Mercy Completes Fundraising for Phase 1 of Project to Expand Region's Cancer Care

Mercy Completes Fundraising for Phase 1 of Project to Expand Region’s Cancer Care
Campaign continues for additional phases of cancer center in Fort Smith
 
FORT SMITH, Ark. (April 29, 2026) – By next summer, thousands more cancer patients across the region will have access to high-quality care close to home as Mercy Fort Smith completes a major renovation and expansion of oncology services.
Mercy Fort Smith broke ground last year on the multi-phase project, which will effectively double patient access by creating additional clinical space, introducing advanced cancer treatment technology and recruiting more oncologists to care for patients in the River Valley.
The cost for Phase 1 of the project is estimated at $41 million, a funding milestone Mercy Health Foundation Fort Smith reports was surpassed this month, helped in part by a recent $2 million challenge grant from the Mabee Foundation.
“Most everyone has had some experience with cancer, whether through a family member, friend or even their own personal health journey,” said Patrick Pendleton, executive director of Mercy Health Foundation Fort Smith. “Battling the disease alone is daunting enough, but struggling to access care is an added burden patients simply shouldn’t have to bear.”
Phase 1 includes a renovation and expansion of more than 50,000 square feet of oncology clinical space on the west end of the main hospital campus. The project will consolidate most cancer services into one location, improving care coordination and patient experience, while adding highly skilled clinicians to the River Valley, said Amy Fore, vice president of patient services at Mercy Fort Smith.
“I’m thrilled to share that since we began the project, we have already started building on our strong foundation of four medical oncologists, one radiation oncologist and two surgical oncologists by expanding these teams to add three additional medical oncologists and another radiation oncologist. And we’re not finished yet,” she said.
The expansion also includes significant technological upgrades, such as a new state-of-the-art PET CT scanner, an ION robotic bronchoscopy system and up to three new linear accelerators to support advanced radiation therapy.
Initial site work began in July 2025, and the new cancer center is expected to be fully operational by July 2027. Once complete, Mercy will double patient capacity for medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation therapy and infusion services.
“Our community understands the need for expanded cancer care and has demonstrated tremendous support for this project, with signature investments from the Cherokee Nation, the state of Arkansas, the Mabee Foundation and numerous other individuals, businesses and foundations. Together, we’re ensuring that cancer patients have access to the quality cancer care they need and deserve,” Pendleton said.
“Growing world-class cancer care in Fort Smith is just one of the many initiatives Mercy is undertaking right now,” added Ryan Gehrig, president of Mercy Fort Smith Communities. “It’s part of our broader commitment to make sure residents of western Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma can get the quality medical care they need locally. The Sisters of Mercy have been a part of the life of this community for 173 years. We’re here for the long haul, and I’m excited to be part of the momentum toward a third century of care.”
Construction is being managed by St. Louis-based McCarthy, with design by HKS of Dallas. To learn more about Phase 2 and Phase 3 fundraising efforts for the Cancer Center project, call Mercy Health Foundation Fort Smith at (479) 314-1133 or visit the foundation’s website.
Mercy, one of the 15 largest U.S. health systems and named the top large system in the U.S. for excellent patient experience by NRC Health, serves millions annually with nationally recognized care and one of the nation’s largest and highest performing Accountable Care Organizations in quality and cost. Mercy is a highly integrated, multi-state health care system including 55 acute care and specialty (heart, children’s, orthopedic and rehab) hospitals, convenient and urgent care locations, imaging centers and pharmacies. Mercy has over 1,000 physician practice locations and outpatient facilities, more than 5,000 physicians and advanced practitioners and more than 50,000 caregivers serving patients and families across Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Mercy also has clinics, outpatient services and outreach ministries in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. In fiscal year 2025 alone, Mercy provided more than half a billion dollars of free care and other community benefits, including traditional charity care and unreimbursed Medicaid.