Editorial: Health care’s new dimension

Monday, April 30, 2007 | 7:36 a.m.

The Nevada Cancer Institute is proof that a dream inspired by an urgent public need and strongly supported by the community not only can be achieved, but also be achieved more quickly and successfully than imagined.

Five years ago when fundraising began, not many people in the Las Vegas Valley had even heard of the idea for a new cancer center. Word quickly spread and the Nevada Cancer Institute celebrated its opening in Summerlin in September 2005. Today it has 262 employees and a national reputation that is certain to generate continued growth.

The institute, which specializes in research as well as the prevention, detection and treatment of cancer, was launched from the dream of Heather and James Murren. She is a former Wall Street analyst experienced in international finance and he is president, chief financial officer and treasurer of MGM Mirage.

Along with dozens of other community leaders and volunteers, the Murrens raised enough private donations of land and money to bring the institute to where it is today. It is headquartered in a life-affirming building whose 142,000 square feet include the latest cancer technology available. Satellite offices are located in Elko, Sparks and Fallon.

Heather Murren, chief executive officer of the Nevada Cancer Institute, and Dr. Ikram Khan, a longtime Las Vegas surgeon and a board member of the institute, met with the Las Vegas Sun's editorial board last week. They explained the institute's many partnerships with other cancer centers and related organizations around Nevada and the nation.

These are important, as they allow for a sharing of knowledge that adds a whole new dimension to health care in Nevada. Dr. Khan predicted that the Nevada Cancer Institute, with all its affiliations, will help stimulate a remarkable growth in Nevada's health care network over the coming years.

Among the factors that will contribute to the Nevada Cancer Institute's success is continued state support. Fundraising, the backbone of all private organizations that fulfill community needs, largely depends on being able to demonstrate support from state government. In 2005 a $10 million donation from the state helped the institute raise tens of millions more from private donors.

In the current legislative session, a Senate bill would provide $20 million in state funding over the next two years - $10 million for operations and $10 million for brick-and-mortar improvements.

We believe the funding should be approved, as a significant state investment in the Nevada Cancer Institute is important for Nevadans now and in the future who stand to benefit from its many services.