Armed with precise and up-to-the-minute radiation technology, a caring and prominent team of experts and volunteers — and a brand new, $15 million cancer center — Mount Clemens Regional Medical Center is poised to address the oncology needs of Macomb County's aging population.

"When we started this project seven years ago, 70 percent of cancer patients had to leave Macomb County for treatment," said Macomb County Treasurer Ted Wahby, the driving force behind fund-raising efforts for the center as well as for whom it is named. "I want the community to see we have a state-of-art cancer center right here where they can come and get excellent care."

Radiation Therapist Natali Hakim shows off the Ted B. Wahby Cancer Center's Trilogy System, a powerful device which rapidly and precisely delivers radiation therapy to the site of the cancer with the help of robotics imaging. "I don't think there's another machine like this in the state," said Arthur Frazier, M.D., medical director of the Ted B. Wahby Cancer Center. (Macomb Daily staff photo by David Dalton)

Wahby said he was inspired by the vision of Michael DeMattia, D.O., a 35-year cancer doctor and one of the first to practice oncology at Mount Clemens Regional when the hospital began offering cancer treatment in 2004.

DeMattia died in 2006, of cancer, before he was able to see his vision become a reality.

"I'm sure he's watching, and I'm sure he's got a big smile on his face right now," said Mark O'Halla, hospital president and CEO.

The facility's crowning jewel is the Trilogy System, a powerful device that rapidly and precisely delivers radiation therapy to the site of the cancer with the help of robotics imaging.

"If the radiation isn't hitting the tumor, the machine shuts off," explained Natali Hakim, radiation therapist.

"Its precision is within 1 to 2 millimeters," added Arthur Frazier, M.D., medical director of the Ted B. Wahby Cancer Center. "I don't think there's another machine like this in the state. There are only 23 in the country."

Local dignitaries, hospital brass and volunteers were on hand Monday to celebrate the opening of the 28,500-square-foot center, which offers medical oncology and related cancer services at one convenient location.

"Most people are familiar with Ted's work in city and county government," O'Halla said. "Here at our hospital, he has given so generously of his time and his expertise that we are proud to have named our world class cancer facility in his honor."

"He worked for many years to influence other local leaders to get behind the project and to invest in our capital campaign," O'Halla added.

Also attending the ceremonies were Mount Clemens Mayor Barb Dempsey, U.S. Rep. Candice Miller and state Rep. Fred Miller.

"Before this dream was a reality, Ted found out what was necessary for this to happen — then made sure it did," said Fred Miller. "He's been on the hospital board since 2000 and chair since 2002. Before that he was mayor of St Clair Shores for 12 years and local school board president for three."

After sharing her nickname for Wahby — Ted E. Bear — and thanking him for his efforts, Candice Miller talked about the good experiences of family members who had used the hospital and its warm and caring staff and volunteers "who work long hours but still offer a gentle touch."

Just before opening up the building for tours, O'Halla released a flock of doves as a visual expression of hope.

"We tried to do this at groundbreaking, but it was cloudy out and they can't find their way home," O'Halla said. "Our goal then and now was to to remind everyone of Dr. DeMattia's vision of hope."

The sun-drenched ceremony comes on the heels of a prestigious designation from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer, which on Friday awarded the center with a 3-year approval with commendations.

MCRMC is Macomb's only accredited Teaching Hospital Cancer Program in Macomb County.

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last updated: 06/03/08

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