KNOXVILLE, IA – Anyone who knows Don and Margaret Long know that the couple’s love for their hometown of Knoxville is equally as big as their humility and their servant-hearted generosity to support the community.
The couple has given over $1.4 million to the Knoxville Hospital & Clinics (KHC) Foundation to fund the construction of a new infusion center.
The Don & Margaret Infusion Center will be located on the southeast side of the hospital overlooking a scenic view of the pond and portion of the Bessie Spaur Butterfly Garden on the south. It will provide private treatment spaces which will feature 10 treatment chairs with room for “loved one” support, as well as new state-of-the-art technology and equipment. A focus group of former and current infusion center patients and their loved ones provided input for the design.
The addition is part of a $21 million project that will also add a new surgical suite, expand clinic space for visiting specialists, and renovate the Emergency Department.
“I can’t thank Don and Margaret enough. They have been integral in helping make our entire expansion project happen,” said Kevin Kincaid, KHC CEO. “They understand the investment we are making in our community’s health, and their investment in us will equip our hospital to meet the health care needs of the community today – and tomorrow.”
Don and Margaret moved to Knoxville with Continental Phone Company in 1969. They fell in love with Knoxville and raised their three children as proud Knoxville Panthers – Mike and Matt, who both live in Phoenix, and Karen who makes Durham, NC, her home.
“We have so many special memories living here, as well as many, many great friends in Knoxville,” said Don. “We’re blessed to be in a position that we can not only help the community and the hospital, but also our friends.”
Don and Margaret realize their gift will have a positive impact on patients undergoing cancer and other treatments, as well as the families who support their loved ones throughout their journeys.
According to Kincaid, the Long family’s generosity has an even greater impact than the bricks and mortar of the facility and the enhancement of health care services that their gift will provide.
“Time is a valued commodity that we all cherish,” added Kincaid. “Having modern, first-class cancer treatments close to home will allow patients to focus on their health and return some of the most precious hours that they and their loved ones would spend traveling to facilities hours away.”
“We’ve witnessed many of our friends and family members who have battled cancer over the years and driven many miles – sometimes daily – to receive the treatment they need,” said Don. “We’re honored and humbled that our name will be associated with a modern space in Knoxville that will care for our friends and community.”
The hospital held a private recognition event to honor the Long family on September 29, with many friends and hospital staff in attendance, including their children who were in town for Knoxville’s Homecoming week.
Renovations are expected to begin later this year, with construction on the Infusion Center and Specialty Clinic planned for next spring.
To date, the KHC Foundation has raised $6.7 million towards the expansion project. To learn more about the expansion or to donate to the project, visit https://knoxvillehospital.org/donate/ or contact Kevin Stittsworth, Director of Foundation and Public Relations, at 641-842-1485 or kstittsworth@knoxvillehospital.org.
Knoxville Hospital & Clinics is a non-profit community hospital serving Marion County and the surrounding area. Named a “Top 100 Critical Access Hospital” and voted as Best of Red Rock Area’s “Best Place to Work” and “Best Hospitality”, 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 Public Relations at (641) 842-1485.
