Tour group within the new Tyler Family Cancer Center.

ATLANTIC, IOWA – Officials at Cass Health, Sunday afternoon, unveiled the Tyler Family Cancer Center during their open house on Sunday. The Tyler Family Cancer Center is the treatment and infusion section of the Cass Health Specialty Clinic. CEO Brett Altman said “This has been brewing over the last several months, and I am thrilled to share this exciting news with our community. Cass Health provides excellent cancer care, and we are proud to partner with the Tyler family to bring awareness to patients throughout southwest Iowa. The Tylers are a local family that know all too well the impacts of cancer and what a difference it makes to receive care close to home from the neighbors you trust. It is with profound gratitude that we announce that they have made a very generous gift to cover the expense of our remodeled cancer care center.”

Crowd in the atrium (Photos courtesy Ann McCurdy, CCHS Marketing & Communications Coordinator)

Members of the family were present for the unveiling and tours of the new area, which was completely remodeled this spring and summer. Kirk Tyler said  “All of us here today have been touched by cancer – whether family, friends, or ourselves, we know the devastation that it can cause. In our own family, we lost our mom, Dottie, and most recently, our sister, Amy, to cancer. While I wish we could solve cancer – what we can do is help comfort and support the patients and families who are battling cancer now and in the years to come.” The Tyler Family Cancer Center provides care to patients throughout southwest and west central Iowa. Multiple oncologists and advanced practice providers work in the department. Oncologist Dr. Seema Harichand also spoke at the unveiling along with oncology patient Mike Henningsen.

After the announcement, visitors toured the newly expanded space and talked with the staff. Cass Health Specialty Clinic Director Traci Brockman, RN, said “This space has become a calming refuge for patients who often spend hours receiving treatments, like chemotherapy. We put a lot of thought and care into the details. The chairs have heat and massage functions, the colors are subdued, and we have a custom ceiling with star lights. All of these things help create a healing environment for our patients to relax.”