Bloomington Nonprofit to Shut Down
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowA Bloomington nonprofit that serves cancer patients will close its doors. Jill's House Inc. says the move is the result of Indiana University Health's plans to close its Proton Therapy Center by the end of the year.
September 5, 2014
News Release
Bloomington, Ind. — The Board of Directors for Jill's House, Inc., has voted to begin closing the nonprofit's doors, following Indiana University's announcement to shut down the IU Health Proton Therapy Center by December 31, 2014.
Jill's House was founded as a nonprofit in 2001 to honor the memories of Jill Behrman and Steven Howard by serving individuals seeking cancer treatment at the Proton Therapy Center and their families.
“Since Jill's House first opened in 2008, we have had the great opportunity to serve and touch the lives of more than 600 cancer patients and their families,” said Jill's House, Inc., Board President Bonnie Patton. “And that is why the Jill's House family was deeply saddened by the recent announcement that the Proton Therapy Center will close, as it has provided vital treatment to many of our guests. Our main concern now is to care for those that are currently with us, and to continue to fulfill our mission until the last proton patient is treated.”
Jill's House will continue to serve its current guests and proton therapy center patients through the end of the year. Before closing, the organization is hoping to welcome former guests and supporters at an event to celebrate its years of existence.
With the closing of the proton therapy center, Jill's House will have accomplished its
central mission to create a warm and caring environment for the center's patients and Jill's House guests. With 25 individual rooms and open common spaces, Jill's House has offered unique accommodations specially designed for enhancing a sense of community and warmth while valuing the privacy of guests. Many guests have referred to Jill's House as their home away from home. The enduring legacy of Jill's House will be the relationships that have been forged in the house and the special memories so many have of their time in Bloomington.
Jill Behrman was a Bloomington native and IU student who was abducted on May 31,
2000, while cycling near her home. Steven Howard was the son of Bud and Peg Howard, and died at the age of 19 following his battle with cancer. Jill's House was founded by the parents of Jill and Steven as a memorial to their beloved children.
Source: Jill's House Inc.