Truman opens new cancer center

The new Richard and Annette Bloch Cancer Center at Truman Medical Centers started treating patients this week, the hospital said Wednesday in a news release.

TMC announced the project in June after receiving a $2.3 million gift from the R.A. Bloch Cancer Foundation.

Annette Bloch’s husband, Richard, battled cancer for more than two decades before dying of heart failure in 2004. Richard Bloch co-founded the tax-preparation firm of H&R Block with his brother, Henry, in 1955.

At nearly 17,000 square feet, the new cancer center is more than triple the size of the previous unit at TMC.

Philanthropic support funded the entire $6 million project. Other major donors included the Hall Family Foundation and the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation.

The hospital has scheduled a grand opening with donors, supporters and local officials for May, according to the release.

“The new area is such a calming, peaceful environment with just the right amount of natural light and open space, yet you still have that interaction with staff and other patients,” oncology patient Norma Steve said in the release. “It just doesn’t feel like you are actually in a hospital.”

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