WMCHealth to Renovate and Reinvest in the Herbert H. and Sofia P. Reuner Cancer Support House

Following input from patients, families and community leaders, the Reuner House will
remain home to the Oncology Support Program

KINGSTON, N.Y. (November 12, 2026) - Patients and families facing cancer in and around Ulster County will continue to find comfort and support at the Herbert H. and Sofia P. Reuner Cancer Support House. Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth) today announced plans to renovate and upgrade the house, which will remain home to its Oncology Support Program.

The decision follows months of conversations with patients, survivors, families, donors, community advocates and elected officials, who shared how much the house has meant to people navigating cancer for more than three decades.

As part of WMCHealth's ongoing investment in the Reuner Cancer Support House, plans are underway for a series of significant improvements designed to refresh and enhance the home while preserving the warm, welcoming environment that has supported individuals and families for more than 30 years. Proposed updates, to begin this year, include interior painting, wood floor refinishing, new lighting throughout the home, bathroom and kitchen improvements, utility system evaluations, exterior repairs, and select furnishing replacements. Additional seasonal enhancements to outdoor spaces will be evaluated in the Spring of 2027. These planned improvements reflect a thoughtful commitment to maintaining this cherished community resource and ensuring it continues to provide comfort, connection, and support for those navigating the cancer journey.

"Our patients and their families told us how much the Reuner House means to them, and we listened," said David Lubarsky, MD, Chief Executive Officer of WMCHealth. "Cancer care doesn't end when treatment does. This investment ensures people in Kingston and the surrounding area will have a warm, welcoming place close to home to find support, connection and hope."

WMCHealth will work to keep services available throughout the renovation and will communicate directly with patients about any temporary changes once timing and details are finalized.

"For many people in our community, the Reuner House is where they found strength during the hardest days of their lives," said Elissa Chessari, Executive Director, Northern Region, WMCHealth. "We're committed to strengthening this program alongside the patients, families and community partners who know it best."

Services at the Reuner House will continue to include crisis support from social workers specializing in oncology and palliative care; support groups open to all, regardless of insurance status; wellness classes such as Medical Qigong, healthy cooking, and creative art; and peer support that pairs people facing cancer with survivors. WMCHealth also continues to operate its Infusion Center at 396 Broadway in Kingston, which provides chemotherapy, immunotherapy, blood transfusions and other infusion therapies for patients with cancer and other conditions.

"Facing any kind of serious illness and certainly being diagnosed with cancer is one of the most frightening experiences someone goes through. We have been hearing from those who have been fearful of losing the services of the Cancer Support House, and I'm glad WMCHealth was able to find funding to maintain the critical services the house has provided," said New York State Assemblywoman Sarahana Shrestha.

"The Reuner Cancer Support House has long been an indispensable resource for cancer patients, survivors, and family members, providing support, wellness services, and a sense of community," said Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger. "I strongly advocated for preserving this vital community asset, and I want to thank WMCHealth for listening to the many patients, caregivers, advocates, and residents who shared how important the Reuner House is to their lives, health, and well-being. WMCHealth has committed to preserving and renovating the house and maintaining the full range of non-clinical services that have long been offered there. This decision reflects the voices of our community and ensures that this invaluable source of comfort, connection, and hope will remain available to cancer patients, survivors, and families for years to come."

"On behalf of the Ulster County Legislature, I want to thank and congratulate HealthAlliance and WMCHealth on their decision to invest in the Reuner Cancer Support House and keep its cancer support programs in that home. For more than 30 years, this house has been a place of comfort and community for thousands of people facing cancer and for the families who walk alongside them. In recent months, survivors, volunteers and advocates came before our Legislature to tell us what this place means to them. HealthAlliance heard those voices and responded," said Peter Criswell, Chair, Ulster County Legislature. "This is a meaningful investment in our community, and it meets a real need. I'm grateful to everyone who spoke up and to the hospital leaders who listened." "The Reuner Cancer Support House has been a source of comfort, support and hope for countless Kingston residents and families facing cancer. I want to thank WMCHealth for listening to the voices of patients, caregivers and community members who spoke so passionately about the importance of preserving this resource. By investing in the Reuner House and ensuring its services remain available, WMCHealth is helping to strengthen the support system that so many people rely on during some of life's most challenging moments," said Mayor Steve Noble, City of Kingston.

Speaking on behalf of the Oncology Support Program (OSP) Stakeholder Group-led over the past year by Jenny Lee Fowler, Jennifer O'Donnell (daughter of OSP founder Barbara Sarah), Tara Ryan, and Susan York-the group released the following statement regarding WMCHealth's decision:

"Today's announcement is a triumphant testament to the power of community advocacy and the enduring importance of the Oncology Support Program. We applaud WMCHealth for returning the program to the Reuner House. This decision honors the founding vision of Barbara Sarah and past directors, the extraordinary generosity of all the donors, leaders, volunteers, and the thousands of cancer survivors and families who built this sanctuary over three decades. Looking ahead, our group is committed to continuing to collaborate with hospital leadership to rebuild our specialized staff, preserve this vital home for healing, and ensure OSP thrives for generations to come."

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