LMH Health Cancer Center

The need for cancer care in the Douglas County community and beyond has continued to grow, according to Rebecca Smith, executive director of the LMH Health Foundation and VP of strategic communications for the hospital. From 2020 to 2021, LMH Health Cancer Center appointments increased by 16 percent. And in the past year, appointments have increased again by 7 percent.

In 2021, LMH Health Foundation announced its intent to seek philanthropic support to update the LMH Health Cancer Center’s space and greatly expand its square footage.

More than $6.1 million has already been given or pledged to date toward the Cancer Center initiative, Smith noted.

“Donor support is the real difference maker for this project, and it’s what will ensure our ability to provide the highest level of cancer care for years to come,” said Smith. “LMH Health has the providers, technology and facilities to provide care that’s not only exceptional for a community hospital — it’s among the best anywhere.”

Russell said she recommends others to have their cancer treatment at LMH Health.

“The LMH Health oncology team is great and very knowledgeable,” said Russell. “I know other friends who’ve had really great cancer journeys of their own at LMH Health. They were very happy with their doctors and nurses here.”

If you’d like to support the LMH Health Cancer Center expansion and renovation project, please make a gift online at LMH.org/donate or mail a check to LMH Health Foundation at 316 Maine St, Lawrence, KS 66044. For information about making a major gift or multi-year pledge in support of this initiative, contact Earl Reineman at 785-505-3317 or earl.reineman@LMH.org.

At LMH Health, we strive to work in joy and create a workplace that is both fun and meaningful to both patients and employees.

More than 1,800 employees and providers call LMH Health home, and some have been a part of our team for generations. Local families, couples, and siblings continue to work for LMH Health to help strengthen the Lawrence community.

“For me, it’s the people,” said Dianna Hetrick, a buyer in materials management for LMH Health. “I have made lifelong friends at LMH Health. There are so many people I can talk to in the hallways and I know their family history. I have seen their children grow up and I know their whole families, even some of their moms.”

Hetrick has been an employee at LMH Health since 1998. Hetrick has two daughters, Mandi Quigley and Mardi Bowlin, who are also employees of LMH Health. In addition to her two daughters, her sister-in-law has retired from LMH Health and her niece was once part of our team as well.

While at work, their family has made it a tradition to see each other almost every day during their lunch hour. “Before COVID-19 hit, my sister-in-law, daughters and I would have lunch every day together. We always took our lunches at 12:30 p.m. so we could eat together,” said Hetrick.

Bowlin, who serves as LMH Health’s performance improvement director, has stayed with the organization for the past 20 years not only because her family is here, but also because she loves the sense of pride she has working here.

“I love that I see my mom and sister in the hallways,” she said. “I love hearing colleagues mention their names and what great work they’re doing. I love that I applied for an entry-level job 22 years ago but have been allowed to learn and grow with the organization. Overall, I love the community atmosphere.”

LMH Health has immediate openings in our hospital and physician clinics. Visit LMH.org/Careers to learn more.