$2 Million Grant Fuels Expansions at June E. Nylen Cancer Center
The June E. Nylen Cancer Center (JENCC) has been awarded a $2 million grant from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust to support two renovation and expansion projects aimed at advancing cancer care for patients throughout Siouxland. This transformational gift, combined with more than $550,000 in additional contributions from local donors, will fund the entire cost for critical updates to JENCC’s chemotherapy and infusion mixing area and the addition of a designated room for its increasing theranostics volumes.
These enhancements will allow JENCC to expand its treatment capabilities, reduce patient delays, improve workspace efficiencies, and enhance overall quality and safety, ensuring the cancer center remains equipped to meet the growing needs of patients across its 15-county, tri-state service area.
“This has been our greatest and most urgent need for the past two years,” said Krista McCullough, Executive Director of JENCC. “Our facility was built 30 years ago and has reached capacity. Without these upgrades, we would not be able to keep pace with the evolving demands of modern cancer care or seize future opportunities to expand services and meet new licensure requirements. This generous support from the Helmsley Charitable Trust, combined with the incredible generosity of our community, ensures we can continue to offer advanced care close to home.”
“This pivotal $2 million grant and the additional contributions we’ve received will ensure the sustainability of our essential patient care functions,” Dr. Donald Wender, Medical Director at JENCC said. “These renovation projects address critical space constraints, enhance both staff and patient safety, and position us to meet future demands while maintaining the high standard of care our patients need and deserve.”
This renovation and expansion project is a transformative step toward ensuring that patients and families across Northwest Iowa, Northeast Nebraska, and Southeast South Dakota can continue to receive the oncology care they need locally.
“The Helmsley Charitable Trust is proud to support the June E. Nylen Cancer Center in ensuring life-saving cancer care closer to home,” said Walter Panzirer, a Trustee for the Helmsley Charitable Trust. “Helmsley has made a distinct commitment to increase access to cancer care services in rural communities. We believe everyone deserves access to the best possible treatment, no matter where they live, and this project reflects that commitment.”
Construction on the renovation and expansion of the infusion mixing area and dedicated theranostic area is just getting underway and is expected to be completed within six to eight months.
“Thank you to the Helmsley Charitable Trust and all of our generous supporters for ensuring the patients in this region have the cancer care they deserve, now and in the future,” concluded McCullough. “The June E. Nylen Cancer Center is dedicated to hope and healing, close to home.”
