Barbara Propst, of New Windsor, no longer needs to drive to Baltimore for radiation treatments for her uterine cancer. Instead, she has a short drive to Carroll Hospital in Westminster, where state-of-the-art technology was unveiled Friday.
Propst, 73, is treated with a technology that aims radiation directly at the cancer tumors with what is being hailed as “increased accuracy,” intended to protect the healthy tissue. The system, known as the TrueBeam 4.0 linear accelerator and made by Varian Medical Systems, was unveiled during a ribbon cutting ceremony at the William E. Kahlert Regional Cancer Center at Carroll Hospital Friday.
The radiation machine is thanks to a $2.5 million donation from The Kahlert Foundation. The gift is also a welcome blessing for Propst.
“When you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, at times it can be overwhelming,” Propst said, holding back tears. “Trying to keep up with schedules and treatment and trying to live a normal life. Now I don’t have to go to Baltimore for 25 days of treatment in a row.
“I’m in my 70s, and I prefer not to travel into the city,” she said, while thanking staff for helping her through treatment.
Dr. David Perry, chair of Radiation Oncology for the William E. Kahlert Regional Cancer Center at Carroll Hospital, called the technology a “monumental landmark,” as it gives patients the option to receive much-needed care closer to home.
Perry said it pinpoints treatment for all types of cancer.
“I’ve been here nearly two years, and to tell families they’re going to receive the best technology is a true gift,” he said.
Perry said the equipment is comparable to what is used at some of the best cancer centers in the world.
“It’s world class cancer treatment,” he said. “We’re very excited about it.”
The $2.5 million donation is part of an ongoing partnership between The Kahlert Foundation and the hospital.
Kahlert Foundation President Greg Kahlert thanked staff for putting together the room that houses the new radiation equipment.
“I do get asked from time to time, ‘What is the most impactful gift [the foundation] has given?’” Kahlert said. “I always come back to the hospital and the Kahlert Regional Cancer Center.”
In 2014, the foundation donated $5 million to the hospital’s foundation, which helped to build the regional cancer center.
According to the most recent numbers from the Carroll County Health Department, prostate cancer is most diagnosed cancer in the county, with 152.4 cases in 2019. This was followed by breast cancer (145.5), lung cancer (55.6), melanoma (45.5), colorectal (36.0) and oral (14.1).
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The control area for the TrueBeam
4.0 linear accelerator. A ribbon cutting ceremony Friday, for the $2.5 million state-of-the art TrueBeam 4.0 linear accelerator, made by Varian Medical Systems, a gift from The Kahlert Foundation at William E. Kahlert Regional Cancer Center at Carroll Hospital. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
The control area for the TrueBeam 4.0 linear accelerator. A ribbon cutting ceremony Friday, for the $2.5 million state-of-the art TrueBeam 4.0 linear accelerator, made by Varian Medical Systems, a gift from The Kahlert Foundation at William E. Kahlert Regional Cancer Center at Carroll Hospital. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)