Ritchie Mansion Grand Opening Marks New Housing For Cancer Patients
Thursday, January 16, 2003
The Ritchie Mansion has a long history of meeting the lodging needs of the Loma Linda University Medical Center community, and with the recent renovations completed, it will continue that legacy.
On December 12, 2002, LLUMC celebrated the Ritchie Mansion’s new seven-unit remodeling project for cancer patients and their families. The house has been redesigned with seven different rooms that all include a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchenette, to accommodate patients receiving radiation therapy at the Medical Center. One of the rooms is specifically designed for handicapped access.
The grand opening marks a new level of care for cancer patients and their families. The renovations made to the house, located at 11170 Ritchie Circle in Loma Linda, make Ritchie Mansion a safe and comfortable place to call "home" for patients with cancer undergoing radiation treatment at LLUMC.
People with cancer and their families from across the United States and around the world travel to Loma Linda each day for care at Loma Linda University Medical Center. In addition to traditional methods of treatment, Loma Linda offers state-of-the-art proton therapy at the Proton Treatment Center, the first hospital-based facility of its kind in the world. Proton therapy targets radiation precisely at the tumor, thus reducing the negative side effects associated with other forms of treatment.
Since many cancer treatments are completed on an outpatient basis, patients and their families must find temporary housing in the Loma Linda area. Finding reasonably priced accommodations near the Medical Center often places a severe strain on the already difficult family situation. Recognizing this need, the Federal government issued a grant to initiate a cancer patient housing project. LLUMC purchased a large piece of property that included the historic Ritchie Mansion as the cornerstone of this project.
" The Ritchie Mansion will provide the opportunity for patients and families that travel from out of the area to develop relationships with others who are experiencing some of the same challenges they are," says Judy Chatigny, executive director of the Loma Linda University Cancer Institute. "Based on past experience, we have found that when people are brought together in this way they establish new support networks and this support enhances their overall treatment experience and sense of well-being while they are here."
Renovation of the home has created seven residential suites, and 85 more units will be added as the property is further developed and funding becomes available. Patients and families will be close to LLUMC and essential services. The home will provide a place of comfort where patients and families can rest and enjoy the company of others who are facing the same struggles against cancer.
