In Spokane, WA, on November 6, 2025, Cancer Can’t, a Spokane-based nonprofit supporting adult cancer patients and their families, announced today that its upcoming lodging facility will be named the Genova House, in recognition of a $750,000 commitment from the Genova Family Foundation. The facility, situated near Kendall Yards, is part of a larger fundraising effort that has already secured $6.2 million in support and is projected for groundbreaking in March 2026.
The Genova House will serve as more than mere accommodations—it is being designed as a home-away-from-home for cancer patients who travel to the Spokane area for treatment, and their families. By offering comfortable, affordable lodging in close proximity to major treatment centers, the facility aims to ease the emotional and logistical burdens that accompany long distance care. In addition to serving cancer patients, the lodge will partner with local hospitals and medical providers to host individuals with other acute medical conditions, thereby broadening the impact and ensuring a viable revenue model to sustain operations long-term.
“This project made perfect sense to us,” said Mike Genova, Founder of the Genova Family Foundation.
“Spokane is a hub for cancer care in our region, so many patients travel quite a distance. After a grueling day of treatment, the last thing they want to do is get in a car and drive several hours to get home, or spend the night in a sterile hotel room. We are proud to help provide a house of hope and healing for these patients and their families.” His words underscore the foundation’s belief that supportive environments play a critical role in the healing journey—offering rest, community and dignity at a pivotal time.
Becky Van Keulen, President and Co-Founder of Cancer Can’t, expressed gratitude for the partnership and reminded the community that the journey is not yet complete: “We are so grateful to everyone who has helped this vision come to life,” she said. Van Keulen and her late husband Jonathan founded the organization after discovering that adult cancer patients in the Inland Northwest lacked a dedicated nonprofit resource. From Jonathan’s hospital room, they envisioned a support system that would fill that gap. “While we have already exceeded our initial fundraising goal of $6 million,” she added, “construction costs have increased since the project’s inception. We now project a total of around $7 million will be needed to fully furnish and open the Genova House. Donations are still needed to wrap up construction and cover furnishings, appliances and landscaping.”
About Cancer Can’t
Cancer Can’t is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering adult cancer patients and their families in the Inland Northwest. Through transportation to medical appointments, financial grants, peer-led support groups and community resources, the organization enables patients to focus on healing, not the burden of cancer. For more information, visit www.cancercant.com.
About the Genova Family Foundation
The Genova Family Foundation is committed to advancing initiatives that promote health care access, educational opportunity, economic sustainability and advocacy for vulnerable populations. By investing in impactful programs, the foundation seeks to create meaningful, lasting change in communities throughout the world.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Support the vision of the Genova House and help create a place of solace, strength and healing for those who need it most. To learn more or to make a donation.
