Community generosity brings new cancer center to life

AdventHealth Castle Rock is honored to share that the Schrader Family has finalized their $8 million charitable commitment to support the hospital’s new cancer center. Their generosity has played a transformational role in bringing a long-held vision to life and will help ensure that world-class, whole-person cancer care is available close to home for families throughout the region.

“I’m amazed at how quickly this campaign came together,” said AdventHealth Castle Rock CEO, Michelle Fuentes. “The Schrader’s are humble, family-focused and deeply committed to serving others. Their willingness to invest in cancer care for our community is a profound act of love.”

For the Schrader Family, watching the cancer center near completion has been both meaningful and inspiring.

“The dream of having a state-of-the-art cancer center in Castle Rock is becoming a reality,” they shared. “While it is difficult to be diagnosed with cancer, we celebrate that the care patients need will soon be available here at AdventHealth Castle Rock.”

They describe their involvement as a labor of love rooted in a desire to reach people during some of life’s most challenging moments.

“Philanthropy is a form of altruism, concern for the well-being and life of others,” says the family. “Our participation in this project has fulfilled that concept. Our children and grandchildren have all been a part of this journey as well.”

Their hope is that this investment will transform access to care for families across the region.

“People in Castle Rock and surrounding areas will no longer have to travel long distances to receive advanced, compassionate, lifesaving care. Every individual will have access to cancer treatment right here in their hometown,” says the family.

Having the facility named the Schrader Family Cancer Center holds special meaning.

“Our hope is that those who need care will feel the love of neighbors taking care of neighbors,” says the family.

After touring the center and viewing renderings, the family described the space as welcoming, modern and comfortable. They also expressed gratitude for the Douglas County Commissioners’ support in helping bring cutting-edge radiation technology to the community.

“Their investment in the Vision RT Radiation Therapy system will immediately make this cancer center one of the best in the country,” says the family.

To the family, the center represents more than a building. It represents access, dignity and high-quality whole-person care.

“Through the generous donations from many in the community, we now have 12 chemotherapy infusion bays, an oncology lab, an oncology pharmacy, radiation oncology, coordinated care, a linear accelerator, a center for spiritual care and a healing terrace,” the family said. “These state-of-the-art amenities bring the best team members and services to those who need cancer treatment.”

Fuentes adds, “This center reflects what makes Castle Rock so special: people caring for people. Together, we are bringing hope home.”

The Rock of Hope campaign officially reached its fundraising goal after a final gift on Friday, November 21, completing a meaningful multi-year community effort.

With the campaign now fully funded, the Schrader Family Cancer Center will open its doors in the coming weeks and begin a new chapter of healing, access, and compassionate cancer care for the region.