Knoxville Hospital & Clinics Receives $3.5 Million Grant from Helmsley Charitable Trust

Knoxville Hospital & Clinics (KHC) is excited to announce it has received a $3.5 million
grant from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust to purchase a
TrueBeam linear accelerator, a cutting-edge radiation therapy system that delivers
faster, more precise, and more comfortable treatment for cancer patients. The advanced
technology will be a cornerstone of the South Central Iowa Radiation Center, currently
under construction in Pella.
The state-of-the-art, 7,800-square-foot radiation center is a joint project between KHC
and Pella Regional Health Center (PRHC) and will significantly reduce travel burdens
for patients by providing high-quality cancer care closer to home. The facility is
expected to be completed in early 2027 and will feature leading diagnostic and
treatment capabilities.
“With this transformative gift from the Helmsley Charitable Trust, we are able to
purchase a powerful disease-fighting weapon for the South Central Iowa Radiation
Center – a TrueBeam linear accelerator that will deliver high doses of radiation with
pinpoint accuracy in a shorter timeframe, helping patients complete treatment with less
disruption to their daily lives,” said Kevin Kincaid, CEO of KHC. “This investment further
strengthens our [KHC and PRHC] commitment of bringing innovative radiation
treatment options close to home.”
Construction of the radiation center began this past spring, and the $14.6 million project
is on track for completion in early 2027. The collaboration between KHC and PRHC
represents the first time two hospitals in Iowa have partnered to provide radiation
therapy services, addressing a long-standing need for patients in the region.
“The addition of the South Central Iowa Radiation Center is a monumental step forward
for patients and their families facing cancer diagnoses in central and southern Iowa,”
said Walter Panzirer, a Trustee for the Helmsley Charitable Trust. “The Helmsley
Charitable Trust is committed to improving access to health care in rural America. This
project demonstrates how two health systems, communities, and philanthropy can work
together to make much needed cancer care close to home a reality for patients and
their families.”
The Knoxville Hospital & Clinics Foundation and Pella Regional Health Center
Foundation have jointly launched a capital campaign to fund the $14.6 million in
construction and equipment expenses. If you would like to join the Foundations and
bridge the gap to bring cancer care closer to home for patients in central and southern
Iowa, you can make a donation at www.knoxvillehospital.org/donate. Every dollar given
to the Bridging the Gap campaign makes a difference in the lives of those receiving
radiation treatment and their loved ones.