Mario Lemieux Center for Blood Cancers Brings Care, Research and Technology Together

By Jennifer C. Yates and Tim Betler

The new Mario Lemieux Center for Blood Cancers is expected to be a hub for comprehensive cancer care and research, as well as a model for patient-centered care. 

The 24,000-square-foot facility is located on the fourth floor of the Hillman Cancer Center and was designed with a spa-like feel to make patients more comfortable. Patients and their families will find the space full of natural light, calming earth tones and natural surfaces. They'll have access to a terrace with seating, shade and a putting green. 

The Mario Lemieux Foundation donated $3.5 million for the creation of the center, which capped off a five-year, $100 million capital campaign at UPMC CancerCenter and the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute that was launched by the Hillman Foundation and the Henry L. Hillman Foundation and support from UPMC. Construction on the center began last year. 

The facility will offer comprehensive diagnostic services, individually designed treatment plans and long-term follow-up services to patients with blood cancers. Patients who normally have to travel to different offices to visit various clinicians and undergo testing will, instead, be able to see their entire care team in one place. The center will enable more patients to take advantage of clinical trials and be a hub for research.