Although I no longer have to go to the Hickman Cancer Center for my chemo treatments...my last one, thankfully, was 3 weeks ago...I still go there for my aftercare.  And I am glad of it.  The care has been exceptional and the people who work there have given me such tremendous confidence in dealing with my health issues that I just can't thank them enough.

I have often wondered how the Hickman Center got its name...and just who are the Hickmans to have lent their name to this wonderful facility?

I have passed this plaque many times as I head to my doctor appointments...but one day, I finally stopped and read it and learned about this remarkably philanthropic family.

Back in the 1940's...Charlie Hickman began his company in Adrian, Michigan...now known as Brazeway, Inc...considered a world leader in refrigeration heat transfer technology.

In 1996, after being personally affected by cancer, Virginia Hickman and their 6 sons and their families  started the Hickman Cancer Center in their hometown of Adrian...at the Bixby Medical Center...a member of the ProMedica Health System.

So,  when the Flower Hospital Cancer Center was planning to expand...also part of the ProMedica System...Dave, Shelly, Steve and Sally Hickman became an invaluable part of the process...and on September 29, 2008...the Hickman Cancer Center on the campus of Flower Hospital was dedicated in the honor of the Hickman Family and their tremendous generosity.

The family's goal was to make sure all cancer patients have access to the very best in technology and care without having to leave their community.  And can I say, as a recipient of that excellent technology and care, our community is lucky to have the Hickman Center here.