Baptist Cancer Services Launches $15 Million Fund-Raising Campaign

Jackson, Miss. - April 10, 2003 - Baptist Cancer Services, part of Baptist Health Systems in Jackson, Miss., is launching a $15 million Capital Campaign co-chaired by Rick and Ann Calhoon.

"At Baptist Cancer Services, our vision for cancer care was developed by talking to patients, families, caregivers and cancer survivors. We asked them to tell us about their experiences and what they need to help them through the process. Their answers to these questions have become the focus of the Campaign for Baptist Cancer Services. Our goal is to put into place any and all services that will help our patients and their families have the best possible quality of life," said Vice Chairman of Baptist Health Systems Board of Trustees Rick Calhoon.

Other members of Baptist Cancer Services Capital Campaign Cabinet are Brett Couch, Doug Hederman, James W. Hood, Alvis T. Hunt, Ted D. Jackson, Donald L. Kilgore, William W. Lampton, Justin McClure, Howard L. McMilllan, Jr., Paul G. Moak, Jr., Gail J. Pittman, Jon David Smith, J. H. "Tommy" Thames, Harry M. Walker, J. Kelley Williams, and Andy Wimberly.

To kick off the Capital Campaign, former President George Bush and his wife, Barbara, will tour Baptist Cancer Services on May 5, 2003. Then, they will attend a luncheon benefiting Baptist Cancer Services at the Crowne Plaza in downtown Jackson.

"We are grateful for the commitment of this Campaign Cabinet," said Baptist President and Chief Executive Officer Kurt W. Metzner. "Their leadership will be instrumental in helping Baptist Cancer Services reach its goal of expanding support services for cancer patients and their families."

Baptist Cancer Services, which opened the 39,000 sq ft. Hederman Cancer Center in May 2002, is expanding support services and planning for additional patient and family facilities. Through its fund-raising efforts, Baptist Cancer Services will renovate an existing property on Manship Street to create a guest house/lodge facility. The Lodge will provide housing for Baptist's cancer patients and their families who live outside the Jackson area. Baptist Cancer Services treats patients from 71 out of Mississippi's 82 counties. These patients may drive two to three hours each way, every day for weeks for their therapy. The Cancer Services Lodge will give them and their families convenient, comfortable, private accommodations within walking distance of Baptist, allowing them to undergo daily cancer treatment without the added difficulty of commuting.

Additional funds will expand a transportation program that currently provides free transportation to cancer patients within a 30-mile radius of Jackson. Future plans are to expand the service to provide roundtrip transportation within a 60-mile radius of the greater Jackson area between Baptist and the homes of cancer patients. The transportation program will also include valet parking services for patients.

Funds will also be used to develop a private outdoor garden area adjacent to and accessible from the Center for cancer patients to enjoy. For cancer patients and their families, it would not be unusual to spend between six and eight hours a day at the Center during treatment. The garden area will offer a private secluded area where they can enjoy peace and quiet, fresh air and a place to temporarily escape.

Corporate sponsorships for the May 5 luncheon with former President Bush are currently available. For more information, call Baptist's Corporate Communications Department at 968-5135.

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