Knoxville, Iowa – Knoxville Hospital & Clinics (KHC) and Pella Regional Health Center (PRHC) proudly recognize and extend the deepest gratitude to the Mel and Holly Suhr family and KNIA/KRLS for their generous contribution of $50,000 to the Bridging the Gap Campaign.
Gifts to the Bridging the Gap Campaign will help fund the South Central Iowa Radiation Center and support the partnership between KHC and PRHC to bring radiation therapy closer to home for patients across the region. This gift represents more than financial support – it reflects belief in our mission, confidence in our collaboration, and compassion for the patients and families we serve.
“I want to extend my sincere gratitude to Mel and Holly Suhr and their family for their generous support of our Bridging the Gap capital campaign. As a former KHC hospital and foundation board member, Mel has already contributed so much through his leadership and service, and this gift is a meaningful continuation of that legacy,” said Kevin Kincaid, CEO of Knoxville Hospital & Clinics. “As a trusted business presence in both the Knoxville and Pella communities, KNIA/KRLS has deep ties to our hospitals, making this contribution especially significant. Their investment towards the radiation center will have a lasting impact on patients and families across our region, and I am deeply appreciative of the Suhr family’s unwavering commitment to our mission and the communities we serve.”
The state-of-the-art radiation oncology center is expected to be completed in early 2027 and will significantly improve access to cancer care for residents of Marion County and surrounding communities, reducing the need for travel to distant treatment centers.
The 7,800-square-foot facility will house advanced diagnostic and treatment technology, including:
- A linear accelerator to deliver highly precise radiation treatments.
- A PET/CT scanner which plays a critical role in diagnosing cancer and determining the most effective course of treatment.
“Our family is pleased to support the Bridging the Gap campaign. The partnership between Knoxville Hospital & Clinics and Pella Regional Health Center reflects a strong commitment to expanding access to vital health care services close to home. This investment in advanced cancer care will make a meaningful difference for patients and families across south central Iowa, and we’re proud to help make that possible,” said Mel Suhr.
Jenny Hesseltine, Pella Regional Health Center’s Foundation Coordinator, shared her appreciation for the Suhr family’s support.
“KNIA/KRLS, with the Suhrs as the leaders, truly is our local news source. We greatly appreciate the way they have aided this campaign through their own generosity and in helping us to tell the stories of hope being offered through this project and through the generosity of others. This selfless act speaks volumes of who they are and the kind of leadership they provide. Thank you, Mel and Holly.”
The South Central Iowa Radiation Center is projected to cost $14.3 million, with the majority of funding to be raised through the Bridging the Gap Campaign, led by the hospital foundations of PRHC and KHC.
Photo caption: The Mel and Holly Suhr family and KNIA/KRLS recently contributed $50,000 to the Bridging the Gap Campaign to help fund the South Central Iowa Radiation Center. They are pictured alongside representatives from Knoxville Hospital & Clinics and Pella Regional Health Center. Row 1: Kevin Kincaid, Chief Executive Officer, KHC; Mel and Holly Suhr; and Dave Johnson, Bridging the Gap Campaign co-chair. Row 2: Michael Suhr; Heidi (Suhr) Feldman; and Ted Feldman. Row 3: Katrina Nelson, Director of Public Relations and Foundation, KHC; Bob Kroese, Chief Executive Officer, PRHC; and Sean Dhabalt, Chief Financial Officer, KHC. Row 4: Jan Myers, Chief Nursing Officer, KHC; Jody Van Veen, Chief Nursing Officer, PRHC; Jenny Hesseltine, Foundation Coordinator, PRHC; and Lezlie Morris, Chief Operating Officer, PRHC.
Knoxville Hospital & Clinics is a non-profit community hospital serving Marion County and the surrounding area. Named a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital, KHC’s highly skilled medical staff and specialists provide personal, compassionate, and innovative quality health care to patients. For more information regarding this release and other happenings at Knoxville Hospital & Clinics, call the Public Relations Department at (641) 842-1418.
Pella Regional Health Center is a not-for-profit provider of healthcare that is accredited by The Joint Commission. It is recognized by Wellmark Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® as a Blue Distinction® Center+ for Maternity Care designation, as part of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program, it is also recognized by Wellmark Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® for Knee and Hip designations. The health center was also awarded the Clean Facility Certificate from the Association for the Health Care Environment (AHE) for its commitment to infection prevention strategies and preparedness for biological events. Pella Regional Health Center’s mission is to provide healthcare and healing services with Christian compassion. Information on Pella Regional Health Center and its clinics is available by calling Public Relations at 641-621-2362 or visiting the website, PellaHealth.org.
