Our Stories

Ion bronchoscopy, a robotic-platform for minimally invasive lung biopsy (right), will give many patients at Providence the opportunity to get that early, life-saving diagnosis.  It is our goal to streamline care and shorten the time from initial CT scan of chest to the diagnostic biopsy, from 6 weeks on average to 2 weeks for most patients. The $950,000 machine will be funded through philanthropic gifts from generous donors.

From a suspicious finding through diagnosis, Providence oncology patient navigators help guide patients through the cancer journey as the primary point of contact for the patient. They can assist with securing the initial appointments, coordinating follow-up visits for treatments and procedures, identifying and addressing any barriers to quality care, knowing who to reach out to if an emergency arises, and ensuring a seamless coordination of services between all members of the patient’s health care team.

Providence Sound Hospice proudly takes part in the national We Honor Vets program. As of September 2022, more than 80 veterans under hospice care have received recognition through certificates, military challenge coins, flag pins and/or ceremonies.

The Providence Integrative Cancer Care program offers patients an array of holistic medicine treatments designed to complement conventional medical cancer care. Your support is critical to helping patients access these services. 

Thanks to the generosity of Foundation donors, St. Peter and Centralia hospitals will soon welcome four-legged caregivers to the Security team. K9 teams will consist of a K9 handler and a bomb and gunpowder deterrent canine partner.

Two years ago, Melissa Hansen couldn’t get out of bed without assistance due to excruciating back pain. Each morning her husband would carefully help her get out of bed and down the stairs. Now, following a lumbar microdiscectomy, Melissa Hansen, 51, now spends most of her day playing with and caring for her energetic young grandson, Eli.

Most patients with stage 4 pancreatic cancer are given nine months to a year to live. More than four years after his diagnosis, Michael Covey has shattered clinical trial records and seen an 80 percent reduction in his tumor. 

Thanks to a TransAlta Centralia Coal Transition Grant of $238,036 awarded to Providence Health Care Foundation, in 2020, Providence Centralia Hospital implemented the state’s largest hospital solar panel array resulting in cost savings and energy efficiencies.

The unique collaboration of the varied disciplines throughout our two hospitals and over 35 out-patient clinics has truly transformed the lives of our patients like Benji.

I believe the best health care does more than save lives. It changes them. “The people at Providence took me in, fed me, clothed me, fixed me and reinvigorated me. In more ways than one, they saved my life and my soul.”

Thanks to the generosity of 3 current St. Peter employees, we are happy to announce the establishment of our newest fund, Creating Healing Environments. 

Darrell McGregor has generally always taken his mobility for granted until one day, he couldn't. The active 68-year old works as a lumberyard manager, plays vigorously with his grandkids, and is an avid, lifetime hunter. 

Howard Rotter can now catch his breath. The 90-year-old is back at home in Clearwater, keeping busy turning bowls in his shop and enjoying time with family.

Patty is very pleased with her experience at Providence Regional Cancer System – Centralia and is grateful for the care so close to home.