July 8, 2011 -- Mercy Medical Center announced today that it has received $4,038,550 in funding over 3 years from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust to improve oncology care and increase access to clinical trials at its Leonard P. Nelson Family Cancer Treatment Center.

The funds will help integrate new Linear Acceleration Technology. This therapy delivers high-energy x-rays or particles to a specific area. The funds will also improve Mercy's capacity to provide Image Guided Radiotherapy (IGRT). The availability of these new technologies will lessen the time of treatment for patients and allow them to receive the highest quality of care closer to home.

“We are deeply grateful for the support of The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust in helping make these important initiatives a reality,” said Matt Grimshaw, President and CEO of Mercy Medical Center. “Implementation of these projects at Mercy will further enhance the high quality care already provided by allowing our physicians and staff access to the best technology for diagnosis and treatment of the most prevalent cancers. It also allows our patients the best level of care available--right here in Williston, which reduces the need to travel, and keeps patients here near family and loved ones.”

The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust provides funding for innovative projects that use information technologies to connect rural patients to specialty medical care, provides the latest medical therapies and facilitates programs for underserved populations that places particular stress on existing health care facilities and local governments.  The Leonard P. Nelson Family Cancer Treatment Center funding is part of The Helmsley Rural Health Program which over the last two years awarded a total of more than $104 million in grants to institutions and organizations in the upper Midwest. 

The Leonard P. Nelson Family Cancer Treatment Center at Mercy Medical Center was founded in 1996.  The center is the leading provider of oncology services in the region, delivering individualized cancer care, close to home. Patients can receive treatment for a wide variety of cancers including gynecologic, breast, lung, prostate, and head and neck. Patients also have access to a full range of support services including a social worker, dietitian, cancer support group and spiritual care. These services complement the cancer program which primarily consists of Radiation Therapy and Chemotherapy.

The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Trust, established in 1999, is administered by four trustees selected by Leona Helmsley as a continuation of Mr. and Mrs. Helmsley’s generous giving through their lifetimes. The Trust supports a diverse range of organizations with a major focus on health and medical research, in addition to programs in human services, education and conservation. The Trust aspires to improve lives by supporting effective nonprofits. 

For additional information regarding this release or to arrange media interviews, contact Leslie Sullivan, Communications and Marketing Manager, at 701.774.7466.

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