, hope and excellence in care. For every patient and family who has walked through these halls, the impact of that generosity is both seen and deeply felt. It is on their family’s shoulders that this center has thrived, and their legacy will continue to define the care and compassion we will provide for generations to come.”
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