OCT. 20, 2004 | Custom-made omelets and birthday cake marked a week of festivities for patients, families and employees Oct. 11-15 as they celebrated the 15^th anniversary of the Arkansas Cancer Research Center (ACRC) at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS).

Founded in 1984, the ACRC is the primary cancer research institution in Arkansas and has become one of the top cancer centers in the United States. Today, it is a leader in the fight against cancer through research, education, prevention, outreach and patient care.  

To mark the facility’s 15^th year, the focus was placed on the patients, who entrust their diagnosis and treatment to the ACRC; and the employees, whose personal commitment is vital to allowing the ACRC to deliver its cutting-edge services. Both groups were recognized with activities through the week.

Twice during the week, large cakes were wheeled into the clinic areas and volunteers served cake and fruit punch to patients and families who were at the ACRC for tests or treatment.

“We form strong bonds with our patients because they come to our center for extended care – some are here for hours each week,” said Shirley Gray, ACRC director of administration. “Naturally we wanted to celebrate this anniversary with them and show our appreciation for entrusting us with their care.”

Then on Friday, The Egg Council of the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission helped host a breakfast honoring cancer center employees. James Y. Suen, M.D., ACRC director; Kent Westbrook, M.D., founding director, and other ACRC administrators, cooked up made to order omelets for more than 350 ACRC employees.

“The Arkansas Cancer Research Center will always be dedicated to innovative  research and state-of-the-art treatment, but our patients have been and always will be our primary concern,” Suen said. “We are pleased on this 15^th anniversary to honor both our employees – who are the ones that make this place go – as well as our patients, who serve as constant reminders of our mission to search for a cure.”

Links on This Page
The Arkansas Cancer Research Center: http://www.acrc.uams.edu/