In 2015, the Greater Fairbanks Community Hospital Foundation funded a construction project at the J. Michael Carroll Cancer Center to build a vault to house a new TrueBeam linear accelerator. 

The state-of-the-art TrueBeam linear accelerator is a specialized piece of equipment that uses technology to quickly target and treat tumors anywhere in the body, including those in the lung, liver, breast, abdomen, head and neck. Its advanced features provide a wide spectrum of treatment options for specific disease sites, which will allow more patients to receive quality care right here in Fairbanks. 

The high-energy radiation produced by the linear accelerator requires a vault that is capable of containing all of the emitted radiation. Construction began in April 2016 to build the vault, which includes walls and a ceiling that are up to five and a half feet thick. The concrete ceiling alone weighs approximately 600-thousand pounds.

As construction of the vault neared completion, Dr. Essam Shihadeh, radiation oncologist, came up with the idea to have the community write messages of hope, encouragement, and love for cancer patients on the unfinished cement walls. The messages would then be sealed within the walls and surround future patients receiving cancer treatment in the room. 

On the beautiful, sunny afternoon of August 15, 2016, a ceremony was held just outside the J. Michael Carroll Cancer Center. Dr. Shihadeh welcomed guests, explained how the new linear accelerator works and how it will benefit the Fairbanks community. Dr. Shihadeh described the TrueBeam is “the Ferrari of linear accelerators.” 

Greater Fairbanks Community Hospital Foundation President Jeff Cook and Fairbanks Memorial Hospital Associate Administrator Karl Sanford shared stories and talked about what it took to bring this incredible technology to Fairbanks.  Jenny Patch, a cancer survivor, shared the story of her fight against cancer and the value of being able to receive high quality care right here in Fairbanks. 

The chaplain delivered an invocation, and Ruth Langworthy, a registered nurse at FMH, sang a beautiful rendition of “Amazing Grace.” Catherine Curby, a volunteer at FMH, played lovely music on her harp that carried into the candlelit vault, creating a solemn atmosphere. 

The vault remained open for several hours, allowing cancer patients, survivors, family and friends in the community time to write their heartfelt messages. By the end of the day, hundreds of colorful messages covered the vault walls. Some people drew pictures, some wrote scriptures, quotes and inspiring messages, while some honored those who did not survive cancer. Our hope is that every cancer patient who enters this room will be comforted knowing how much love and support surrounds them.