How Dr. Kim and a community of donors are transforming cancer care in Longview
When Dr. C.R. Kim arrived in Longview, Washington, after completing his residency at Johns Hopkins, he was met with a dilemma. The people at PeaceHealth St. John were everything he hoped for; they were kind, committed and deeply rooted in their community. But the technology in the Radiation Oncology Department? “It felt like the Flintstone age,” he says, candidly. “I told my mentor, ‘I love the people here, but I don’t know how I can help them with this equipment.’”
His mentor’s response was both practical and prophetic: “I can teach you how to use old equipment. But you won’t always find a community like this. And the community will find a way to get you what you need.”
That was many years ago. Today, thanks to the generosity of local residents, PeaceHealth St. John is no longer defined by outdated tools. It is now a nationally approved cancer program, recognized by the Commission on Cancer for its comprehensive approach, providing services from prevention and diagnosis to treatment and end-of-life care. And yet, the journey continues.
Dr. Kim and his team are preparing to welcome a new era with the arrival of the Varian TrueBeam Linear Accelerator — a cutting-edge radiation therapy system designed to treat even the most complex cancer cases with speed, precision and compassion.
As fundraising efforts continue, fueled by the generosity of our donors, we are eager to start a new chapter in cancer care. “It’s time to upgrade to the Jetsons’ space age,” Dr. Kim says with a smile. “This technology will allow us to deliver highly tailored treatments, right here in Longview.”
But this isn’t just about machines.
It’s about hope.
It’s about healing.
It’s about care close to home.
The TrueBeam system means patients won’t have to travel hours for care. It means targeting tumors with millimeter accuracy, sparing healthy tissue and reducing side effects. It means world-class treatment, delivered by people who know your name and care about your story.
And it’s made possible by you.
Philanthropy has always been the quiet force behind progress at PeaceHealth St. John. It brought Dr. Kim to Longview. It turned outdated equipment into a modern cancer care program. And now, it’s paving the way for the TrueBeam Linear Accelerator.
Your gift is more than a donation. It’s an investment in life-saving care and a vote of confidence in local expertise. It’s a belief that every patient — regardless of zip code — deserves the very best.
To support the future of cancer care in Longview, visit the PeaceHealth St. John Foundation webpage or reach out to our philanthropy team.
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.
