(SitNews) Ketchikan, Alaska - PeaceHealth Ketchikan Medical Center (KMC) will have a Cancer Resource Room thanks to a generous donation from the Alec and Cornelia Brindle family. 

The family, which has a storied history in Southeast Alaska, donated $100,000 through the KMC Foundation to support the project which honors Cornelia "Pinky" Brindle who died after a five-year struggle from lung cancer in 2008. Pinky was the wife of Alec Brindle Sr. and the mother of Alec Brindle Jr. 

The Brindle family story in Ketchikan began over a century ago when a mine-watchman moved with his family from Kasaan to Ketchikan. Young Alexander Brindle, the oldest of six, was an early and eager entrepreneur. He collected Seattle newspapers from supply ships and sold them to locals, he hauled coal up the stair streets of Ketchikan with his brothers, and together they bought a boat. By 1928, the brothers owned a small cannery in Ward Cove. 

This was the beginning of the long, productive relationship between the Brindles and Ketchikan. Their many business ventures contributed to the growth of the community and the support of the community was essential to the success of the businesses.

Alec Brindle Jr., the grandson of Alexander, said, "Ketchikan is an important part of our family legacy. This donation is our attempt to, in a small way, help the community where we have, over the years, had many great experiences and made many friends."

The Cancer Resource Room will provide help and support to cancer patients and their families. Since cancer is such a complicated and diverse diagnosis, those affected by the disease are forced to process great amounts of information, learn new medical processes, and meet new healthcare providers. Coupled with the disease itself, the process can seem overwhelming. 

An oncology nurse will be a Cancer Care Coordinator for patients and family to help with travel coordination, infusion schedules, appointments, and supplies. KMC will partner with the First City Council on Cancer to help link outside services with those offered within PeaceHealth. 

The Brindles know too well the impact of cancer on patients and families. Alec Brindle Sr. said, "Pinky first exhibited symptoms of her disease during a walk around Ward Lake in Ketchikan. 

"During the course of her treatment in Seattle, which consisted of hours of traditional chemotherapy, and her participation in several clinical trials, she never once complained even though she had severe reactions to some of the trials. She was determined to continue participation in the hope the results of her treatment, even if not helpful for her, would lead to knowledge that would help others. 

"Her response was to tell the doctor, 'Well, let's try something else, let's not give up'. The cancer support resource the Swedish Hospital provided was important support to us through this difficult time. 

"Over the course of her treatment we were fortunate to have the opportunity to have access to the hospital Chaplain. We met with her regularly and she was more than helpful in guiding us through the emotional turmoil we experienced as we alternated between feelings of hope and resignation -- but never despair. 

"Seattle is a major cancer treatment and research center. Many resources are available for patients and their families. We hope that in making this donation a similar degree of support can be provided to cancer patients, their families and the people of Ketchikan."

Source of News:

PeaceHealth Ketchikan Medical Center
www.peacehealth.org/ketchikan

 

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