UMC Health System, TTUHSC Celebrate New UMC TLC² Foundation Cancer Center

Cancer Center Ushers in New Era in Cancer Care for Patients, Families in the Region

• By Suzanna Cisneros
• April 17, 2026
• Health

UMC Health System and the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) today (April 17) celebrated a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new UMC TLC² Foundation Cancer Center. Opening Monday (April 20), the cancer center marks a new era in cancer care for patients and the region. 

Spanning more than 120,000 square feet, nearly three times the size of the previous facility, the new cancer center significantly expands access to vital care for patients across West Texas and Eastern New Mexico. Developed through a partnership between UMC and TTUHSC, this comprehensive academic cancer center serves as a destination for advanced, patient-centered cancer care closer to home. 

“Cancer is tenacious, yet our purpose is resolute. Our health care team determined our vision years ago – to eliminate suffering from cancer,” Mark Funderburk, president and chief executive officer of UMC Health System, said. “Toward that end, this beautiful new center offers more space, resources and help to those who are on their cancer journey. State-of-the-art treatment, research and integrative medicine are all housed within a one-stop facility. In partnership with Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, we are bringing comprehensive cancer care closer to home.”

The facility features expanded clinic space with dozens of exam rooms, more than 50 infusion chairs and dedicated treatment areas for both adult and pediatric patients, enhancing capacity, reducing wait times and increasing appointment availability. In addition to advanced treatment services, the center offers integrative medicine and wellness programs, patient and family support services and expanded research and clinical trials. UMC and TTUHSC faculty specialists work collaboratively to deliver innovative, personalized care while advancing the future of cancer treatment in the region. 

Expanding access to quality health care has been at the heart of TTUHSC’s mission since the beginning and continues to guide our work today, TTUHSC President Lori Rice-Spearman, Ph.D., said. “Our longstanding partnership with UMC has made moments like this possible, and this cancer center is a powerful example of that.”

“Much of this region is rural, and too many families face higher cancer death rates simply because of where they live. Today, that changes,” Rice-Spearman said. “Thanks to philanthropic and community support, we now have a state-of-the-art cancer center offering expert care, advanced treatment and innovative research so patients can get the care they need.”

House Speaker Dustin Burrows said with the opening of the new UMC TLC² Foundation Cancer Center, Texas is taking an important step forward in expanding access to high-quality cancer care.

“Last session, the Texas Legislature secured a historic $25 million investment for the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center to support a rural cancer collaborative—reinforcing our commitment to patients across the region and into eastern New Mexico,” Burrows said. “This new center brings advanced resources and skilled medical professionals closer to home, helping close the distance between patients and the care they need.”

Thanks to a visionary commitment by the TLC² Foundation, UMC has dedicated the new building to the legacy of Terry Lee Chandler. Terry and Doug Chandler were born and raised in the rural oilfield town of Artesia, New Mexico. Together they spent their lives lifting up those less fortunate and giving back significantly to their community. In April 2017, Terry was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a deadly brain cancer, and died three months later. Doug is a twice-survived cancer survivor. Doug, with Terry’s enduring spirit, solidified the foundation’s relentless message: “Cancer, we are coming for you.” 

 

About Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center  

Through TTUHSC’s leadership in research and clinical trials, our adult and pediatric studies offer access to new therapies, advanced technologies and groundbreaking approaches that may not be available elsewhere in the region. TTUHSC serves 121 counties in the state where the cancer incidence rate is 8 to 12% higher than the national occurrence for all types of cancer. With a crucial need for surgical oncologists, TTUHSC is 1 of only 43 institutions in the U.S. and Canada to offer the John Wayne Cancer Foundation Surgical Oncology Fellowship program. At the UMC TLC² Foundation Cancer Center, Texas Tech Physicians will provide specialized care to patients across West Texas and Eastern New Mexico. Patients can stay close to home while receiving world-class cancer care.

About UMC Health System 

UMC Health System is a national award-winning health system comprised of over 4,900 team members and more than 70 care locations. We are proud to be the primary teaching hospital to Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and to provide the best care to West Texas and Eastern New Mexico. Whether you are managing a chronic condition, dealing with an unexpected illness, or simply working to stay healthy, we are passionate about getting you well and helping you stay that way. To learn more, visit umchealthsystem.com. At UMC, Our Passion is You.