Planned Expansion of Bassett Cancer Institute at FoxCare Center Celebrated at Friends for Life Reception

Over $46,000 was raised at Friends of Bassett Healthcare Network’s annual Friends for Life reception, held this year on October 9, 2025 at the Bassett Cancer Institute at FoxCare Center in Oneonta.

The event served as the ceremonial groundbreaking for an expansion of that oncology unit. All proceeds from the event go towards a larger campaign, the Bassett Cancer Institute Initiative, which includes this construction work, that aims to increase access to cancer treatment and screenings in Oneonta and throughout Bassett Healthcare Network.

“We are working to rejuvenate and expand services in Oneonta. A.O. Fox Hospital and our outpatient clinics at FoxCare Center are at a pivotal point right now, with immense growth opportunity. It’s all about getting patients the right care, in the right place, at the right time,” said Michael Guiry, PA-C, Vice President of Operations at A.O. Fox Hospital. “We are grateful for the support, enthusiasm, and partnership of those in our local community.”

At the reception, Friends of Bassett was proud to announce generous support from multiple community organizations and businesses. Country Club Auto Group of Oneonta is donating a portion of all sales made during the month of October to the initiative. Five Star Subaru of Oneonta will be donating a portion of its sales made during the months of November and December, through Subaru’s Share the Love event. Hoffman Car Wash is also supporting the campaign through its Helping Hands program. 50% of the proceeds from every car wash purchased through the Friends of Bassett campaign link goes towards the initiative.

Two local events were recently held with all proceeds benefiting the Bassett Cancer Institute Initiative. On September 27, a family harvest festival event was hosted at Northway Brewing Hop House in Cooperstown, and on October 4, The Oneonta Area Breast Cancer Awareness Golf Tournament was held at Colonial Ridge Golf in Laurens. During the Friends for Life reception, Jamie and Jennifer Reynolds, who organized those events, formally presented a $20,000 check to the campaign.

The Bassett Cancer Institute Initiative is raising funds for for two major projects. Renovations at the Bassett Cancer Institute at FoxCare Center will provide a more comfortable, soothing cancer care environment for patients by adding clinic exam rooms, infusion treatment bays, nursing stations, and new cancer-fighting equipment. The initiative also seeks to purchase a new RV-type coach equipped with digital screening equipment and clinical exam space that would travel Bassett’s eight county service area to provide cancer screenings in more remote locations. In total $2.3 million has been raised so far towards a $3 million dollar end-of-year goal. Learn more by visiting www.bassett.org/movingforward

“Cancer touches us all – whether we ourselves have battled it or it has touched someone we love. This cause unites so many of us in purpose and passion. We are truly so thankful for everyone in the community who has shown support for the Bassett Cancer Institute,” said Sheila LeMaster, Vice President and Chief Development Officer for Friends of Bassett. “It was an honor to welcome some of Friends of Bassett’s most ardent supporters to FoxCare Center to see where their generosity will be put into action.”

The success of this year’s Friends for Life reception is due in large part to the generous support of sponsors, including Optum, Casella Waste Management of New York, Inc., NBT Bank, Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP, and Tricia Asaro & Steve Kroll.