Stan and Gayle Poortinga donate $250,000 to the Bridging the Gap Campaign

May 18, 2026

by Press Release

Stan and Gayle Poortinga recently contributed $250,000 to the Bridging the Gap Campaign to help fund the South Central Iowa Radiation Center. Stan and Gayle are pictured alongside representatives from Pella Regional Health Center and Knoxville Hospital & Clinics: Kevin Kincaid, Chief Executive Officer, KHC; Stan and Gayle Poortinga; Barb Braafhart, South Central Iowa Radiation Center Capital Campaign Committee; Jenny Hesseltine, Foundation Coordinator, PRHC; Katrina Nelson, Director, Public Relations and Foundation, KHC; Bob Kroese, CEO, PRHC; Mark Van Roekel, South Central Iowa Radiation Center Capital Campaign Committee; and Lezlie Morris, Chief of Clinic and Staff Services, PRHC. (photo and article submitted)

Pella, Iowa – Pella Regional Health Center (PRHC) and Knoxville Hospital & Clinics (KHC) proudly recognize and extend the deepest gratitude to Stan and Gayle Poortinga for their generous contribution of $250,000 to the Bridging the Gap Campaign.

Gifts to the Bridging the Gap Campaign will help fund the South Central Iowa Radiation Center and support the partnership between PRHC and KHC to bring radiation therapy closer to home for patients across the region. This gift represents more than financial support – it reflects belief in our mission, confidence in our collaboration, and compassion for the patients and families we serve.

“It is great that leaders from Knoxville Hospital & Clinics and Pella Regional Health Center came together to build a radiation center here in Marion County,” said Stan Poortinga. “Gayle and I are glad to be part of this project, as it will reduce travel for those needing radiation treatment in the area. It is a tremendous benefit for our surrounding communities and the region as a whole.”

“I’ve known the Poortinga family for many years and have long admired their commitment to ensuring the Pella community has every advantage for its residents,” said Bob Kroese, CEO Pella Regional. “Their generous support of our capital campaign reflects both their leadership and their deep investment in the future of our community. On behalf of Pella Regional, we are truly grateful for their partnership and generosity.”

The state-of-the-art radiation oncology center is expected to be completed in early 2027 and will significantly improve access to cancer care for residents of Marion County and surrounding communities, reducing the need for travel to distant treatment centers.

The 7,800-square-foot facility will house advanced diagnostic and treatment technology, including:

A linear accelerator to deliver highly precise radiation treatments.

A PET/CT scanner which plays a critical role in diagnosing cancer and determining the most effective course of treatment.

“I sincerely want to thank the Poortingas for their generous donation. Their support of this project will make a meaningful difference in the care we provide to patients in Knoxville, Pella, and the surrounding areas. I am grateful for their commitment and generosity,” said Katrina Nelson, Director of Public Relations & Foundation, Knoxville Hospital & Clinics.

The South Central Iowa Radiation Center is projected to cost $14.3 million, with the majority of funding to be raised through the Bridging the Gap Campaign, led by the hospital foundations of PRHC and KHC.