Mark and Denise O’Dell of rural Charleston have donated $50,000 to ‘Expanding Hope,’ the capital campaign to fund the expansion of the Sarah Bush Lincoln Regional Cancer Center. In addition, Commercial Electric of Mattoon has matched this donation for a total gift of $100,000.
“Mark and Denise are truly wonderful people, and we couldn’t be more grateful for them - and of course for Commercial Electric - for helping us expand cancer care to area residents through these incredible donations,” said Amy Card, SBL Health Foundation Director. “It’s truly a blessing to have people like Mark, Denise and Megan O’Dell care so much for residents in and around their community, that they give so generously.”
Megan O’Dell, President of Commercial Electric, said that the family discussed this project and knew they wanted to support it in a big way. “We’re so lucky to have the Regional Cancer Center right here so that patients don’t have to travel long distances to receive exceptional care,” Megan said. “Our cancer center is a gem, and we’re proud to make this gift in honor of our friends and loved ones who have received, or may receive, care there.” Megan is also a Foundation Board and Campaign Committee member.
The $17.2 million project will add 15,000 square feet to the existing 21,500-square-foot facility. When the Center opened in 2016, its 17 infusion bays comfortably served patients. Today, the Center provides nearly twice as many treatments, with annual visits rising from 56,000 in 2020 to over 104,000 in 2025.
The expansion will include 34 chemotherapy and specialized infusion bays, eight new exam rooms, a larger waiting room—double the current size—and expanded parking. Dedicated space will also be created for non-oncology medical infusion. Construction is expected to begin in late March.
SBL President & CEO Kim Uphoff expanded on the generosity of the O’Dell family. “The Regional Cancer Center is a place of hope and healing for so many families across the region. We’re forever grateful to Mark, Denise and Commercial Electric for helping us expand to meet the growing demand for cancer care there. We’re honored to receive this gift and will be proud to recognize them in the new space.”
For more information about donating to the Regional Cancer Center expansion, contact Card at 217-258-2511 or a member of the Campaign Committee: Kyle Banks, Ann Beck, Joe Dively, Tom Grunloh, John Inyart, Paul Koerner, Matt Myerscough, Megan O’Dell, Deacon Patient, Tammy Ronchetti, Tony Sparks.