Press Releases November 05, 2009
With emotion, joy, Smilow Cancer Hospital is dedicated
The day that Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale-New Haven was dedicated — Oct. 20, 2009 — was appropriately sunny. Speaker after speaker talked about the lives that would be saved and extended because patients could now receive treatment at the most comprehensive cancer hospital in the Northeast.
After greeting the 400-plus invited guests, trustees, donors and community leaders, Marna P. Borgstrom, president and CEO, said, "Like most great achievements, this project represents the intersection of ideas and people."
She recalled the time when, six years ago, the hospital realized it had to increase patient care capacity. "We knew that how we did that had to have more of an impact than just adding space on our campus," said Borgstrom. "In that context, the concept of a comprehensive, integrated cancer hospital was born."
Borgstrom thanked employees and medical staff who contributed to the hospital’s planning and advocacy, and offered suggestions throughout the process. She made special mention of the contribution that Norman Roth, senior vice president, Administration, had made to the completion of Smilow.
"Norm’s gifts to Smilow, to its caregivers and to its patients are truly beautiful spaces, housing the most contemporary technologies," she said. "Make no mistake about it: Norman has made it happen, on time and under budget."
Borgstrom introduced the next speaker, Governor M. Jodi Rell, who told the audience that she was "in awe of this building."
"We are standing at the doorstep of something great," the governor said. "But this building won’t save lives — this is a building that will allow people to save lives. To accomplish this during an economic downturn is a testament to the will and vision of Yale-New Haven, Yale School of Medicine and Yale Cancer Center."
After a performance by the Trinity Boys Choir of New Haven, Borgstrom introduced Joel Smilow, the former chair, chief executive officer and president of Playtex Products, Inc., and one of Yale University’s most generous benefactors.
Smilow views the contribution he and his wife, Joan, made to the hospital that now bears his name as an investment. "It will pay dividends every year. Every year, thousands of patients will benefit — they will receive dividends." He quipped that these are dividends that will not be sent to Washington or Hartford.
Smilow also addressed his four grandchildren, all of whom were in the audience. His hope was that in 40 to 50 years, one of them would receive a call from an executive at the hospital who would say that Smilow Cancer Hospital was under capacity and another use would have to be found for it. "We want to talk to you about alternative ways of using at least part of the space," Smilow told the audience.
