The Weisberg Cancer Center has almost tripled in size, provides treatment access to more patients
The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute has completed an over 50,000-square-foot expansion at the Lawrence and Idell Weisberg Cancer Center (Weisberg) in Farmington Hills. Keeping the slogan of “Caring, Healing, Expanding” in mind, the completion of the fourth and final phase gives Karmanos patients in Oakland County a conveniently located, full-service outpatient oncology center. Karmanos held a grand reveal and ribbon cutting celebration with tours of the refreshed cancer center Tuesday, Oct. 24.
“This place looks nothing like it did five years ago. There was an incredible amount of work and an incredible amount of dedication that has gone into make this facility as beautiful as it is today," began Brian Gamble, president of Karmanos Cancer Hospital, during the grand reveal celebration. "The idea was to take all of the cancer services that we provide in Detroit and bring them to the communities where our patients live."
The expansion and renovation at Weisberg include:
- New imaging equipment and expanded spaces
- 3-D mammography
- Ultrasound
- X-ray
- A women’s corridor
- An interventional radiology suite
- A newly designed radiation oncology suite
- A brand-new infusion center
- State-of-the-art nuclear medicine, including a gamma camera
- Bone density scanning
- A brand-new procedure suite
- Additional, large exam rooms
- More expanded dressing rooms
- New retail pharmacy space and services/li>
- Expanded lobby and wait areas
- Addition of a snack and nourishment area
- An expanded healing arts space
- More private treatment areas
- Massage therapy area
- New entryway canopy and front door
The new renovations mimic the original design of a chalet, carrying the features of this Swiss-inspired architecture design throughout the space to create a sense of tranquility and put patients at ease. Constructed and carried out in four phases, patients saw the building transform and come to life as they continued their treatment and services.
“This space at Weisberg is bright, spacious and provides views to what will soon be a vibrant garden. This, in combination with the art installations throughout this building, the warm woodwork, and the friendly faces – are all part of the tranquility that makes Weisberg so special,” said Meghan Malley, an 11-year breast cancer survivor and patient at Weisberg. “The expansion of this facility will allow me and thousands of others to receive the highest level of care with state-of-the-art equipment, close to home, in an environment that fosters healing, recovery and hope.”
“That is our hope for patients and the reason we come to work every day,” said Joseph Uberti, M.D., Ph.D., interim president and CEO of the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, during Tuesday’s ceremony. “We want to make the process for our patients as easy as possible.”
Karmanos also welcomed Farmington Hills Mayor Vicki Barnett and state Rep. Samantha Steckloff, House District 37, to speak at the event. Barnett and Steckloff are mother and daughter. They both reflected on Steckloff’s own breast cancer journey and the importance of having a full cancer care outpatient center in Farmington Hills.
“Cancer treatment is tough,” said Steckloff as she opened her remarks. “As you walk through these halls, I want you to take close attention to the details… you need to feel a sort of tranquility, you need to feel a peace and a hope within. And I felt that walking through here. I am almost in tears thinking about all of the lives you are going to change that walk through these doors.
“This is a life-changing facility… I hope you leave here today knowing that this place — this special place right here in Farmington Hills — is going to be a lifeline to so many people and a lifeline to those families watching their loved ones go through treatment.”
Justin Klamerus, M.D., M.M.M., executive vice president and Chief Medical Officer at McLaren Health Care, Jeffrey Zonder, M.D., medical oncologist, leader of the Multiple Myeloma and Amyloidosis Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) and member of the Hematology Oncology MDT at Karmanos, were also speakers at the grand reveal celebration.
Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute established a presence in Oakland County with the opening of the now Weisberg Cancer Center in 2001 and quickly outgrew its capacity. The National Cancer Institute-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center is McLaren Health Care’s oncology service line. Both organizations understand the importance of offering world-class cancer care in urban, suburban and rural communities. They have worked together to increase the Farmington Hills clinic footprint from 17,700 square feet to nearly 68,000, offering more cancer screening and cancer treatment services under one roof.
Karmanos Cancer Institute would like to thank its partners who have made this project possible, including the city of Farmington Hills, Kramer Management Group, Ghafari Associates and Roncelli, Inc.
Learn more about what Weisberg offers Karmanos patients at karmanos.org/farmington-hills.