A photo of the bell donor family ringing the Bell of Hope in honor of a loved one.
Cedar County Memorial Hospital Dedicates Bell of Hope and Celebrates New Oncology and Infusion Center
October 20, 2026 - Cedar County Memorial Hospital marked a milestone for local cancer care with the dedication of the Bell of Hope in memory of Ron Lovan, followed by a ribbon cutting for its new Oncology and Infusion Center.
Community members, hospital staff, and local leaders gathered for the occasion. The ceremony began with the bell dedication, during which Pastor Joe Trussell shared the history of the original Bell of Hope. He then offered a heartfelt prayer over the Lovan family and the patients who will receive care at the center. The Lovan family gave the bell in Ron’s memory, and it will stand as a lasting symbol of encouragement for patients and families facing cancer.
The ribbon cutting followed, celebrating the September opening the center, allowing patients in Cedar County and the surrounding area to receive specialized cancer treatment close to home.
The center is led by Dr. Manan Mehta, a board-certified hematologist and oncologist with more than ten years of experience in community oncology. Dr. Mehta shared with the crowd that his commitment to patients is personal. He is both a husband and a father to cancer survivors, and he understands firsthand what patients and their families go through. His dedication to compassionate, patient-centered care was evident to everyone in attendance.
“We are grateful to everyone who helped make this center possible, and to the Lovan family for honoring Ron’s memory in such a meaningful way,” CCMH Chief Executive Officer, Don Carpenter said.
The celebration also looked ahead to Cedar County Memorial’s upcoming “100 Kits of Comfort” drive, which runs October 26 through December 20. The drive collects supplies to provide comfort and encouragement to local cancer patients. Donation boxes will be located at Cedar County Memorial Hospital and El Dorado Springs and Stockton Chambers of Commerce. Items must be new and unused (except books). Items requested include blankets, socks, hats/beanies, tote bags to hold the completed kits, adult coloring books, colored pencils or fine tip markers, gently used or new books to read, puzzle books or other enjoyable handheld activities, lip balm, hand lotion, small tissues, small journals. Donations are also accepted, in any amount. $40 sponsors one complete kit. To donate, click here. For more information, contact Cedar County Memorial Development Office at 417-876-3745.