Celebrates the Whittingham Family’s Remarkable Philanthropic Legacy of Cancer Care
Norwalk Hospital unveiled the new centerpiece of its cancer care programming at a Ribbon-Cutting Celebration on Saturday, October 29, 2016 for the Hospital’s new C. Anthony and Jean Whittingham Cancer Center. The 35,000-square-foot facility is part of the largest expansion project in Norwalk Hospital’s nearly 125-year history.
More than 400 people toured the new Whittingham Cancer Center, which doubles the Hospital’s existing cancer treatment space and combines the latest in life-saving technologies with the medical expertise and personalized care the community has come to rely upon.
Features of the new Whittingham Cancer Center include an outdoor healing garden for patients, families and caregivers, contemporary consultation rooms and patient space with media and refreshments, two private infusion suites, 18 light-filled infusion bays with views of Long Island Sound, a dedicated CT Simulator and two state-of-the-art linear accelerators. The new Center also includes spacious areas for patient support services and for the Hospital’s extensive clinical trials and collaborative research with nationally recognized cancer research centers.
Philanthropists and long-time supporters of Norwalk Hospital, the late C. Anthony and Jean Whittingham of Stamford were instrumental in the creation of the original C. Anthony and Jean Whittingham Cancer Center in 1997. The couple’s generosity helped Norwalk Hospital bring advanced cancer care services and technology to the greater Norwalk community.
A successful Fairfield County businessman, C. Anthony Whittingham served on Norwalk Hospital’s Board of Trustees, where he was recognized as an honorary lifetime member. “His commitment to cancer care began at a very early age,” said his son Andrew Whittingham, vice chairman of the Norwalk Hospital Board of Trustees and vice chairman of the Board of Directors of Western Connecticut Health Network (WCHN).
“My grandmother passed away from ovarian cancer when my father was very young,” said Whittingham. ”My father promised himself that he would help those suffering from illness if he were ever in a position to do so. The creation of the original C. Anthony and Jean Whittingham Cancer Center was just the beginning.”
Today, the extended Whittingham family, including Andrew and his brother Michael Whittingham, continue their commitment to cancer care as lead contributors for the new Whittingham Cancer Center. The Whittingham family has committed $4.5 million in support of cancer care services at Norwalk Hospital since 1997.
Norwalk Hospital President Michael Daglio said the new Whittingham Cancer Center would not be a reality without philanthropic support. “I am deeply humbled by our community’s incredible generosity. Hundreds of people and businesses contributed to the Hospital’s fundraising efforts, and I extend a special thank you to the Whittinghams for their exceptional commitment to Norwalk Hospital and the greater community. Their gift will truly touch countless lives for generations to come.”
“The new Whittingham Cancer Center offers a full complement of cancer care services close to home," said Dr. Thomas J. Rutherford, physician director of cancer services for WCHN. “Cancer patients do not need to leave our community to receive the latest treatment options available.”
The new Whittingham Cancer Center’s contemporary diagnostics, therapies and technology include:
- Medical Oncology and Subspecialty Practices, including Breast, Gynecologic, Lung, Prostate, Colorectal and Hematologic experts
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Cancer Genetics
- Radiation Therapy
- Cancer Research and Clinical Trials
- Psychological and Social Supports, including Integrative Therapy, Nutrition Programming, Navigation Services, Support Groups and Spiritual Care