Renovations at Gift of Life, Sletten Cancer Institute Are Story of Holistic, Ever-Advancing Cancer Care
Donors are vital in caring for cancer patients. Click here to learn more.
After 200 miles of driving, Patti Minnerath of Saco arrived at Gift of Life on East Campus ahead of treatment to find she was among the first guests to stay at the newly remodeled quarters.
Recently, guests moved into the newly renovated Benefis Gift of Life Housing on East Campus. Renovation efforts then shifted to the West Campus location.
Gift of Life guests stay at no cost when they must travel to Benefis Health System for cancer treatment, while tending a baby in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and for other medical care.
The new space has rooms that are better adapted to accessibility. They’re easier to clean, with appliances and fixtures in working order. New mini-refrigerators are in short-stay rooms. The expanded space to gather includes a workout room and outdoor seating.
Gift of Life Housing is functional, fresh, and beautiful – because of donors’ ongoing commitment to those Gift of Life serves.
Patti and her husband, Bob, have stayed at both houses. She called the newly remodeled rooms “fantastic.”
“I’m comfortable there, and the rooms are awesome,” she said. “I get to know people there, and it’s been a lifesaver for a lot of people.”
Traveling for care across this vast state can be cost-prohibitive and grueling. Gift of Life is part of caring for the whole person through their cancer journey.
Renovation also is underway to keep Sletten Cancer Institute at the forefront of cancer care in the region.
In the new Husted Teaching Kitchen at SCI, patients and their caregivers learn how they can stay nourished for the fight of their lives.
An expanded genetic counseling office, a revamped and beautiful waiting area for patients who need blood work, and a salon for wig fitting and other services have already begun making a difference for patients.
Now, efforts are underway to expand the infusion suite to provide more opportunities for healing. The first phase recently debuted with more private areas for those who are especially sick and an expanded pharmacy for customized treatment.
Construction is expected to be finished in time for the holidays — a gift to patients and those who care for them from Benefis and our community of donors.
The revamped space helps patients feel comfortable and safe during one of the most challenging experiences they’ll go through, Dr. Carolyn Rutter said.
“We are so humbled by the tremendous outpouring of support from our community for our patients and the work we do for them,” Dr. Rutter said. “We are passionate about giving Montanans outstanding cancer care right here close to home.”
