A legacy of trusted Cancer Care in the Lower Columbia Region
“Every breakthrough at the St. John Cancer Center is powered by generosity. Someone gave so others could heal.”
In Longview, Washington, the Lower Columbia Regional Cancer Center sits quietly, tucked beside PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center. For twenty-five years, the Cancer Center has been the place where thousands have turned in their most vulnerable moments. It’s where cancer patients have found treatment and a second chance at life.
The center began with a question: What would it take to bring comprehensive cancer care to the Lower Columbia region? In the early 2000s, the Health Care Foundation of Longview answered with their philanthropic support. The Foundation gave a $2 million gift and PeaceHealth offered land. And the community, led by the efforts of Kay Sinnett, community champion and philanthropist, and Sr. Ann Hayes, last living sister of The Founding Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace, responded with generosity and a shared belief that families in Lower Columbia deserved high-quality cancer care close to home.
What followed was true collaboration. Physicians, nurses, Health Care Foundation Board Members and neighbors came together to build something the region had never had — a place where cancer care could be coordinated, compassionate and accessible.
In those early years, three physician leaders helped shape the Center’s direction in meaningful ways:
Dr. Craig Nichols, director of medical oncology for the Center, advocated on behalf of the community for the formation of the Center. “You shouldn’t have to leave your community to fight for your life,” Nichols said. “That’s the heart of this place.”
Dr. Dane Moseson, Cancer Center’s liaison to the Commission on Cancer, helped raise regional standards by guiding the Cancer Center to national accreditation and strengthening cancer care systems.
Dr. C.R. Kim, medical director of radiation oncology for the Center, expanded radiation oncology, modernized equipment and advanced cancer services in the region.
Over the years, services have grown to meet changing needs. PET scans — once reserved for a limited few — are now standard for many treatment plans. As survival rates increase, more patients return for follow-up imaging that helps guide their ongoing care.
Philanthropy has been the guiding force behind it all. Through the years, state-of-the-art linear accelerators, a PET scanner, the lakeview infusion center, patient assistance programs, education programs and social workers who help families navigate the hardest days of their lives, have been supported by philanthropy.
“This place runs on generosity,” said Karla Houk, Lower Columbia Regional Cancer Center Manager. “Every time I walk through the doors, I’m reminded that someone gave so others could heal.”
Community Partners have supported the Center’s evolution over the years, helping guide investments, championing new services and ensuring that care remains accessible to all. One thing has remained clear: access to care does not depend on a patient’s insurance status or ability to pay. Carrying forward the healing Mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace, the Lower Columbia Regional Cancer Center has stayed rooted in care without condition.
To everyone who walks through the doors of the Lower Columbia Regional Cancer Center — patients, families, caregivers and staff — thank you. Every day here is a celebration of a community that has shown up, time and again, to care for its own.
To the donors whose generosity that made it all possible, we cannot be more grateful! Thank you for making advanced care possible close to home.
About PeaceHealth Foundations: PeaceHealth, based in Vancouver, Wash., is a non-profit Catholic health system offering care to communities in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. Since 1890, PeaceHealth has been guided by a Mission of healing and compassion. Today, PeaceHealth Foundations carry forward that legacy — powered by philanthropy and grounded in community. As the philanthropic partner to PeaceHealth’s nine medical centers and more than 160 clinics, we help expand access, advance technology and empower caregivers to provide exceptional and compassionate care. Every gift ensures that outstanding care continues to reach families, friends and neighbors throughout the Northwest. Today, PeaceHealth is the legacy of the founding Sisters and continues with a spirit of respect, stewardship, collaboration and social justice in fulfilling its Mission. Discover the impact of philanthropy at peacehealth.org/foundation.
