Hannibal Regional hosted an official groundbreaking for the new state-of-the-art cancer center to be built in Kirksville on Tuesday, December 2. More than 100 community members joined in the event, celebrating a major milestone in Hannibal Regional’s journey to bring radiation oncology services back to Kirksville.
Leading the ceremony, Hannibal Regional President & CEO Todd Ahrens shared, “Today marks a very important step to bringing radiation oncology back to Kirksville, as we break ground on our new, state-of-the art cancer center, which should be open to patients in early spring of 2027.”
Joining Mr. Ahrens at the podium was Mr. Brad Kurz, Chair of the Hannibal Regional Healthcare System Board of Directors, who shared the importance of bringing cancer services back to the Kirksville community, and the commitment Hannibal Regional has made to the region. Mr. Will Wheeler, on behalf of State Senator Cindy O’Laughlin, offered words of appreciation and highlighted the $15 million state appropriation which was awarded to the project, led by Senator O’Laughlin and supported by other local elected officials.
Two very special guests, Mr. Jeremiah Billington with his wife Courtney, and Mr. Robert Moots, shared their personal cancer stories, which included the added burden they faced during their cancer treatments due to having to leave the community for radiation oncology. For over three years, patients needing radiation oncology have been forced to leave the community and drive 90 miles one way, 5 days a week, for up to 6-8 weeks. Both Mr. Billington and Mr. Moots expressed the pressing need for these services to be available locally, and offered their appreciation to Hannibal Regional for their commitment to building the cancer center. Additionally, Dr. Justin Puckett, Complete Family Medicine physician and Chief Medical Officer, thanked the community for their support and led the group to the official breaking of ground.
Mr. Ahrens also thanked the community for offering their support and trust in Hannibal Regional, and announced that through the Legacy of Hope capital campaign, more than $5 million has been raised to support the construction of the Kirksville Cancer Center and renovations to the Hannibal Cary Cancer Center. By reaching that amount, a $2 million challenge grant has been offered by the Mabee Foundation, so Hannibal Regional is now working to raise an additional $5.4 million in donations to secure the challenge grant. To learn more about the campaign and the new Kirksville Cancer Center, go to hannibalregional.org or call 573-629-3577.