May 9, 2006

Groundbreaking held for Mills Breast Cancer Institute

Members of the Mills family, and officials from Carle Foundation Hospital, Carle Clinic Association, and the University of Illinois broke ground today on the Mills Breast Cancer Institute. The world-class center will be dedicated to breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and research.

“Our goal is bold—to find a cure,” said James C. Leonard, MD, president and CEO, The Carle Foundation. “We’re thankful for the incredible generosity of Linda and Doug Mills whose $10 million gift is serving as a springboard for others who want their legacies to have such a powerful impact on breast cancer patients and their families.”

The doors of the Mills Breast Cancer Institute are expected to open to patient care and research in spring 2008. Site preparation and utility clearing will begin immediately. Construction of the actual building is set to begin in November 2006. The entire project is estimated at around $30 million.

The unique facility will house nearly all of the components of breast cancer care, as well as research. Carle Clinic Association physicians will continue to provide comprehensive cancer care including oncology and surgery; diagnostics, including mammography, sonography, and stereo tactic biopsies; chemotherapy; and social services. A bone densitometry unit will be on-hand to screen for osteoporosis.

The Institute will also provide support services such as nutrition counseling, genetic and risk assessment counseling, support groups, palliative care, and boutique services, such as wigs and prostheses. A library and computer resource center will be available for patients and healthcare providers. Other educational opportunities include interactive telemedicine, seminars and continuing education events. All of the services will be provided in a state-of-the art building designed with breast cancer patients in mind.

“People receiving treatment spend so much time here for chemotherapy and further testing. We want to provide them with a beautiful, safe, less stressful environment offering privacy and support to get healthy,” said Patricia Johnson, MD, PhD, Carle Clinic oncologist. “We’re building a place where physicians and other providers can further collaborate to give care. With medical doctors and researchers working under one roof the patients will get what they need. We can all benefit by being in one building and providing the team approach for each patient.”

An entire floor of the Institute will be dedicated to cutting edge research by scientists associated with the University of Illinois. Emphasis will be on research in collaboration with University of Illinois scientists and Carle Clinic Association physicians.

Research partnerships through the University of Illinois include work with world renowned researcher Benita Katzenellenbogen, Ph.D. She currently has a research project at Carle Foundation Hospital and her research on predicting breast cancer response to endocrine therapy will continue under the auspices of the Mills Breast Cancer Institute. Stephen Boppart, M.D., Ph.D., who has nearly completed one study at Carle with his imaging approach to breast cancer and is about to begin a new study. Dr. Boppart has located his new imaging equipment at Carle. Carle Clinic Association physicians currently are involved in 190 clinical trials for the prevention, treatment, and support of cancer care. Carle Foundation Hospital officials have begun their search for a founding physician director for this new institute who will bring additional research and expertise to the community.

Linda and Doug Mills, originally from Galesburg, Ill., announced their $10 million gift to establish the Mills Breast Cancer Institute in July 2005. Mrs. Mills, a breast cancer survivor, is currently being treated for a recurrence of the disease first diagnosed in 1991. An additional $367,844 has been raised for the Institute by the Carle Development Foundation.

“Additional contributions will enhance the project by providing new dollars for vanguard research, enable medical and community education, and bolster patient care, patient and family amenities,” said Robert Driver, vice president of Fund Development, The Carle Foundation.

Carle Foundation Hospital has also secured a $100,000 federal grant thanks to Sen. Richard Durbin. That money will be used for equipment.

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