Retreat center an asset for cancer patients

To the editor:

We read Shirley Ruedy's wonderful article regarding Dr. Chirantan Ghosh's restoration of Hall Cottage and his plans to turn it into a retreat center for cancer patients ('Into the woods,” June 7).

Every time we visited Palisades Park, the cottage on the bluff overlooking the river fascinated us. Of even more interest to us in the article was Dr. Ghosh's plans.

I first came under Dr. Ghosh's care in 2001 when I had lung cancer. I received chemotherapy and radiation followed by surgery. I was cancer free until 2013 when it was discovered that I have stage four cancer lung cancer in the other lung. I was diagnosed at the University of Iowa. When I told the doctors that I wanted to receive the chemo treatments from Dr. Ghosh in Cedar Rapids they were very positive about my choice.

The Ghosh Center theme is 'The Patient First.” The treatment I have received at the Ghosh Center has been exceptional. He and his staff are always hopeful and encouraging.

On July 14 my wife and I participated in the first retreat at Hall Cottage. It was an excellent experience. We met members of the Ghosh Center Staff, and other cancer patients there, enjoyed the beautiful countryside, did relaxing exercises and had a healthful meal.

My wife, Marjorie, and I appreciate the legacy of Howard and Margaret Hall and hope that Dr. Ghosh will be able to continue to offer this retreat to his patients as a tribute to them for the community.

Gary Arp

Marion