Press Releases

Bradley Cancer Center Named at Berger

Circleville, OH -- February 28, 2005 Charles P. and Constance J. Bradley made a significant impact on cancer care progress for Pickaway County residents when they recently pledged a major gift to the Berger Health Foundation for the development of an outpatient cancer center at Berger Hospital. The gift is given to honor the entire Bradley family, whose lives have been touched by cancer.

To acknowledge their generous gift, the center will be named the Bradley Cancer Center, dedicated in memory of Debra Kuhn Bradley, Charles' first wife and mother of their three sons, Donald, Mikel, and Chad. Debra died in June 1994, at the age of 40, after a battle with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. In addition, the Bradleys want to honor Constance's mother, Nancy Wright, who has battled non-Hodgkin's lymphoma since 1982.

"We have personally recognized the need for cancer treatment close to home," Bradley said. "With our gift, we want to help the many people in Pickaway County who fight the courageous cancer battle every day."

Bradley said his family feels fortunate to be able to make such a significant contribution to Berger's Cancer Center. "I felt a deep sense of spirituality about this project. Cancer has touched our lives -- both positively and negatively -- and by stepping forward with this donation, we can positively impact local residents and their battle with cancer. Our family has been given the opportunity to have a successful business in a great community, and we want to give back," he said.

Bradley shared that at the time of Debra's diagnosis, there was no cancer treatment being offered locally, and as a result they had to travel to Columbus for care. "I was trying to work full-time, raise three sons, and face the fact that I had a terminally ill wife. It was hard -- and I often think how much easier it would have been if cancer services would have been available locally," he said.

Bradley added he would never forget the night he realized Debra was near the end of her battle. She had become extremely ill in the middle of the night, and he took her to Berger's Emergency Department, where much of the staff had grown to know them. "We had no family living in Circleville, and I was trying to take care of everything on my own. I spent the entire night running back and forth from home and the emergency room to check on our teenage sons who I had to leave at home," he said.

Chuck took Debra home that night, knowing that she would have to go to Columbus the following day for care. They knew her time was limited, and they wanted to be at home, together. Debra died one week later. Although non-Hodgkin's lymphoma was considered to be one of the most controllable forms of cancer, Debra had developed a very rare lung infection brought on by the chemotherapy.

"When I think about what our family experienced during those weeks, I continue to think about the added challenges we encountered having to travel for Debra's care. We hope with our gift to the cancer center that local patients will no longer have to leave the community for care."

Construction on The Bradley Cancer Center is set to begin in May, with completion in August. The center will occupy the east end of the Noecker Building's first floor, and feature Dr. Sushil Jain's outpatient office, a chemotherapy suite, an American Cancer Society Resource Center, patient/family conference space, cancer support group space, and a room for the display and sale of cosmetic supplies for oncology patients. The center will also have a separate entrance and exterior canopy.

Dr. Sushil Jain's medical oncology and hematology practice has grown rapidly since opening in June 2004. The Bradley Cancer Center will provide him and his staff the space needed to accommodate their patients' needs. The ultimate goal for Berger's oncology program is the creation of a radiation treatment center in Pickaway County. The radiation treatment project is a part of Berger's master plan, in an effort to complete the array of oncology services that our patients need locally.

The Foundation's goal is to raise a minimum of $50,000 in community support for the Cancer Center. If you are interested in supporting this project, contact Joe Barylak, Berger Health Foundation Executive Director, at 740.420.8295. The Berger Health Foundation promotes philanthropy to advance and enhance healthcare services, equipment, technology, and facilities offered by Berger Health System to all residents of the Pickaway County area.

Charles and Constance Bradley recently pledged a major gift to the Berger Health Foundation for the development of a cancer center at Berger Hospital. They are shown (far left) with son and daughter-in-law, Donald and Joanna Bradley; Bob McKelvey, Foundation board president; and Dr. Sushil Jain, medical oncologist & hematologist. Not pictured are Bradley's sons Chad and Mikel.