Grand View Hospital Celebrates the Naming of The Longacre Family Radiation Oncology Center
(May 20 , 2011) Sellersville, PA – Four generations of the Longacre family joined members and friends of Grand View Hospital in a special dedication ceremony held Thursday for the naming of The Longacre Family Radiation Oncology Center located at the hospital. The naming came about when Grand View approached the Longacre family about recognizing its generosity and leadership spanning more than 50 years across three generations.
It was compassionate care Ken Longacre received for pancreatic cancer in the radiation oncology unit that prompted his son, Ken Jr. and other family members to decide it would be the area to bear the family name. “What started for my father as a desire to serve turned into a passion," said Ken Jr. during the dedication. His father served on the Board for 25 years beginning in 1979 during a period of significant growth. In 2004 the most ambitious master facilities plan in Grand View history commenced. The plan led to the opening of three new outpatient centers, an expanded maternity wing, significant technology investments, and other projects. To help fund the $56 million expansion, Farm & Oil Company, a Longacre family enterprise, contributed to the “Expanding the Vision” capital campaign, naming the new Women’s Center at the Outpatient Center at Harleysville.
“Ken gave a lot to this hospital, yet he remained a real down-to-earth guy liked by everyone,” commented Martin Hightower, MD, who had directed Ken’s radiation oncology care. “His time, leadership, and vision has benefitted us all in many ways. I am proud this center will bear his name for all who follow.”
|
|
Ken Longacre Jr. speaking at the dedication of The Longacre Radiation Oncology Center at Grand View Hospital
L to R: Ken Longacre Jr. and his wife Cindy; Rich Longacre and his wife Rose; Cora Longacre; Dave Anders; Donna Longacre; and Beth Longacre Anders |
“The Longacres have helped Grand View reach significant milestones in our history with generous giving of time and resources,” Sr. Vice President Mark Horne said prior to the unveiling of a large plaque that will be mounted in the center’s patient reception area. Their personal commitment to Grand View began in 1958 when Ken Sr.’s father, Horace, founder of the Horace W. Longacre Poultry Company, joined the hospital’s Board of Trustees.
Horace’s time of service was also marked by significant growth. The hospital added a new wing with 75 patient beds, new operating rooms, and an expanded maternity department and laboratory. Horace remained active on the Board for 17 years and served as an Emeritus Trustee until his passing in 2009. He served as Chairman of both the Hospital and Grand View Health Foundation boards.
Carrying on the legacy of his grandfather and father, Ken Jr. began a third generation of Longacre leadership and support when he accepted an invitation to serve on the Grand View Foundation Board in 2009. Ken Jr. reflected, “Grand View meant so much to my father and grandfather. It is an honor to be here today. This means a lot to our family.”
Anyone can help ensure the continuation of quality health care to area residents by making a donation to Grand View Hospital. Memorial donations, bequests, estate gifts, and all types of charitable contributions should be directed to Grand View Health Foundation at 215-513-3938.
About Grand View’s Regional Cancer Program
The Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons has granted three-year approval with commendation to Grand View’s Regional Cancer Program. The Outpatient Center at Sellersville has been awarded an accreditation after a recent survey by the American College of Radiology. The center is a designated Breast Imaging Center of Excellence, according to the Commission on Quality and Safety and the Commission on Breast Excellence. The Radiation Oncology Practice of Grand View Hospital and the High Point Cancer Center were awarded three-year accreditation by the American College of Radiation Oncology.
About Grand View Hospital
Grand View Hospital, Bucks County’s first hospital, has provided residents of Bucks and Montgomery Counties with comprehensive health care services since 1913.Grand View offers a range of care – particularly emphasizing the areas of cancer treatment, women's and children's health, surgery, orthopaedics, and heart and vascular care. Grand View Hospital has been named among the best hospitals in the Philadelphia Metro area by U.S. News & World Report and is recognized as “High Performing” in orthopaedics and geriatrics. Visit www.gvh.org for more information about the hospital, its programs, and services. |