Cancer center opens in Port Jeff Station

Offering the most cutting-edge cancer treatment available on Long Island, New York Cancer and Blood Specialists hosted the grand opening of its newest center on Monday night in the parking lot at 49 Nesconset Highway. The facility began operation on Monday, July 29.

Jeff Vacirca, CEO of NYCBS, dedicated the center and the ribbon cutting to the patients who make use of their treatment facilities.

“It is an unbelievable honor and a privilege every day to be allowed to care for these remarkable heroes that we have and we see every day and that come walking into our offices,” Vacirca said.

A treatment center that offers imaging, pharmacy, chemotherapy and research right around the corner from patients’ quarters is typically not a reality, though that is a feat that NYCBS has been able to tackle. Vacirca said that the company’s partners on the project were vital in making this a reality, including West Meadow Contracting and Long Island Commercial Real Estate.

Vacirca also recognized Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon and members of the Brookhaven Town Council.

“[Supervisor Ed Romaine] has been pretty remarkable as a partner and someone who actually understands the value we bring to the community,” Vacirca added.

Romaine was delegated the honor of cutting the ribbon, marking the official opening of the new location in Port Jefferson Station. He emphasized the importance of a facility like this and focused his words on healing, recovery and obtainment of a better prognosis for those who call for their services.

“Thank you so much because you are saving the lives of our friends, our neighbors [and] our family,” Romaine said. “This sanctum means a great deal to all of us here in the Town of Brookhaven. Thank you for locating here. So many people will use this in the next few years. And they will walk out hopefully in remission, cured and much healthier than they walked in.”

Singer and songwriter Gavin DeGraw made an appearance at the event and played a few of his hit songs, including “Chariot.” DeGraw's tour scheduled him to perform at The Paramount in Huntington on Tuesday. A friend of Vacirca's graduated high school with DeGraw and was able to coordinate his appearance at the ribbon cutting.