The Asante Foundation has received the largest donation in its history after local philanthropists and community leaders Mary and Dick Heimann donated $5 million to support a new cancer center under construction in Medford, according to a press release.

The center will be named the Heimann Cancer Center in honor of the couple.

“For the community that we love, we wanted to do something that will leave a legacy,” Dick Heimann, co-founder and vice chairman-emeritus of Lithia Motors, said in the release. “The services and conveniences will provide excellence in medical care within this facility and will have a tremendous impact on so many people.”

The 80,000-square-foot cancer center is under construction near Rogue Regional Medical Center with an expected opening in early 2022, the release said.

The Heimann Cancer Center in Medford will be the most advanced home for cancer treatment in the region, officials said.

Patients will have many services and treatments under one roof, including an area for chemotherapy and other specialized treatments, technology to deliver precise radiation, lab tests, doctor consultations and an array of supportive services like support groups and informative classes, according to the release.

The Heimann Cancer Center will join the expanding Spears Cancer Center in Grants Pass as part of the Asante Regional Cancer Institute.

“When we saw the regional cancer center plans and the possibilities for this community, it was really important for us to be able to make a gift and inspire others. It’s going to be a very special place,” Mary Heimann said in the release.

Dick Heimann said he hopes their gift will inspire someone to make an even bigger gift.

The foundation is in the midst of a multi-year $50 million fundraising campaign that has now surpassed $25 million, the release said.

A portion of the Heimanns’ gift will help build a pediatric cancer clinic. The clinic will be in the new “children’s hospital-within-a-hospital” in the patient pavilion under construction at RRMC.

In addition, the Heimann Medical Chair endowment will help Asante recruit and retain top medical leaders for cancer care, officials said.

For more information, see asantefoundation.org.