New Intermountain Holy Rosary Hospital Cancer Center ‘Game-Changer’ for Glendive, Montana Mother

Marcy Smith, of Glendive, Mont. is busy. From her work as a speech paraprofessional in Glendive public schools and following her son’s many sporting activities, to caring for two young foster children, she has just enough time to make sure she is caring for her own health. Her normal routine took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with breast cancer last year.

Her medical provider insisted on a screening mammogram last February. “I remember thinking, ‘I don’t have time for this,’ but my doctor didn’t give me a choice,” Smith joked. The mammogram revealed a lump, and further tests confirmed it was cancer. By May, Smith had undergone surgery to remove the lump and was advised to start chemotherapy followed by radiation therapy.

Living in rural eastern Montana, Smith faced the prospect of traveling long distances for her treatments. If she chose to travel more than 200 miles to Billings, the daily radiation treatments would require her to potentially spend weeks away from her family.  These barriers made her uneasy. Fortunately, Smith’s provider informed her about the new Intermountain Health Holy Rosary Cancer Center in Miles City that was now providing radiation oncology treatments.

“From the very moment I spoke with my radiation doctor in Miles City, I was wowed. The facility was brand new and very comfortable. Cancer stuff is scary, but this place made it a really good experience,” Smith shared.

The convenience of the cancer center was “a game-changer” for Smith. An hour drive from Glendive, she was able to work her radiation treatments into her work and family schedules. “They fit me in during the afternoon. I was able to leave my last student at 3, make it to Miles City by 4, and be back home by dinner time,” she said.

“We are incredibly proud of the strides we’ve made in expanding our cancer services,” said Katie Donnelly,” director of Oncology Care at Intermountain Holy Rosary Hospital. “Being able to offer comprehensive cancer care at Holy Rosary means patients like Marcy no longer have to travel hours for these treatments. Seeing the difference it makes, in the lives of our patients and their families, is what inspires us every day.”

It was harder on my family than it was on me. They didn’t have any control over what happened; they just sort of watched it go on. When they knew I was going to Miles City for radiation, they felt much better.

Marcy Smith

In September, Holy Rosary opened the new cancer center, made possible with a $6-million grant from Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust.  The new state-of-the-art facility now provides radiation oncology care in addition to the medical oncology, surgical oncology, and support services that Holy Rosary has provided for several decades. It is the only comprehensive cancer center in a 125-mile radius. Annually, Holy Rosary provides more than 1,500 infusion treatments and has more than 500 provider visits with patients.

“With the opening of the new cancer center and now offering radiation oncology services at Holy Rosary, we will be able to serve even more patients, creating equitable cancer care for the region and our rural communities.” shared Ben Uhlich, president and chief nursing officer of Holy Rosary Hospital.

Smith’s commitment to her family was evident throughout her treatment journey. Despite the challenges, she made sure to be there for her children and grandchildren. Her foster daughter, 5 and in kindergarten, often accompanied her to the cancer center, providing company and support.

The support from her community also played a crucial role. “I have a very supportive community. People offered to help, sent letters of support, and provided words of encouragement,” Smith says. This support network, combined with the accessible care at the Holy Rosary cancer center, made a significant difference in her journey.

Smith’s story highlights the importance of having access to critical cancer care in rural areas. Care close to home eases the economic and physical burden of travel and stress for patients like Smith. “It’s such a relief to have a new center, new equipment, and very knowledgeable doctors from a great group,” she said.

Smith acknowledges the profound impact her cancer has had on her family. “It was harder on my family than it was on me. They didn’t have any control over what happened; they just sort of watched it go on. When they knew I was going to Miles City for radiation, they felt much better,” she said.

As Smith looks forward to the future with determination, she remains committed to her family and community. “I’m going to watch my foster son graduate, my grandson start as quarterback, and all the big things my family will do,” she said.

Now finished with her treatment, Smith starts a new year with gratitude and cautious optimism, caring for her family and students.  She also wants women to understand and prioritize the importance of accessing preventative care, even during the busyness and commitments of daily life.

About Intermountain Health

Headquartered in Utah with locations in six states and additional operations across the western U.S., Intermountain Health is a not-for-profit system of 34 hospitals, approximately 400 clinics, medical groups with some 4,600 employed physicians and advanced care providers, a health plans division called Select Health with more than one million members, and other health services. Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain is committed to improving community health and is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by using evidence-based best practices to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes at sustainable costs. For up-to-date information and announcements, please see the Intermountain Health newsroom at https://intermountainhealthcare.org/news.