Extraordinary Support Propels Cancer Center Campaign Beyond $25 Million Goal

$28.4 million in philanthropic commitments will help bring comprehensive cancer care, including radiation oncology, closer to home

JACKSON, Wyo. — St. John’s Health Foundation has surpassed its $25M fundraising goal for the new St. John’s Health Cancer Center, marking the successful completion of the largest philanthropic campaign in the Foundation’s history.

The $28.4 million milestone reflects support from private donors throughout the community and a grant from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust for a transformational expansion of cancer care in Jackson Hole. The new Cancer Center will bring radiation oncology to the community for the first time while expanding chemotherapy, community infusion, imaging, pharmacy, survivorship, and other cancer services available locally. All money raised above the $25M goal will support the

Oncology Fund at St. John’s Health Foundation.

Radiation therapy is a critical component of cancer care, with more than half of cancer patients requiring radiation as part of their treatment plan. Patients in Jackson Hole who need radiation currently have to travel outside the community for that care.

“This campaign is an extraordinary demonstration of what is possible when a community comes together around a shared vision for health care,” said Anna Olson, President of St. John’s Health Foundation. “Bringing this vision to life was truly a team effort, with donors, Campaign Chairs, Board members, clinical teams, and staff all playing an important role. Every gift helped make this possible, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who believed in this project and in what it means for patients and families across our region.”

The Cancer Center represents a strategic investment in the future of St. John’s Health and in the organization’s ability to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the region. Following extensive planning, input from physicians and staff, and analysis of community need and long-term sustainability, oncology emerged as a clear priority for meaningfully expanding access to care close to home.

“Reaching this milestone is a significant step forward for St. John’s Health and for the community we serve,” said Jeff Sollis, CEO of St. John’s Health. “We have an opportunity to make an exceptional health system even stronger by investing in services that are needed and in strong demand now and well into the future. The expansion of medical oncology and radiation oncology services will have a lasting impact on our patients and families for generations to come. The support behind this Cancer Center gives us tremendous confidence in the future of cancer care at St. John’s Health.”

“For patients facing cancer, having to leave home for treatment adds another layer of difficulty to an already overwhelming experience,” said Katharine Conover Keller, St. John’s Health Trustee, Cancer Center Campaign Co-Chair and cancer survivor. “My own treatment required chemotherapy and radiation in tandem, which meant leaving Jackson to receive the care I needed. Bringing radiation oncology here means future patients can receive more of their treatment close to home, surrounded by their families, their support systems, and the community that cares for them.”

The campaign was made possible through extraordinary generosity, including a lead gift of $5 million from Christian and Caryn Felipe. Their commitment provided significant momentum toward the campaign goal and reflects their belief in the importance of expanding access to exceptional cancer care close to home. St. John’s Health Foundation is deeply grateful for their leadership and generosity in helping bring this vision to life.

A significant investment from the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust will also help make radiation treatment in Jackson possible. Through its work to expand access to high-quality healthcare in rural communities, Helmsley has committed $4 million to purchase the linear accelerator that will serve as the centerpiece of the Cancer Center’s new radiation oncology program. This advanced technology will allow patients to receive precise, high-quality radiation treatment locally, reducing the need to travel long distances for care.

“At Helmsley, we believe where you live should not determine your ability to access the care you need,” said Walter Panzirer, a Trustee for the Helmsley Charitable Trust. “Bringing radiation oncology to Jackson means patients can receive more of their cancer treatment in their own community, closer to family and the support systems that matter most. We’re proud to support St. John’s Health in making high-quality cancer care more accessible.”

Construction drawings are currently underway with Earl Swensson Associates. Following completion of the design process, St. John’s Health will issue a request for proposals for construction. Groundbreaking for the new Cancer Center, located on the main St. John’s Health campus, is anticipated in summer 2027, with the new Cancer Center expected to open in summer 2028.

“This campaign belongs to the entire community,” Olson said. “It represents hundreds of individual decisions to invest in the health of our neighbors, our families and the generations who will come after us. It also reflects the collective effort of so many people who helped move this vision forward. We could not be more grateful.”

About St. John’s Health Foundation

St. John’s Health Foundation secures philanthropic support to advance the mission and strategic objectives of St. John’s Health, an independent health system providing our unique community and visitors with exceptional and ever-advancing individualized care.