Mead Family’s Philanthropy Supports New Cancer Center in Columbus, Nebraska
Columbus Community Hospital (CCH) has announced the naming of its forthcoming cancer care facility as the Mead Family Cancer Center, honoring a significant donation from the Mead family, who founded Mead Lumber. The center is scheduled to break ground this spring and aims to open in the fall of 2026.
The 26,500-square-foot facility will consolidate CCH’s oncology services, including infusion therapy, radiation oncology, medical oncology, PET/CT imaging, and patient navigation, into a single location. This centralized approach is designed to streamline care, enhance coordination among healthcare providers, and improve accessibility for patients.
My family has been touched by cancer, and I’m giving to this center because I believe everyone deserves access to compassionate care and cutting-edge treatments within their community,”
Keith Luedders, vice president for ancillary services at CCH, expressed gratitude for the Mead family’s contribution, noting that their support is instrumental in realizing the vision of a comprehensive, patient-centered cancer care facility.
The center will feature advanced medical technology, including a permanent PET/CT scanner available five days a week and a Varian TrueBeam linear accelerator for precise radiation therapy.
Cori Fullner, director of the Columbus Community Foundation, highlighted the Mead family’s longstanding commitment to the Columbus community and expressed hope that their donation would inspire others to support local healthcare initiatives.
Founded in 1910 in Ashland, Neb., Mead Lumber has grown into a leading supplier of building materials across the Great Plains, operating 54 locations in nine states. In 2014, the company became 100 percent employee-owned, reinforcing its commitment to community and customer service.
