As I write this editorial, I am surprised at how many people are still confused about the construction of the Community Cancer Center for which funds are now being raised.

Yes, construction currently is underway on the Fitzgibbon Hospital campus. No, this construction is not the Community Cancer Center.

The hospital currently is in the midst of a $10 million expansion project that promises to increase patient satisfaction by updating and expanding outpatient service areas, radiology services and outpatient clinics. This project is being paid for through revenue bonds, which will in turn be repaid form revenues earned through services provided.

This expansion will include a new registration area, a new and expanded gift shop, a "women-only" radiology suite, new outpatient clinic space, an expanded outpatient surgery area, and much more.

The Community Cancer Center Capital Campaign now underway is seeking to raise $4 million for the construction of a cancer treatment center adjacent to the east side of the hospital, close to the current Emergency Room entrance. The Cancer Center is not part of the current construction. It is my understanding that construction on the Cancer Center will not begin until the campaign is much closer to its completion. Campaign leaders hope to be able to start on the Cancer Center as early as next spring but, as with all such projects, timing depends on funds available. To date, the Capital Campaign has raised $1,650,803, leaving a balance of $2,349,197 yet to be raised. The Campaign is nearing the half-way point with regard to donations and pledges. When we reach that milestone, we will be able to approach many of the national foundations who require 50 percent or more of funding to be raised before they consider donating a major gift.

As the Community Gifts Division continues to reach out, each of us will have multiple opportunities to show our support for this project and help the Campaign to surpass the 50 percent goal.

So, as the saying goes, tell everybody you know. Fitzgibbon Hospital is not building a cancer treatment center -- at least not yet. But you can help the center to become a reality.

For more information about the Community Cancer Center Capital Campaign, contact the Campaign office at (660) 831-1202.

These columns about the Fitzgibbon Hospital Community Cancer Center Campaign appear periodically on Mondays.