Sunderland Foundation grants $2 million to LMH Health Foundation
The Kansas City-based Sunderland Foundation granted $2 million to LMH Health Foundation in support of LMH Health’s initiative to expand and update its cancer center.
LMH Health Foundation previously announced its intent to seek philanthropic support to update the LMH Health Cancer Center’s space and greatly expand its square footage.
“This gift is an acknowledgement of how important the Cancer Center expansion project is to our community,” said Russ Johnson, president and CEO of LMH Health. “We are deeply grateful to the Sunderland Foundation and to all our donors for recognizing the extraordinary work of our oncologists and our entire cancer-care team.”
LMH Health’s Cancer Center is known for progressive, integrated hematology and oncology care. It is home to National Cancer Institute trained physicians, multidisciplinary care teams, and strong regional partnerships. Cancer patients at LMH Health have access to a wide range of clinical trials, comprehensive support programs, lifelong survivorship resources, a cancer prevention program and much more.
“The Sunderland Foundation recognizes the importance of quality healthcare for all, and we are so grateful for their generous gift,” said Rebecca Smith, executive director of the LMH Health Foundation and VP of strategic communications for the hospital. “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.”
More than $6.1 million in philanthropic support has been given or pledged to date toward the Cancer Center initiative, according to Smith.
The Sunderland Foundation has partnered with LMH Health previously with a $2 million dollar gift in 2019 to support the LMH Health West Campus expansion, and a number of other important projects including the renovated heart catheterization lab and a behavioral health initiative.
The Sunderland Foundation was established in 1945 by Lester T. Sunderland, who served as the highly respected president of the Ash Grove Cement Company for 33 years. Since its inception, the Sunderland Foundation has focused on supporting construction projects, awarding grants to nonprofits in the Kansas City region and other markets traditionally served by the Ash Grove Cement Company.
