Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country | Founded 05-05-05

July 17, 2008 issue

Community Open House at Seby B. Jones Cancer Center July 26


Story by Katrina BentonThe Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center opened in 1993 to accommodate the growing number of medical oncology patients in the High Country. The center offers diagnostic and treatment procedures that include radiation, chemotherapy, biotherapy, brachytherapy, immunotherapy and hormonal treatments. Photo by Andrew Stewart

The Seby B. Jones Cancer Center in Boone will hold a Community Open House on Saturday, July 26, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and the event is free and open to the community. Attendees will meet at the Watauga Medical Center auditorium and have the opportunity to tour the cancer center, learn about cancer through informational booths and participate in a variety of activities.

Tours of the cancer center’s medical and radiation oncology units will be offered at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The tours will showcase the newly arrived linear accelerator that offers precise intensity modulated radiation therapy. The medical device allows for a more accurate dose of radiation to be administered to tumors while sparing surrounding tissues from harmful exposure.

The cancer center is one of the first in North Carolina to receive and use this particular linear accelerator model. The cancer center was able to obtain this highly advanced equipment because of donations by part- and full-time residents of the High Country.

“[We are] really excited that we have this new equipment that most major cities offer,” said Megan Ellis, director of special events for the Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation.

Nelson from Nelson’s Hair Salon will cut hair for up to four persons for donations to Locks of Love. To schedule an appointment, contact Ellis at 828-262-9564.
The American Cancer Society will provide visitors with information about early detection and prevention, and Boone Drug will have medical equipment on display. Dignity Products and the Appearance Boutique, a company that sells prosthetics to female cancer patients, will have information about post-mastectomy products and breast prosthesis.

Earth Fare, Stick Boy and Panera Bread will provide food and advice on nutritional cooking. An occupational therapist will be available to speak about lymphedema, a swelling condition that typically occurs after radiation therapy.

The Cancer Resource Alliance will sell cookbooks by cancer patients and staff of the Appalachian Regional Healthcare System for $10 a copy. The cookbook includes comfort food recipes for cancer patients undergoing treatment or recovery.

A 25-piece art installation from Lilly Oncology on Canvas: Expressions of a Cancer Journey Art Competition and Exhibition includes artwork and stories from a couple of local cancer patients and others from around the nation. Eli Lilly and Company developed the traveling show and competition in 2004 to honor people dealing with or who have dealt with cancer.

A massage and acupuncture table will be available for attendees, as well as a kids’ section with activities.

“[This open house] will show what is here and accessible in the High Country,” Ellis said. “People do not have to leave the area to receive the best treatment and use the best equipment available.”

For more info about this event, contact Ellis at 828-262-9564 or click to www.apprhs.org/sbjcc.

Want To Go?
Date: Saturday, July 26
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location: Watauga Medical Center Auditorium
Cost: Free