A story of hope and healing at Greene County Medical Center
Dave Wilson’s story is not just one of survival. It’s a testament to the strength of community, the power of cutting-edge care and the unbreakable bonds of family. After battling personal loss and a life-changing diagnosis, Dave found hope again, all thanks to the team at Greene County Medical Center. His words are a call to action: Don’t wait, reach out. You are not alone. “I never thought I’d be here telling this story; but here I am alive, hopeful and more grateful than I ever thought possible,” Dave said.
Dave’s journey hasn’t been an easy one. After the death of a child in 2021 and the devastating loss of his wife in 2025 to breast cancer, life threw yet another curveball; a mass in his colon, later found to have spread to his liver. It was the kind of news no one expects to hear, especially after years of caring for a loved one battling cancer. “I felt terrible about it,” Dave admitted. “With her illness over the past several years, I just never really took time to worry about myself.”
But when Greene County Medical Center stepped in, Dave found new hope. The very same hospital that had served his wife during her first battle now offered the treatments he needed to fight his own cancer. This included life-saving chemotherapy services available right in his own back yard. “I was just so excited to find out they were offering this back at Greene County Medical Center again,” he said. “That has saved me a lot of trips to Des Moines and I felt like a weight had been lifted off of me.”
Dave’s treatment was not just about medical procedures. It was the compassionate care that truly made a difference. He credits the hospital’s oncology team for more than just their expertise; it was the human connection that made all the difference. From the nurses who made him feel like family to the dedicated staff who went out of their way to ensure comfort, Dave felt seen, heard and cared for. “I just love those guys. They were a lot of fun to be around; Amber, Amanda, Katie, Dr. Merchant and all the others, I just love them to pieces,” Dave said in a voice filled with gratitude. “They just treated me like a king. They were fantastic, just super and professional at the same time.”
Recently, that compassion came full circle in an emotional moment that Dave says he will never forget. His care team, family, friends, staff and administration gathered around as Dave was invited to ring the bell celebrating the final infusion in this round of his treatment. As the first patient to reach this milestone since services were renewed at Greene County Medical Center, there were a lot of smiles, some tears and loud applause. For Dave, who rang that bell all the way down the corridor from his treatment room to the front desk, the sound was not just the end of a treatment cycle. After so much loss, it was a moment of joy and hope to be shared with those who have walked beside him every step of the way.
Even as his cancer journey continues, Dave finds peace of mind in knowing that Greene County Medical Center has the resources he needs to fight. With continued monitoring and a Team that’s in it for the long haul, Dave remains optimistic. “There will be more scans and labs, but I am feeling hopeful.”
“I know Greene County is going to be here for me no matter what,” he confidently added. “For anyone in the surrounding communities, don’t wait. Check out Greene County Medical Center. They’re the best, as far as I’m concerned.”
After everything Dave has been through, loss, illness and uncertainty, he stands as a testament to resilience. But more than that, he stands as a reminder that community care, compassion and accessible healthcare can make all the difference. “Thank you Greene County Medical Center. You gave me back my life.”
Dave and his wife were high school sweethearts from Hampton, who moved to Jefferson in 1979. Together, they raised three children: one son and two daughters. He spent 38 years working for Northup-King Seed Company, later named Syngenta. After his retirement, he spent eight years working as a patient transporter at the medical center. Dave was diagnosed with his cancer in May of 2025.
Back (from left) Allison Chargo, RN McFarland Clinic; Barb Brioch, RN; Hanna Sheridan, PA McFarland Clinic; and Amanda Miller
For more information on services or to learn more about the treatments offered, talk with your oncologist or primary care provider, visit gcmchealth.com or call 515-239-4401.
~provided by Greene County Medical Center
