Cancer care includes more than treatment. It also includes the support and kindness the care team delivers.
When Jamestown Regional Medical Center built its new location in southwest Jamestown, it dreamed of the day it could eliminate miles in the journey to recovery.
JRMC Cancer Center selected its team to ensure a legendary experience. The team consists of Oncology Nurse Practitioner Laura Bond, Registered Nurses Garret Hillius and K.C. Robison, as well as Patient Access Clerk Lori Vondal. Having experienced the impact of cancer, they want to make THE difference in the lives of those they serve.
NURSING TEAM
“Cancer touches everyone,” Hillius said. “At any point, someone you know may be diagnosed with cancer. Some will have good outcomes, while others may not be as fortunate.”
Hillius’ mother, Shelly, was diagnosed with appendix cancer in 2010 when Hillius was in college. Shelly passed away shortly after. After her death, the community surrounded Hillius with support.
“I want to provide care at JRMC Cancer Center because I want to offer the best care possible to all patients, all while paying it forward,” Hillius said. “I want to help patients and families know everything is going to be okay – no matter the outcome.”
Hillius has more than 10 years of experience in nursing and patient care. He graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Jamestown College. Hillius worked on JRMC’s Patient Care Unit prior to the cancer center.
Robison, a former JRMC Emergency Department nurse, has more than 10 years of experience in nursing and patient care. In 2015, he graduated from Jamestown College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. The JRMC Cancer Center brings JRMC closer to its vision – being the best rural hospital in the country.
WELCOME CENTER
Greeting each patient and guest is the patient access team. At the JRMC Cancer Center, Vondal will assist with checking in, checking out, scheduling and ensuring patients and guests are comfortable.
Vondal joined JRMC eight years ago, most recently serving patients in the JRMC Clinic.
“Cancer knows no boundaries, young or old,” Vondal said. “After watching my dad pass away from brain cancer when I was 21, I understand the importance of care close to home.”
FACILITATING CARE
Each member of the JRMC Cancer Center care team knows how much miles matter.
Bond’s story is no different.
Bond cared for her husband, Josh, who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in 2013. She stayed with him during his intense treatment and five-month inpatient stay at a Fargo hospital. And, an additional four months after he relapsed for a bone marrow transplant.
“Local cancer care is important because miles matter when a person is sick,” Bond said. Those miles meant Bond and her husband missed their daughters’ school activities, lemonade stand fundraiser and tuck-ins at bedtime.
At JRMC, Bond will save cancer patients more than 160,000 miles of travel each month.
“We are excited to have these individuals on our care team,” said Mike Delfs, JRMC President & CEO. “Miles matter when a person is sick. Given their professional and personal experiences, we know they will be a great fit.”
For more information regarding the JRMC Cancer Center, call (701) 952-3954.