Local Support Brings Advanced Cancer Care to North Iowa

In September, MercyOne North Iowa Cancer Center celebrated a major milestone. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, we held a ribbon cutting for our upgraded radiation oncology technology. This achievement ensures North Iowa patients can receive advanced cancer treatments close to home. 

For years, our cancer center has relied on specialized devices to deliver radiation therapy. With our current equipment nearing the end of its life, it was time to invest in upgrades to improve care for our community. This project was only possible because of your generosity. In recent years, hospitals have faced ongoing financial challenges, making it hard to reinvest in essential but costly improvements. Your support allowed us to act now, not only to replace aging equipment needed for daily cancer treatments, but also to add advanced technology that enables new therapies and meets the latest standards of care. Without these upgrades, many patients would have faced long or delayed trips for treatment, adding stress and expense during an already difficult time. 

Thanks to the leadership of the Kinney-Lindstrom Foundation, Barkema Trust, Farrer Endowment Foundation and David and Phyllis Murphy Foundation, along with many other cancer center donors, this project became a reality. Their commitment provided the foundation with success and demonstrated the power of local philanthropy to transform health care in our region. 

“This upgrade allows us to deliver the most precise treatments available today, an incredible benefit for our patients and a strong reason for physicians to practice here,” said Dr. Kevin Orcutt, Medical Director and Radiation Oncologist at MercyOne North Iowa Cancer Center. “We’ve been providing cancer care in Mason City for decades. These investments ensure that patients can continue to count on excellent care here at home.” 

The September ribbon-cutting celebrated the installation and activation of the new treatment equipment, along with a blessing of the renovated space. “We give thanks for the extraordinary generosity of our community and the dedication of the physicians, nurses and other colleagues who provide exceptional care every day,” said Ross Erickson, MercyOne North Iowa Chaplain and Mission Integration Leader. “The hands and gifts of many continue to ensure that MercyOne North Iowa remains a place of healing, hope and outstanding care for all who need it.”

Support Cancer Care at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center by visiting MercyOne.org/NorthIowa/Giving.