About the Campaign

Through Champion the Cure, Eastern Maine Medical Center not only built a top-notch patient care facility, but also expanded cancer research in our region.  Advances in the field of genetics help identify new cancer treatment options, which benefit our patients and our families.

Champion the Cure was EMMC and the Maine Institute for Human Genetics and Health’s capital campaign to build a new, state-of-the-art cancer treatment and cancer research facility in Brewer, with direct access to Interstate-395.  It was an exciting response to one of EMMC’s highest priorities – meeting the demand for more space in which to deliver excellent cancer care. The building opened to patients on December 14, 2009.   

Designed to provide a healing and calming environment for patients, families and staff, the building houses medical oncology, radiation oncology, hematology and diagnostic services – including a blood laboratory, basic imaging and PET-CT scanning – on its first two floors. Radiation equipment includes machines that will greatly reduce treatment times and frequencies for many cancer patients.  The third floor of the building will eventually house the Maine Institute of Human Genetics and Health, providing cancer researchers with laboratory space for “translational research” – enabling advanced treatment options based on an individual’s unique cancer profile. 

Thanks to the superb leadership of campaign Co-Chairs, Bill Horner, MD and his wife Cookie, and an extraordinary team of other leadership volunteers, Champion the Cure received an outpouring of philanthropic support - over $11.6 million in gifts - from over 2,649 individuals, businesses and foundations.