Community Celebrates Milestone in Cancer Care: Topping Off Ceremony at Dean and Barbara White Cancer Center

Final Beam Placement Celebrated at New Cancer Center in Crown Point

CROWN POINT, IN — A significant milestone was reached on August 5 as community leaders, representatives from Franciscan Health, the Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation, and Tonn and Blank Construction gathered for a topping-off ceremony at the future Dean and Barbara White Cancer Center. This event marked the placement of the final beam in the construction of the center, a project that promises to enhance cancer care in the region.

The Dean and Barbara White Cancer Center, made possible by a historic $30 million donation from the Dean and Barbara White Foundation—the largest gift ever received by the Franciscan Health Foundation—will be a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to cancer treatment and research.

During the ceremony, staff from Franciscan Health Crown Point, along with board members and local leaders, signed the final beam, adding personal messages of hope and encouragement. The beam was then blessed with holy water before being hoisted into place atop the 71,000-square-foot, three-story center, which is strategically located at the southeast corner of Interstate 65 and U.S. 231.

“This center represents not just a building, but a beacon of hope for our community,” said Bill Hanna, Executive Director of the Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation. “We are proud to support this initiative that will provide critical resources for cancer patients and their families.”

The Dean and Barbara White Cancer Center is set to open its doors in 2027, following the completion of construction. The facility will serve as a comprehensive hub for cancer care, offering advanced treatment options and support services tailored to the needs of patients.

As the community looks forward to the center’s opening, the topping-off ceremony stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of local leaders and organizations dedicated to improving healthcare access and outcomes in Northwest Indiana.

For more information about the Dean and Barbara White Cancer Center and its upcoming services, visit the Franciscan Health website.