Saint Joseph Plymouth Medical Center announces $5 million investment to expand cancer care close to home
June 5, 2026
Contact:
Tom VanNevel
Public Relations Manager
574-335-4566, office
574-404-1048, cell
Thomas.VanNevel@sjrmc.com
Plymouth, Ind. (June 5, 2026) — Saint Joseph Health System is making a $5 million capital investment to expand oncology services at Saint Joseph Plymouth Medical Center, strengthening access to advanced cancer care for patients in Marshall County and surrounding communities.
The four‑month expansion project is designed to enhance local access to comprehensive cancer services, allowing patients to receive more of their care close to home and reducing the need to travel for treatment.
The investment includes expanded infusion services for chemotherapy and immunotherapy, the addition of a new linear accelerator to support advanced radiation oncology treatments and the recruitment of a new hematology and oncology specialist.
“This investment reflects our continued commitment to Marshall County and to ensuring our neighbors have access to compassionate, high‑quality cancer care close to home,” said Christopher Karam, president of Saint Joseph Health System. “By expanding oncology services at Saint Joseph Plymouth Medical Center, we are meeting patients where they are and supporting them through every step of their cancer journey.”
The new linear accelerator is scheduled to be online Oct. 31, providing patients with access to highly precise radiation treatments that can better target tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
In addition, Ebenezer Kio, MD, a hematology and oncology provider with roots in the community, is set to join the Saint Joseph Medical Group on Sept. 21.
“Dr. Kio brings a strong commitment to patient-centered care and a deep connection to the community we serve,” said Leah Napolitano, MD, president of Saint Joseph Medical Group. “His expertise in hematology and oncology, combined with his compassionate approach, will further strengthen our ability to provide exceptional cancer care close to home.”
The expansion also strengthens collaboration across Trinity Health’s Illinois and Indiana Region, bringing advanced technology and expertise to the Plymouth campus.
“Adding a new linear accelerator and expanding infusion services allows us to deliver more sophisticated treatments that are often only available at larger cancer centers,” said William Small Jr., MD, vice president of Oncology for Trinity Health’s Illinois and Indiana Region and director of the Loyola Medicine Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center. “This investment ensures patients in Marshall County can receive state‑of‑the‑art cancer care without leaving their community.”
For patients, the expansion means less time on the road and more time focused on healing.
"I am grateful that our community has access to this level of care close to home, without having to travel to South Bend or Mishawaka for treatment. The care I receive is truly exceptional," said Art Jacobs, battalion chief with Plymouth Fire Department. "The nurses are incredibly caring, compassionate, and attentive, always making sure I am comfortable and well cared for during every visit. Their kindness, professionalism, and genuine concern for patients make a difficult journey so much easier."
Construction and installation for the expanded oncology services are underway, with services rolling out as upgrades are completed over the coming months.