Vancouver donor jumps at chance to help cancer patients

Kathy Corwin and her late first husband, Kyle, have a long history with the Vancouver community dating back to the late 1930’s when Kyle’s grandfather, Harold, moved here. The elder Corwin acquired a Pepsi Franchise, which became Corwin Beverage, still family-owned and operated four generations later.

When her family is in need, having an excellent place for them to receive care in the community matters. Kathy knows this well. In 2006, both her late husband Kyle and her mother were in the Three North cancer care wing at PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center at the same time. While it was not convenience, but coincidence that brought Kathy’s loved ones just two rooms apart during their stay, she noticed a difference. Her mother was in one of the private rooms until discharge; then, Kyle was moved to the private room. Though both have since passed, the experience left a lasting impact on Kathy.

Over the years, Three North has become a special place to Kathy and her family. Her daughter, Kate Young, was a nurse there for several years. They both have fond memories of the unit, particularly time spent with caregivers at the nurse’s station.

A member of the PeaceHealth Southwest foundation board since 2015, Kathy also serves on the cabinet of the Giving Strength Cancer Campaign. One day while attending a foundation board meeting, she almost jumped out of her chair when the cancer campaign was mentioned. Kathy knew she had to be a part of it and remembers thinking, “This is what I’ve been waiting for. I’d love to make a gift to the nurse’s station!” She did so in honor of Kyle and shares, “He always loved his nurses and thought they were all angels.”

Giving to the campaign also means Kathy is making sure cancer patients have private rooms. Remembering her own family’s experience, she shares, “The biggest thing is dignity. Knowing patients can have privacy and their nurses will be able to be with them in that setting is why I want Three North to have private rooms.”

Kathy’s gift is also an extension of the way she and her family has cared for their beloved community for many decades that will make a difference for the future generations to come.