Gifts Expand Pediatric Disease Support at Beaumont Health in Royal Oak

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In support of the recent opening of a new Proton Therapy Center at Beaumont Health in Royal Oak, the hospital group today announced that gifts from two local families will support an expansion of family-centered facilities and services for children, adolescents, and young adults with cancer and blood disorders at Beaumont Children’s health center.

The new facilities will be located on the second floor of the Proton Therapy Center, and is scheduled to open this fall. The center is located at the southern end of the Royal Oak medical campus.

Julia and Bob Skandalaris of Clarkston are supporting an expansive clinic to be named the Skandalaris Family Center for Children with Cancer and Blood Disorders, while Quicken Loans/Rock Ventures founder and chairman Dan Gilbert and his wife, Jennifer, are supporting the Gilbert Family Adolescent and Young Adult program. Gift amounts were not disclosed.

“We are extremely fortunate that two local families widely known for their generosity have made complementary gifts that together will take our services for children and adolescents facing challenging medical conditions to a new level of excellence,” says Margaret Cooney Casey, Beaumont Health Foundation president.

The Skandalaris Family Center triples the current size of Beaumont’s pediatric hematology/oncology outpatient clinic. It features eight exam rooms, four private infusion rooms for patients, and a shared infusion area. The expanded proton therapy options are especially beneficial to young cancer patients, who are much more vulnerable to side effects of radiation therapy than adults.

“Money is spent on cancer, but not enough on pediatric cancer,” says Bob Skandalaris. “We want Beaumont’s pediatric cancer team to have all the resources they need for patients and their families.”

The Gilbert Family Adolescent and Young Adult Program will provide a new avenue for adolescents and young adults to access medical specialists, psycho-social services, financial counseling, as well as academic and mentor support.

Both gifts were inspired by the experience of watching a family member battle these diseases. The Gilbert’s son Nick received care at Beaumont while battling neurofibromatosis.

“We know from Nick’s experience as a teenager fighting neurofibromatosis how critical targeted services are for this group,” says Jennifer Gilbert. “We are pleased to help Beaumont provide this unique support for teens and young adults who face extraordinary challenges at an already challenging time of life.”