Western's History
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CTCA Beginnings
Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) was founded in 1988 by Richard J Stephenson, in honor of his mother who lost her battle with cancer in 1982. Stephenson embarked on a mission to change the face of cancer care.
Stephenson was challenged to create a better experience for cancer patients, one which empowers them with options and hope. His commitment to the Mother Standard® of care became the organization's guiding principle. By implementing the Mother Standard® of care, CTCA cancer doctors care for patients like family. In doing so, our clinicians take a multidisciplinary, individualized approach to cancer treatment.
CTCA at Western Regional Medical Center (Western) is the newest hospital to implement this unique model of care. The modern 210,000-square-foot facility located in Goodyear, Arizona (near Phoenix) formally opened its doors on December 29, 2008.
Breaking Ground in Arizona
CTCA began construction of Western in October 2007. The decision to build a new facility in Arizona originated from our patients' requests to build CTCA hospitals closer to their homes.
Since breaking ground, CTCA patients and their families have been actively involved in every step of the hospital design process. Our goal has been to implement functional design elements that are most conducive to healing and wellness.
"Beam of Hope"
On March 2, 2008 about 300 cancer survivors from around the state gathered together to sign the building's commemorative steel beam, called the "Beam of Hope," at Hohokam Stadium in Mesa, Arizona (the spring training park for the Chicago Cubs).
After the signing, the beam was taken back to the construction site, where it was placed on the building during a "topping-off" ceremony held the next day. The Beam of Hope signifies the beginnings of a hope-filled and empowering environment for patients and families at Western.
Other CTCA Cancer Hospitals
Aside from the Goodyear, Arizona hospital, the CTCA network of treatment facilities includes cancer hospitals in Zion, Illinois, Tulsa, Oklahoma, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and an outpatient practice in Seattle, Washington.
