Cancer Lifeline Dedicates New Home as Dorothy S. O'Brien Center

SEATTLE -- Realizing a 25-year dream to provide a welcoming, relaxing, haven for cancer patients, Cancer Lifeline will celebrate the opening of its new home, the Dorothy S. O'Brien Center on Wednesday, May 12, at 10:30 a.m. Concurrent with the opening of the new Center is the launch of the Mary Gates Program Development Fund, a gift of $800,000 made in memory of Mary Gates, a long-time supporter of Cancer Lifeline. Dedication of the new Center and launch of the Fund will take place at 6522 Fremont Avenue North in Seattle.

In its new location in Seattle's Phinney Ridge neighborhood, Cancer Lifeline will consolidate its many services to cancer patients and their families, friends and co-workers. Made possible by a generous gift from Robert and Dorothy S. O'Brien, the Center recognizes the love and support Mrs. O'Brien has long provided to others who are living with cancer. The Center provides a place away from treatment where patients, at every stage of the cancer experience, can take part in programs and services such as Nutrition; Relaxation, Visualization and Meditation; Gentle Yoga; Movement Awareness; and Healing and Arts.

"We are thrilled to provide Cancer Lifeline with the support it needs to centralize its programs and services that empower cancer patients and their families," said Dorothy S. O'Brien. "And it is fitting that the dedication of the new building would coincide with the announcement of the Mary Gates Program Development Fund because it was my good friend Mary Gates who urged me to get involved with this very vital organization."

The Mary Gates Program Development Fund honors the late Mrs. Gates who died of cancer in 1994, and who brought together people who believe in Cancer Lifeline's work. Initiated by a $800,000 gift from the William H. Gates Foundation, the endowment fund has already grown to $1.9 million through the contributions of other supporters. The Fund will enable Cancer Lifeline to operate and maintain the Center as well as expand innovative programs and initiatives.

"I know Mary would be proud of Bill and Melinda and this gift," said William H. Gates, Director of the William H. Gates Foundation. "She also would be pleased knowing that Cancer Lifeline can now move even more quickly to help women and families affected by cancer." New services will include enhancing the 24-hour Lifeline with additional

staff and the employment of appropriate technology so that no caller receives a busy signal; and providing support services tailored to meet the needs of couples, single parents, and under-served populations.

Over the past 25 years, Cancer Lifeline has evolved into the region's pre-eminent organization providing innovative programs and services, free of charge, to cancer patients, their families, friends and co-workers. Last year, Cancer Lifeline reached more than 7,000 people.