Local philanthropists Mandy and Dennis Weinman recently made a $5 million gift to fund a three-story, 125,000-square-foot cancer facility on the Northwest Baltimore campus of Sinai Hospital.
The state-of-the-art Mandy and Dennis Weinman Cancer Building will be home to the Alvin & Lois Lapidus Cancer Institute and the Pediatric Oncology Center, bringing together all ambulatory cancer services at Sinai into a single comprehensive location.
The building will be located on the east side of Sinai’s campus, facing Greenspring Avenue. A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, May 23.
When completed, the building will accommodate leading-edge cancer treatment technology in an aesthetically pleasing environment where patients can meet with specialists, receive infusions and radiation, and access other supportive services.
The building will bring together pediatric and adult hematology and oncology divisions, diagnostic and treatment services, research, wellness and survivorship programs. It will include 32 adult infusion bays, 16 adult exam spaces, seven pediatric infusion bays, six pediatric exam rooms, renovated radiation oncology suites and other support services and spaces.
One of the main inspirations for the Weinmans’ support for LifeBridge Health’s cancer treatment program was the care that Dennis’s grandmother received at Sinai several years ago.
“Our support for this transformational project is the perfect intersection of the passion Mandy and I have for both philanthropy and advancing new frontiers for cancer treatment and care,” said Dennis Weinman, a member of the LifeBridge Health and Sinai Hospital board of directors. “Our intention is for this building to serve as a sign of hope in our community as LifeBridge Health continues to enhance its standing as a destination resource for patients in their battle against this devastating disease.”
Added Mandy Weinman: “We all know someone who has been impacted by cancer and have seen firsthand how precious a commodity time can be during the diagnosis, treatment and recovery phases. Having all these resources in one place will help patients get the care they need efficiently and effectively so they draw strength from spending more time with their families and doing the things they love.”
The projected cost for the design and construction of the facility is expected to be $95 million. Construction is set to begin in mid-2023 with completion projected around December of 2025.
LifeBridge Health will continue to seek philanthropic support for the project, with the goal of raising an additional $15 million. There will be a parallel campaign with numerous naming opportunities available to outfit the building with the equipment, medical devices and furnishings.
“We are so grateful to Mandy and Dennis for their wonderful gift that will make such a difference for people receiving cancer care at Sinai,” said Julie Cox, vice president and chief development officer for LifeBridge Health. “The Weinmans’ visionary gift will have an immediate impact and also support our ongoing efforts to evolve and enhance our approach to cancer detection and treatment. We are proud to have the support from and partnership with Mandy and Dennis as they continue the Weinman family’s amazing three-generation legacy of philanthropic support to LifeBridge Health.”
A committed philanthropist and community leader, Russel was president of R&H Motors.
The mother of four was a native of Winchester, Virginia, who spent most of her life in Northwest Baltimore.
The remaining 6,000 members of the community are expected to immigrate by 2030.
The Columbia resident worked on the Gemini and Apollo space missions.