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(Courtesy Marshfield Clinic)

Marshfield Clinic unveils new accommodations for cancer patients

Metro Wire Staff

Marshfield Clinic Health System this week announced its new private-room facility for cancer patients being treated at Marshfield Medical Center.

Cattails Cottage is now open to oncology patients undergoing treatment, and their caregivers, on the Marshfield Medical Center campus in Marshfield.

Patients must live more than 40 miles from Marshfield Medical Center in Marshfield and have a referral from their provider, according to a news release from the hospital.

“We understand that a cancer journey brings a lot of challenges and stress and for our patients that have to travel; we’re really pleased to be able to offer them safe housing,” Marshfield Clinic Health System Foundation Chief Philanthropy Officer Teri Wilczek said. “Our goal was to make this a cozy comfortable space for patients where they could feel like this was their home away from home.”

Cattails Cottage features 11 private rooms and shared community areas, two fully-equipped kitchens with a family dining room, on-site laundry, handicap-accessible areas with elevator, internet access, library nook, and on-site staff and volunteers to help answer questions. The home has easy access to the hospital and clinic.

The entire project was donor-funded with many local residents, businesses, and Marshfield Clinic Health System employees helping with fundraising, fulfilling wish list supplies, donating items, and transforming a home formerly used to housing medical students, the release said.

“When other resources in Marshfield abruptly closed, we needed to find a way to support our patients who travel from as far away as Eau Claire, Rice Lake, Minocqua, and even the Upper Peninsula for cancer care,” Marshfield Clinic Health System CEO Dr. Susan Turney said. “Our whole community—concerned residents, community leaders, and local businesses—came together to make Cattails Cottage possible. They did this during a pandemic and in about two months’ time. We’re extremely proud of this project and the depth of support we receive from our communities.”

To learn more about Cattails Cottage, visit www.marshfieldclinic.org/CattailsCottage. Cattails Cottage was created entirely through philanthropic support. The website also includes how you can donate and support Cattails Cottage.