Our History

The idea for The Harold Leever Regional Cancer Center was born in 1995, when both Saint Mary’s Hospital (now Trinity Health of New England Oncology Center) and Waterbury Hospital were facing the need to replace aging radiation oncology equipment and upgrade their cancer care facilities. It was decided that the best way to accomplish this goal was to combine forces to build a new off-site, state-of-the-art facility. 

The Harold Leever Regional Cancer Center opened its doors in 2002 as a world-class, comprehensive cancer center providing coordinated and enhanced services to cancer patients and families of greater Waterbury.

The project merged the two hospitals' outpatient radiation oncology departments, upgraded equipment, enhanced technology and services and relocated local medical oncology private practices into The Harold Leever Regional Cancer Center.

We are grateful for the vision, talent, energy, commitment and financial generosity that has made it possible for us to pursue our singular goal: serving cancer patients and their families.

The Harold Leever Regional Cancer Center is named for the late Harold Leever, whose involvement with worthwhile organizations through the years contributed so much to the health, education, and welfare of area residents. Mr. Leever's $2 million gift to the cancer center made him the largest single benefactor of the facility. Thanks to his generosity, combined with the support of our partner hospitals Trinity Health of New England Oncology Center and Waterbury Hospital, corporate sponsors, individuals, and the community, The Harold Leever Regional Cancer Center will touch the lives of countless more people for years to come.