A local healthcare system is working to bring specialized cancer care and expanded research through the state.<\/p>\n
The head of oncology at Piedmont Healthcare told Channel 2\u2019s Wendy Corona that the support they receive through Piedmont Oncology Luminaria gala<\/a> helps them get closer to their goals for everyone\u2019s benefit.<\/p>\n [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks<\/a>]<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve gone from clinical research being available at two of our hospitals to now nine, and none of that is possible without support and awareness,\u201d said Dr. Wally Curran, chief Of Piedmont Healthcare Oncology.<\/p>\n He is busy expanding cancer care across the state using support raised specifically for Piedmont Oncology.<\/p>\n \u201cOver the past year, we\u2019ve used funds from this program to hire six new research staff,\u201d Curran said.<\/p>\n That\u2019s on top of hiring more than 50 new oncology related physicians over the past two years. The mission is targeted, \u201chaving the state realize how important it is to have exceptional cancer care, really for people across the state and as close to home as possible,\u201d Curran said.<\/p>\n TRENDING STORIES:<\/p>\n It\u2019s an important goal for a healthcare system whose doctors care for more than 14,000 newly diagnosed cancer patients each year.<\/p>\n The system places real focus on fundraising at its annual gala, Luminaria. Money raised positions Piedmont with better capability to work toward figuring out more creative and better ways to detect cancer early and also \u201cto care for patients so that the side effects and the cost of care is not as burdensome as it is now,\u201d Curran said.<\/p>\n Piedmont Oncology\u2019s gala raises funds and awareness of the goals for the healthcare system across the state. <\/p>\n It\u2019s happening this weekend and is sold out. You can still help support it by visiting the Luminaria website<\/a>. <\/p>\n