Hunterdon Health Breaks Ground on Cancer Center Renovation, Launching Next Phase of Beaming Beyond Cancer Campaign

Hunterdon Health officially marked the start of construction on its Cancer Center renovation with a wall-breaking ceremony, signaling the next major phase of the Beaming Beyond Cancer campaign. The multi-year renovation is expected to be completed in early 2027. Throughout the project, the Cancer Center will remain fully operational, ensuring uninterrupted care for patients.

The renovation builds on momentum established earlier this year with the installation of a new linear accelerator, a major investment that enhanced the precision, safety, and efficiency of radiation therapy while improving the overall patient experience and reducing the number of treatments required.

“This is an exciting day at Hunterdon Health,” said Pat Gavin, President and Chief Operating Officer. “It's been a long time coming, but today we are finally starting construction on the Cancer Center. As we all know cancer is devastating, it touches far too many lives. Anyone who visits our Cancer Center experiences unmatched compassion, hope, and smiles. Our patients deserve the highest level of care, and those who provide that care deserve a facility that matches their skill, commitment, and heart.”

The renovation will transform the Cancer Center into a modern, patient-centered environment designed to support both patients and caregivers. A key feature of the project is the addition of a glass atrium, which will serve as a welcoming entrance and a space of healing for patients and families.

“The Cancer Center renovation is not simply a construction project — it is a central and defining facet of our strategic vision,” said Dr. K.C. Rondello, Chair of the Hunterdon Health Board of Trustees. “It reflects both future state of the art healthcare and the promise of the organization we aspire to be: one that is innovative, compassionate, and ceaselessly committed to caring for our community’s most vulnerable.”

Dr. Rondello also acknowledged the critical role of philanthropy in advancing the project, noting that more than $1.8 million has already been raised in support of the renovation.

Physician partners echoed the significance of the milestone. Dr. Myron Bednar of Hunterdon Hematology Oncology, who has practiced in the Cancer Center for more than two decades, reflected on the Center’s growth and future.

“I started here within a year of the Cancer Center breaking ground over 25 years ago, and I think we are ready for a refresh,” said Dr. Bednar. “Over that time, I’ve witnessed remarkable growth. Anyone who spends time in the Cancer Center can see the increased volume and demand for services in our community. On behalf of all of us, we are very excited about this renovation and are committed to investing alongside Hunterdon Health in the future of cancer care in Hunterdon County.”

The Cancer Center renovation represents a significant step forward in Hunterdon Health’s long-term commitment to advancing cancer care through innovation, compassionate environments, and continued investment in the people who serve patients every day.

About the Foundation: Hunterdon Health Foundation is the fundraising organization for Hunterdon Health System. It receives support from individuals, corporations, foundations, and other sources to assist Hunterdon Medical Center and its affiliated non-profit organizations in fulfilling their mission to meet the community's need for high-quality healthcare.