Praxair Cancer Center Is Dedicated

DANBURY — More than 400 people joined Gov John Rowland, Danbury Mayor Gene Eriquez, and Yale Cancer Center Director Vincent T. DeVita, Jr, MD, last week for the dedication of the Praxair Canter Center at Danbury Hospital.

Named to honor a $2 million gift from Praxair, Inc., in 1999, the center is one of Connecticut’s most unique, modern, and comfortable facilities dedicated to the support and treatment of people with cancer, the leading killer in Connecticut. The center further enhances the hospital’s designation as the Western Connecticut Affiliate of the Yale Cancer Center and the first affiliate to join the Yale Oncology Network in 1996.

Praxair Cancer Center employees, medical staff, nurses, and other professionals were honored, as were community residents who have made donations to benefit the hospital’s oncology program.

In addition to Gov Rowland, Mayor, Eriquez and Dr DeVita, who served as keynote speaker, remarks were offered by H. William Lichtenberger, retired chairman and CEO, Praxair, Inc.; John F. Pezzimenti, MD, director of Cancer Medicine and Chief, Oncology/Hematology, Danbury Hospital; and Frank J. Kelly, president and CEO, Danbury Hospital and Danbury Health Systems. Gerard D. Robilotti, executive vice president, Danbury Health Systems and president, Danbury Hospital Development Fund, served as master of ceremonies.

The Praxair Cancer Center features nearly 40,000 square feet of “unhospital-like” space on several floors of Danbury Hospital’s Strook Building and consolidates cancer services under one roof for greater patient comfort and convenience.

Decorated with cherry wood accents, etched glass, and earth tone shades, the center is home to both of the region’s medical oncology practices (Danbury Office of Physician Services and Danbury Internal Medicine Associates). It also houses the John A. and Vera M. Fitzgerald/Merrill Lynch Chemotherapy Infusion Center, which includes a garden-like courtyard, the Isabella T. Farrington Conference Room, and the Tree of Life in loving memory of Ray P. Jowdy, given by his family.

Additionally, the center includes the Praxair Inpatient Oncology Unit, the Philip N. Hadley Department of Radiation Oncology, the Ruth C. Donovan Cancer Resource Center, cancer center manager and support services including research, tumor registry, the Concierge/Patient Care Coordinator, and several community agents.