A Legacy of Giving: The Showalter Family’s Commitment to Cancer Care and the New Supportive Care Clinic

For the past six years, the Showalter family has honored the memory of their beloved wife and mother, Twila Showalter, who passed away from colon cancer in 2017. Each year, around her birthday, the family has donated to the Sentara RMH Medical Center (SRMH) in Harrisonburg, Virginia, where Twila received care. This annual gesture has now grown into a significant pledge: a remarkable $1 million commitment to establish the Twila Showalter Supportive Care Clinic at the Sentara RMH Hahn Cancer Center.

This transformational gift arrives at a crucial time as the RMH Foundation works to address the growing needs of local cancer patients. The Showalter family’s dedication reflects not only their desire to honor Twila’s memory but also a commitment to helping others through their cancer journey. Larry Showalter, Twila’s husband, recalls the compassion shown by the staff at the Hahn Cancer Center, describing them as "incredibly kind and committed." Now, the family seeks to extend that same kindness to other patients facing the burdens of cancer.

“We are motivated by Twila’s memory of serving others,” shared Brandy Painter, Twila’s daughter. “Being able to honor her life the way we’ve been able to through fundraising has been such an uplifting experience. We want to make her proud.”

The new Twila Showalter Supportive Care Clinic aims to bridge significant gaps in cancer care in the Shenandoah Valley, where the cancer mortality rate is higher than the state average. This clinic will go beyond traditional treatment, addressing patients’ physical, emotional, social, and practical needs—supporting them through every stage, from diagnosis and treatment to recovery. The clinic will expand services such as cancer prevention screenings, medication and travel assistance, individual counseling, and comfort resources, ensuring that every patient receives comprehensive care that treats them as individuals, not just patients.

The establishment of the clinic is a community-driven effort. The RMH Foundation’s Leadership Council, co-chaired by Teresa and Devon Anders, is championing the clinic’s vision, working tirelessly to bring this resource to the community. The council’s commitment underscores a shared belief: that no one should face cancer alone. Its members are actively engaged in fundraising, advocacy, and shaping the clinic’s mission to provide personalized, supportive care that meets the unique needs of local patients.

“My mother was the definition of living life to the fullest before the diagnosis, during the cancer treatments, and close to the end of her life,” shared Amber Sabbatini, Twila’s daughter. “The Twila Showalter Supportive Care Clinic will add life to the years of the patients who come to the clinic throughout all stages of their journey.”

The Showalter family’s philanthropy has already resonated widely in the community, gaining support through initiatives like the Showalter Cancer Fund’s holiday basketball tournament and contributions from the Great Community Give event. This ongoing support showcases a community rallying together to bring meaningful change to cancer care. “It’s healing for us to give back,” Larry shares. “It’s a way to take something that’s horrible and make it beautiful.”

The case for this clinic is clear. Cancer remains a leading cause of death nationwide, and as treatments advance, more people live longer with cancer, often facing complex, long-term effects that impact their lives deeply. In the Shenandoah Valley, where a high cancer mortality rate underscores the need for integrated care, the clinic stands as a beacon of hope. Through the compassionate contributions of the Showalter family and the relentless dedication of the RMH Foundation’s Leadership Council, the Twila Showalter Supportive Care Clinic will bring essential services to the community, uplifting patients and families alike.

As the clinic moves from vision to reality, the RMH Foundation encourages others to join this cause. Donations to the Twila Showalter Supportive Care Clinic can help ensure that patients in the community receive the comprehensive care they deserve.