07/31/2025
âFrom My Hospital Windowâ â Leahâs Story
Leah Garland, our Bereavement Coordinator at Hospice of Pella, never expected to face breast cancer herself. But this summer, that changed. Leah underwent a bilateral mastectomy right here at Pella Regional, and from her hospital window, she could see the construction of our new cancer radiation center taking shape.
âI felt such joy to see the new radiation center being built outside my window. It gave me hope â not just for myself, but for every person who will benefit from this care close to home,â Leah said.
For Leah, the absence of local radiation services meant making tough decisions. The thought of traveling an hour daily for weeks of radiation while balancing work and family wasnât realistic. âIf the center had already been here, I wouldâve seriously considered the less invasive lumpectomy route,â she shared.
Now, as she continues her treatment, Leah says sheâs been blown away by the level of care available locally â from advanced imaging to surgery and therapies â all within the walls of Pella Regional. âPeople are often amazed I didnât need to go to a larger city an hour away. Soon, others wonât have to either â not for any part of their cancer journey.â
Leah shared this moment from her hospital room to encourage others. âIâve been open about my diagnosis because hearing from others helped me. And I want people to know: we have phenomenal care right here in Pella.â
Weâre grateful to Leah for her courage, her heart, and her willingness to share â and we look forward to the day this new center opens its doors.
Learn more about the new radiation center coming to Pella: https://www.pellahealth.org/expansion-project/