The whole idea is to reduce stress on the patient and his or her family.

“It’s been proven that by reducing the stress while you receive your treatments — be it chemotherapy or radiation therapy — you tend to have better outcomes with your treatment regimen,” said Bond.

The building has a number of features designed to reduce stress on patients.

One is a larger chemotherapy treatment area that allows family members to sit with patients during treatment.

There’s an abundance of art on the walls and patients will be encouraged to create their own works with the help of artist George Nowack.

Patients also can express themselves musically with a piano.

The lobby has an indoor waterfall designed to provide patients and families with a sense of tranquility and calmness when entering the building, as well as a peaceful setting for reflection and healing.

The main waiting area has a sofa and seating to make patients and families more comfortable. An outdoor area with gardens, walkways and access to walking trails will be completed in the coming weeks.

The Wellness Institute also serves as a learning center. It has a computerized medical library where patients and families can find the latest information on their particular form of cancer, according to Bond.

The center has private examination rooms and physician offices, and a staff of oncologist/hematologists, registered nurses certified in oncology and radiologists.

For Fucci, the new facility all adds up as promised.

“It’s a life-affirming experience,” she said of the Wellness Institute. “You don’t feel sick when you’re here — I don’t.”

Keith Gushard can be reached at 724-6370 or by e-mail at kgushard@meadvilletribune.com.