Avera Cancer Institute Will Be Located Within Ness Family Center to Honor Lead Gift

The new Avera Cancer Institute location in Yankton will be housed within the Ness Family Center to honor the generosity of Larry and Diane Ness. The success of the Avera Foundation's $7 million "Building Hope Here" campaign to support constructing the cancer treatment center would not have been possible without the significant lead gift from Larry and Diane, as well as the $500,000 dollar-for-dollar match for community donations they helped provide through First Dakota National Bank.

"The generosity of Larry and Diane Ness - along with their sons Michael, Aaron and Rob - made this vision of a new home for hope and healing for area cancer patients a reality. The Ness family's compassion and commitment to community are woven into this new center," said Dzenan Berberovic, Avera Chief Development Officer and Foundation President. "The Ness Family Center is an enduring sign of Larry and Diane's commitment to the people of the Yankton community. We are humbled to honor that generous spirit by naming the building the Avera Cancer Institute is located within the Ness Family Center."

Signage with the new name is expected to be installed in early May.

In addition, the Ness family will be honored with a bronze statue outside the center. It features three boys seated together on a bench, honoring Larry and Diane's sons, who, along with their families, continue to carry forward the Ness family's legacy in our region.

When the $17 million project is complete, the Avera Cancer Institute will offer medical oncology, radiation oncology, chemotherapy infusion, clinical research, genetic counseling and other support services in one location instead of across two locations in Yankton.

Bringing all cancer services into one location will align the Yankton center with Avera's oncology locations in Aberdeen, Mitchell, Pierre and Sioux Falls, SD, and Marshall, MN, ensuring that patients receive the same, consistent experience. Avera Cancer Institute's six regional centers and dozens of outreach and telemedicine sites make up the only accredited cancer care network in the region, with accreditations from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (COC) and the American Society of Clinical Oncology Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI).

A public open house and ribbon cutting is planned for June. More details will be shared soon.

"We are grateful for the generosity of Larry and Diane and the Ness family, and everyone who contributed to the 'Building Hope Here' campaign," said Victoria Hanson, Regional President and CEO of Avera Sacred Heart Hospital. "We look forward to inviting the public in to celebrate what an impact this comprehensive facility will have on cancer care in the region. All of us have been touched by cancer in one way or another, and the community support the Avera Cancer Institute has received is a testament to our shared desire to make sure we have modern, high-quality care right here in Yankton."

Contributions are still being collected for the campaign. All gifts are matched dollar for dollar by First Dakota National Bank, doubling your impact and strengthening Avera's ability to deliver exceptional cancer care across the community. Please click here to donate.