OhioHealth Delaware Cancer Center Aquarium Brings Comfort to Patients

When patients walk into the OhioHealth Delaware Cancer Center, they are greeted by an aquarium full of colorful fish that has won the hearts of many.

The aquarium is more than just a decorative piece. For many patients, like Delaware local Ron O’Harra, who visits the center every few weeks for colorectal cancer treatment, it’s become an important part of their cancer journey.

“It calms the people,” O’Harra said. “When they come in worried about their treatments, they sit in front of it for a few minutes. It definitely helps with getting them through their cancer treatment.”

Patients not only enjoy watching the fish but also take an active role in caring for them. They feed the fish and even name them, with “Bob,” a large goldfish, being a particular favorite. And the fish return the affection. They often come up to the glass to greet the patients and even give “kisses,” O’Harra said.

When renovations began to expand the cancer center, there was concern that the beloved fish tank might have to be removed. The idea of losing such a comforting presence spurred a community effort. Patients, moved by their love for the tank and its residents, came together to find alternative homes for the fish. Ron O’Harra and his wife even offered to take them in.

“They talked about getting rid of the fish tank and that broke my heart,” O’Harra said. “We would gladly take it, but for all those patients that go through there, they love those fish, they really do.”

Thanks to the community’s outpouring of support, the decision was made to keep the aquarium. The renovation project is expected to be completed later this fall, with Bob and his tank-mates remaining in their home.

“It’s been there for the past seven years,” said Carla Knisley, OhioHealth Director of Clinical Support Services. “They've grown so accustomed to the fish tank that it’s definitely a calming aspect of their journey. Both patients and staff really feel like these fish are their pets.”

This commitment to comfort and support touches every aspect of the cancer center. Whether it's infusion therapy, medical oncology and hematology, advanced imaging services like mammography, bone density scans, CT, ultrasound, and X-rays, or radiation oncology, the center provides comprehensive care right in the heart of the Delaware community.

“You can get all of the same care in your backyard that you can get from a downtown center,” said Chelsea Miller, MD, a radiation oncologist with OhioHealth. “We have the latest technology and treatment machines that provide all of the modern advancement’s radiation oncology has to offer, and you don’t need to travel far from home to receive it. In addition, I think having everything centered in one location, with the ability to see all your care team in one building, including specialty providers, makes the entire experience a little bit better.”

The cancer center offers more than just medical treatment and imaging services, providing care through oncology nurse navigators, dietitians, social workers, genetic counseling and massage and music therapy, as well as access to programs like survivorship support and palliative care.

“Patients are able to build these relationships with the entire team and they become part of their support system as they’re going through their cancer journey,” Knisley said. “They are not just their caregivers. They are their community members. They are their friends.”

The Delaware Cancer Center is located at the OhioHealth Delaware Medical Campus at 801 OhioHealth Blvd. Ste 180.

To learn more about the OhioHealth Delaware Cancer Center, click here.