‘A real gift’: Eastern Oregon Cancer Center returns to Pendleton
By Griffin Beach on Monday, April 13th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON – After nearly a year of uncertainly, the Pendleton community welcomed back the Eastern Oregon Cancer Center with a grand opening Saturday.
“What a blessing,” said Pendleton Economic Development Director Steve Chrisman. “We want to thank Liz and Dr. Garren and their whole staff for bringing back a real gift to the region.”
Liz Lee is the center’s CEO and Dr. Joshua Garren, a radiation oncologist, is the medical director.
The center first opened in 2019 but closed unexpectedly in February 2025. Previous owners cited rising expenses and low reimbursement rates for the shutdown. Lee’s husband, a former employee at the facility, helped lead the effort to reopen it.
“My husband frantically texted me: EOCC might close we have to do something,” Lee said. “Today we are so proud to have this level of advanced technology and talent right here in Pendleton.”
Garren, who studied at Brown University and has more than 20 years of medical experience, said a cancer center requires more than just a physician.
“The cancer center isn’t a building; the cancer center is a community of physicians who are dedicated,” he remarked. “You can’t be a good doctor on your own and give cancer care, you need a team.”
Through the nonprofit Eastern Oregon Cancer Network, patients receiving treatment at the center can access transportation assistance and free lodging at a nearby home.
“We’ve had multiple patients who said that they would not have received treatment had they not had somewhere to stay,” said AnDrea Burton, a board member for the Eastern Oregon Cancer Network. Burton added that donations to the nonprofit can be made through its website.
Several cancer survivors attended the grand opening, including former State Sen. Bill Hansell.
“Cancer, your days are numbered,” Hansell said.
