Friends for Life Event Supports Initiative to Expand Bassett's Cancer Services in Oneonta and Beyond

Oneonta, NY – Over $67,000 was raised at Friends of Bassett Healthcare Network’s Friends for Life breakfast, held on Friday, October 18 in the atrium of the Foothills Performing Arts Center in Oneonta. All proceeds from the event are designated for the Bassett Cancer Institute Initiative.

This initiative seeks to raise a total of $3.5 million to support the expansion of Bassett’s cancer services, largely through two major projects. A state grant has been secured to cover a majority of the costs, but the remaining funding must be covered through philanthropic contributions sought by the Friends of Bassett Healthcare Network.

Improving Cancer Treatment at FoxCare Center

One project included in the Bassett Cancer Institute Initiative would expand the Medical Oncology Unit at FoxCare Center in Oneonta, one of Bassett’s most-utilized cancer centers. The $2 million project would add exam rooms, increase the number of infusion treatment bays, modernize the cancer pharmacy, and provide a more comfortable, soothing environment for patients, among other improvements.

Making all healthcare services more accessible to the people of Oneonta and fully utilizing A.O. Fox Hospital’s capabilities remain major objectives for Bassett Healthcare Network. Care provided by Fox has increased, with inpatient admissions up 11.5%, inpatient surgeries up 52%, women’s health visits up 15%, pediatrics visits up 10.8%, and dentistry visits up 27.8% since 2023. Physician recruitment efforts have expanded, leading to 31 new providers hired across Bassett’s Oneonta-based practices over the past year. In addition, more specialists are rotating into the area.

“I am committed to the success of A.O. Fox Hospital and FoxCare Center,” said Staci Thompson, MHA, FACMPE, President and CEO of Bassett Healthcare Network and President of A.O. Fox Hospital. “The expansion of cancer services at FoxCare Center is crucial for our providers, who are working with the utmost compassion and skill, proving their commitment to their patients as they see them through what can be a very difficult time.”

Getting Bassett’s Mobile Cancer Coach Back on the Road

Another project included in the Bassett Cancer Institute Initiative would allow Bassett to invest in a new state-of-the-art Mobile Cancer Screening Coach. This RV-style medical coach first hit the road over a decade ago, providing diagnostic and preventative services to a significant number of patients who live in remote, rural areas within the eight-county area Bassett Healthcare Network serves.

In 2017, the original vehicle was replaced, but due to the large region the coach covers, mileage adds up quickly, leading to numerous repair costs. The coach is currently off the road due to engine failure and electrical issues. A new coach, equipped with digital screening equipment and clinical exam space, will cost $1.5 million dollars.

“The Mobile Cancer Coach is one way we can perform outreach and serve economically disadvantaged and underprivileged populations. Early detection can be life-saving,” said Dr. Alfred Tinger, Chief and Medical Director of the Bassett Cancer Institute. “The numbers of patients seeking cancer care at Bassett facilities continues to climb, making this philanthropic initiative to improve our facilities and expand our services all the more vital.”

Support Is Needed and Appreciated

The success of this year’s Friends for Life breakfast is due in large part to the generous support of sponsors, including Tricia Asaro and Steve Kroll, Casella Waste Management of New York, Inc., Compass One, Consigli Construction, Fenimore Asset Management Inc., E4H Environments for Health Architecture, Fidelis Care New York, Lippes Mathias, LLP, Matco Electric Corporation, Medtronic Incorporated, LLC, O’Connor First Attorneys at Law, Optum, Gail and David Rowley, and Robert Birch, Esq. and Patrick Kinley, CPA of Schlather & Birch PLLC. 

“We appreciate the sponsors who make our fundraising events possible and show their commitment to ensuring exceptional healthcare remains close to home,” said Sheila LeMaster, Vice President and Chief Development Officer for Friends of Bassett. “Efforts to raise funds for the Bassett Cancer Institute Initiative will ultimately benefit people in our local communities who are in need of cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. All wishing to contribute should visit friendsofbassett.org to learn more.”

About Friends of Bassett Healthcare Network

The Friends of Bassett Healthcare Network is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing philanthropic support for Bassett Healthcare Network. The Friends connect caring members of the community with opportunities to make a difference through the power of philanthropy. Community support makes a tangible difference, funding state-of-the-art equipment, new programs and initiatives, and medical education – all to benefit the individuals and families living in Central New York. To learn more about the Friends of Bassett, visit friendsofbassett.org, follow the organization on Facebook, or sign up to receive the quarterly e-newsletter.

About Bassett Healthcare Network

Bassett Healthcare Network is an integrated health system that provides care and services to people living in a 5,600 square mile region in central New York. The organization includes five corporately affiliated hospitals, over two dozen community-based health centers, more than 20 school-based health centers, two skilled nursing facilities, and other health partners in related fields. To learn more about services available throughout the Bassett Healthcare Network, visit www.bassett.org. Follow Bassett on Facebook, X (formery Twitter), and LinkedIn. Bassett Healthcare Network is an equal opportunity provider and employer.