Construction is scheduled to begin this summer on a regional cancer center at Community Hospital in Grand Junction — a  facility funded in part by a $1 million donation.

James Pulsipher, owner of Fidelity Mortgage in Grand Junction, made the donation. It was the largest single contribution in the 30-year history of the Community Hospital Foundation.

The foundation recently launched a $5 million capital campaign to support construction of the cancer center on the main hospital campus on G Road as well as associated medical equipment.

“We are overwhelmed by the extraordinary generosity of James Pulsipher,” said Chris Thomas, president and chief executive officer of  Community Hospital. “James has helped so many of our staff and community members realize the dream of homeownership over the years. And for him to give back to our community in this way is truly incredible. We would not be where we are today without the support of our community, and for that we are incredibly grateful.”

Pulsipher said residents and members of the business community have a stake in ensuring access to high-quality, affordable health care.

“I have been incredibly impressed with Community Hospital’s unwavering commitment to provide exceptional health care to residents in the Grand Valley and surrounding areas,” he said. “I was inspired by their ability to become the premier cancer center on the Western Slope in just six short years and wanted to be a part of their journey by leaving my legacy to such a profoundly important cause.”

Grand Valley Oncology, a facility operated by Community Hospital, received the highest level of accreditation through a national quality assurance program. The National Committee for Quality Assurance awarded the Patient Centered Specialty Practice accreditation.

Grand Valley Oncology is one of just 31 cancer centers in the United States to receive the designation.

A groundbreaking ceremony for the James Pulsipher Regional Cancer Center is scheduled for summer. Completion is planned for 2023.

For more information about the Community Hospital Foundation capital campaign or Grand Valley Oncology,  visit www.YourCommunityHospital.com or call 644-3043.