Knoxville, Iowa – Knoxville Hospital & Clinics (KHC) and Pella Regional Health Center (PRHC) Foundations are proud to announce the public launch of the Bridging the Gap Capital Campaign.
The $14 million fundraising initiative represents a pivotal moment for Marion County, inviting community members to invest in the state-of-the-art South Central Iowa Radiation Center. This project will greatly improve access to cancer care for patients in Marion County and communities throughout central and southern Iowa.
A Strong Start
The campaign enters its public phase with significant momentum. At a private event held on April 9, it was announced that $10,533,424 has already been raised from more than 275 local and regional businesses and individuals to support the South Central Iowa Radiation Center. These early investments demonstrate deep-rooted confidence in the hospitals’ collaboration and partnership.
“The overwhelming support we have received during the quiet phase of the campaign speaks volumes about our donors’ belief in this project and its impact,” said Bob Kroese, Pella Regional Health Center CEO. “As we enter the public phase, we look forward to building on this momentum and invite more individuals and organizations to join us in bringing this vision of enhanced cancer care close to home to life.”
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. The effort is led by the hospital foundations of PRHC and KHC, along with a capital campaign committee comprised of community leaders from across Marion County: Barb Braafhart, Charlie Daugherty, Corwin Fee, Mary Glendening, Michelle Greene, Mary Hanna, Dave Johnson, Paul Jones, David Kacmarynski, Lezlie Morris, Mike Montgomery, Maureen Nichols, Stan Poortinga, Dave Sutphen, Mark Van Roekel, and Charlie Zylstra.
Investing in Essential Community Needs
The South Central Iowa Radiation 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
This collaboration marks the first time two hospitals in this region have partnered to provide this level of service for their patients.
“This project is centered on enhancing the quality of life for cancer patients in our county and surrounding areas and reflects our ongoing commitment and investment in providing essential care that is accessible and close to home,” said Kevin Kincaid, Knoxville Hospital & Clinics CEO. “At the heart of this effort is our ‘why’ – supporting those already facing the unimaginable challenges of a cancer diagnosis by easing the burden of travel and ensuring access to advanced treatment options and the best possible outcomes right here in Marion County.”
Symbolizing a Shared Vision
When the South Central Iowa Radiation Center opens in early 2027, it will feature a custom stained glass installation by Pella artist Dean Vander Well. A cancer survivor, Vander Well designed the piece to symbolize hope, healing, and the collaboration between the two hospitals and communities. A replica displayed at both hospitals will visually track campaign progress as it is completed.
The Power of Support
If you would like to support the Bridging the Gap Campaign, gifts of any size are appreciated and can be made through the KHC and PRHC Foundations. A variety of giving options are available, including check, credit card, ACH/EFT, recurring gifts, securities or grain, qualified charitable distributions from IRAs, donor-advised funds, and property (pending review and approval). Donations may be made as one-time gifts or pledged over a period of three to five years.
Tax-deductible donations can be conveniently made online at www.knoxvillehospital.org and www.pellahealth.org. For more information, donors may contact Katrina Nelson, KHC Foundation Director, at (641) 842-1418, or Jenny Hesseltine, PRHC Foundation Coordinator, at (641) 621-2290.
All funds raised through the Bridging the Gap Campaign will directly support the South Central Iowa Radiation Center.
Photo caption: The Bridging the Gap Campaign is led by the Knoxville Hospital & Clinics and Pella Regional Health Center Foundations, alongside a dedicated capital campaign committee made up of community leaders from across Marion County. Pictured, Row 1: Corwin Fee, Charlie Zylstra, and Dave Sutphen. Row 2: Mary Hanna and Dave Johnson. Row 3: Barb Braafhart, Mary Glendening, and Stan Portinga. Row 4: Mike Montgomery, Paul Jones, and Mark Van Roekel. Not pictured: Charlie Daugherty, Michelle Greene, David Kacmarynski, Lezlie Morris, and Maureen Nichols.
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.
