KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Cheshire Medical Center has surpassed its $42 million fundraising goal for a major capital campaign that will support expanded cancer treatment services, upgraded operating rooms and additional outpatient care capacity throughout the Monadnock Region.

The hospital announced this week that its “Our Community, Our Future” campaign has exceeded its fundraising target after drawing support from nearly 650 households. The effort began quietly in December 2024 before launching publicly in November 2025.

Hospital leaders said the campaign reflects strong community support for maintaining access to advanced healthcare services locally. The funding will help Cheshire Medical Center move forward with several long-planned projects designed to improve patient care and accommodate growing demand.

Even with the fundraising milestone reached, officials said additional donations will be needed because construction costs have continued to rise since the projects were first planned.

According to Cheshire Medical Center President and CEO Dr. Joe Perras, community members have demonstrated how much they value local healthcare through their contributions. He said the support will allow the hospital to expand critical services while helping ensure patients throughout the region can continue receiving high-quality care close to home.

One of the largest projects funded through the campaign is the expansion of the Dartmouth Cancer Center at Cheshire Medical Center. The project includes the installation of a second linear accelerator, which will increase radiation therapy capacity and reduce the need for patients to travel elsewhere for treatment. Construction is expected to wrap up this summer, with patient treatments beginning in September.

Campaign funds will also support a significant modernization of the hospital’s surgical department. Plans call for four new operating rooms, a new hybrid surgical suite created by combining two existing operating rooms, and renovations to the remaining surgical spaces. Hospital officials noted that the current operating rooms are more than 50 years old and no longer reflect modern surgical design standards.

Additional improvements include expanded outpatient services, particularly in gastroenterology and cancer care, allowing Cheshire Medical Center to accommodate more patients locally.

Sandie Phipps, vice president of philanthropy and community relations, credited local donors for making the campaign’s success possible. While celebrating the achievement, she emphasized that fundraising efforts must continue to offset higher-than-anticipated construction expenses and ensure all planned projects can be completed.

Jane Larmon, chair of the Cheshire Health Foundation Board of Trustees and co-chair of the campaign, said community involvement has been essential throughout the fundraising effort. She encouraged residents to continue supporting the initiative so the hospital can complete the full scope of its expansion plans and strengthen healthcare services for future generations.

Hospital officials said continued fundraising will help ensure that all planned improvements move forward despite rising project costs and will support Cheshire Medical Center’s long-term goal of keeping specialized care available close to home.