A Carson City family donated $1 million to the Carson-Tahoe Hospital to build seven cottages on the medical center campus for patients undergoing heart surgery or cancer treatment.
Hospital Chief Executive Officer Ed Epperson said the Merriner family decided to fund the construction of the cottages in memory of Delbert Merriner, who died of cancer.
"The Merriner Cottages will be a place of respite for heart surgery patients and patients at the cancer center," Epperson said.
The 38,000 square-foot Carson-Tahoe Cancer Center will be the state's only accredited cancer center.
The center will have medical and radiation oncology departments, a Cancer Resource Center, patient support groups and alternative therapy, including art and yoga classes.
Epperson said each cottage will be about 640 square feet and will contain a bedroom, kitchen, dining and living room area. They will be beside the cancer center off Eagle Valley Ranch Road. Patients will pay on a sliding fee scale to stay in the cottages.
The hospital plans on constructing 15 cottages using funds raised from private donors.
"The Merriners will challenge others to match their generosity," he said.
Contact reporter Becky Bosshart at bbosshart@ nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.