GREENEVILLE, Tenn. — Greeneville Community Hospital patients now have access to advanced cancer treatment technology in Greene County, thanks to a $1 million gift from the Niswonger family and a significant capital investment by Ballad Health. The newly operational TrueBeam linear accelerator at the Niswonger Family Radiation Treatment Center began serving patients in September, bringing world-class radiation therapy close to home.
The investment, made in honor of Dr. John Boys, the hospital’s radiation oncologist for the past 30 years, enhances the hospital’s oncology services and provides state-of-the-art equipment for local cancer patients. The Niswonger family’s generous contribution, combined with Ballad Health’s capital commitment, makes advanced cancer care accessible to Greene County residents without requiring travel to distant treatment centers.
“The Niswongers’ commitment to our region’s health and well-being continues to transform patient care,” said Alan Levine, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ballad Health. “Cancer treatment advances every day, and it’s our duty as stewards of our region to ensure that everyone in the Appalachian Highlands has access to that care right here at home. This investment exemplifies the power of philanthropy and institutional commitment working together to serve our community.”
The TrueBeam linear accelerator is an advanced medical machine that can more accurately target cancer cells without destroying nearby healthy cells. This results in faster, more precise treatment for patients while also allowing care teams to tailor therapy to each individual. The technology supports better outcomes and improved quality of life for cancer patients.
“Cancer isn’t just one disease — it’s a group of diseases, each with unique treatment needs,” said Dr. Boys. “Even two patients with the same type of cancer may require different treatment approaches. The TrueBeam provides our clinicians with the flexibility to customize therapy for each patient, proving a more comfortable experience for patients and overall improving outcomes. Having this technology here in Greeneville means our community members can receive exceptional care without traveling for hours to receive treatment. I’m deeply grateful to the Niswonger family for their generosity and vision.”
“Cancer touches every family in some way,” said Scott Niswonger. “Our family’s commitment is to give Greene County families access to this new treatment technology, that will help doctors provide advanced treatment to more patients, while also giving patients a more comfortable experience by reducing the length of treatment time.”
Building on a strong foundation
The addition of the linear accelerator underscores Ballad Health’s commitment to strengthening cancer care throughout Greene County and the broader Appalachian Highlands. The investment builds on recent oncology advancements at Greeneville Community Hospital, including the addition of surgical robotic technology and the expansion of services.
“Not long ago, we were celebrating the addition of a new surgical robot, and now we’re adding state-of-the-art cancer technology patients can access right here at home,” said Eric Carroll, chief executive officer of Greeneville Community Hospital. “We’re diversifying our services across the board in Greene County, ensuring that patients don’t have to travel for specialized, advanced care, no matter what their needs are.”
This investment is part of Ballad Health’s broader commitment to cancer care. In December 2024, the health system announced a major expansion of Ballad Health Cancer Care in Johnson City, and the system has entered a 10-year partnership with Varian, a Siemens Healthineers company. That partnership, one of the largest in Varian’s history, is bringing eight TrueBeam linear accelerators and advanced adaptive radiotherapy systems across the region.
“These investments are crucial for rural regions like ours, where someone with a new cancer diagnosis could be forced to travel hours, sometimes out of state, to receive the treatment they need,” said Jack Simpson, President of Ballad Health Foundation. “We are grateful for philanthropists like the Niswonger family and our partnership with industry leaders like Varian as we work toward a future where patients can access whatever advanced care they need right here at home.”
To learn more about cancer care at Ballad Health, visit www.balladhealth.org/cancer-care.
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About Greeneville Community Hospital
Greeneville Community Hospital provides a full range of medical services, including an emergency department, family birth center, a women’s health center, surgical services, and a wide range of diagnostic imaging services. The hospital also has a robust array of outpatient options, including 3D mammography, chronic care management, corporate wellness programs, a metabolic weight management and lifestyle center, rehabilitation services and occupational medicine. Learn more about Greeneville Community Hospital at www.balladhealth.org/GCH.
