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on 2/28/2019
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CARROLL, IOWA – Today, the St. Anthony Foundation announced a $7 million capital campaign for a new regional cancer center, which will serve hundreds of residents each year in west central Iowa. The capital campaign will fund a significant portion of the $16.5 million project recently approved by the St. Anthony Board of Directors.
St. Anthony Regional Hospital has provided medical oncology in the region for the past 30 years and radiation oncology for the past 25 years. Today’s announcement secures and expands these critical services for the next generation of west central Iowans.
“This is a catalyst moment for our region and community,” said Ed Smith, President and CEO, St. Anthony Regional Hospital. “The capital campaign is an investment in a new facility and a continuation of our high-quality cancer care. More importantly it demonstrates our commitment to providing care close to home for those battling cancer.”
Smith explained that St. Anthony, along with medical and radiation oncologists, will partner with health care providers to offer seamless, patient-centered care in the facility to individuals fighting cancer.
Cornerstone Gift
The Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration (FSPA) helped kick off the campaign with a cornerstone gift of $2.5 million to the St. Anthony Foundation. The FSPA founded St. Anthony Regional Hospital in 1905 and continues to have a close relationship with the hospital today.
“We are pleased to be the first, major gift of the campaign,” said FSPA member and honorary campaign chair Sister Helen Elsbernd. “Because of our long and important history with St. Anthony, Carroll and the region, we are excited to invest in the new regional cancer center to bring health, healing and hope to those facing cancer.”
Although Sister Elsbernd and additional members of the FSPA planned to be present for the campaign announcement, they were unable to attend due to inclement weather. They remain committed to the campaign and the regional cancer center.
“We pray our gift will help illuminate this highly important campaign and bring people together in west central Iowa,” said Elsbernd.
Smith acknowledged the significance of the FSPA gift.
“St. Anthony is grateful to the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration for their unwavering support and passion for our mission. Their generous gift provides a solid foundation for this project and we hope to build on this momentum throughout the region,” said Smith.
Campaign Leadership
The St. Anthony Foundation also announced the team of volunteer leaders who will be on the frontlines of the campaign. Campaign Co-Chairs are (from left) Barry and Mary Bruner, Tom and Jean Farner, and Matt and Peggy Greteman. Honorary Chairs include Sister Helen Elsbernd, John and Sally Norgaard, Wayne and Shirley Seaman, and Gene and Loa Dawn Vincent.
“We are thankful for this team of dedicated and dynamic individuals, and their deep commitment to St. Anthony. They will be contributing many hours and resources to help make the regional cancer center a reality – and we are honored to take this exciting journey together,” said Karl Eischeid, Chairperson, St. Anthony Foundation Board.
St. Anthony welcomes the support and participation in this campaign of the regional community, as well as individuals and businesses in numerous neighboring counties. In the next few months, St. Anthony representatives will reach out to individuals and businesses across the region to answer questions and discuss opportunities to donate.
