State Delegation Throws Support Behind Danbury Cancer Facility

DANBURY, CT — Members of the Danbury state delegation have announced their support for a proton therapy cancer treatment center in the city.

Danbury Proton has received local land use approvals to build a 16,000-square foot facility on three acres overlooking Danbury Airport at 85 Wooster Heights, but hit a speed bump earlier this month. The deputy director and chief of staff at the Connecticut Office of Health Strategy said that the facility's application "failed to meet their burden of proof" regarding the project's financial feasibility and a "clear public need"for its services.

On Wednesday, State Representatives Bob Godfrey (110th District), Ken Gucker (138th), Raghib Allie-Brennan (2nd), Patrick Callahan (108th) and Stephen Harding (107th) signed a letter in support of the application, calling the center "a dose of good news."

Proton therapy is a non-invasive cancer-fighting tool first used to treat patients in 1954. It received approval by the Food & Drug Administration in 1988. The treatment protects healthy tissue and sensitive organs, according to the company, resulting in few to no side effects.

“Cancer has touched the lives of many Connecticut residents. The proposed treatment center to be built in Danbury’s west side would bring an innovative and less invasive form of treatment, offering an alternative that was not previously accessible in our area. I believe this facility will have a tremendous impact in expanding healthcare access and ultimately save lives. I’m proud to stand in support,” said Rep. Allie-Brennan.

The new facility would create over 100 construction jobs during a two-year period, the company projected. When operational in 2023, Danbury Proton would employ over 30 full-time employees including radiation oncologists, medical physicists, radiation therapists, medical support and administrative staff.