A Legacy of Steadfast Support and Generosity for Cancer Patients
Peter and Joyce Lynn’s Benevolent Cancer Care Fund provides financial assistance to cancer patients so that costs will not burden families or hinder treatment.
Peter and Joyce Lynn were enjoying their retirement years in 2021 when Joyce was diagnosed with the return of her cancer. Being snowbirds, they needed to find doctors in both Florida and Pennsylvania. When they returned to the area, Joyce began treatment with oncologist Abdalla Sholi, M.D. His outstanding medical care and expertise went hand-in-hand with his kind spirit, and Joyce and Peter both quickly grew very fond of him.
Dr. Sholi has been with UPMC North Central Pa. for just over six years. He is currently the regional medical director for medical oncology at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Williamsport. He finds great satisfaction in providing personalized cancer treatment to the people in this rural community, where robust health care is truly needed. “We came up with a treatment plan that fit Joyce’s illness, and Peter was a big part of her care and support system,” says Dr. Sholi. “I got to know the Lynns well, and I cannot think of a more kind-hearted, endearing couple.”
“The care at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center is excellent. I can’t say enough good things about everyone who works there, from the doctors right down to the volunteers who greet you with a smile. Everyone is caring and attentive to your needs,” says Joyce. She and Peter wanted to help as many people as possible have access to the quality care that she experienced. It saddened them to know that people in their own community would have to choose a less effective course of treatment, decline important medications, or postpone treatment due to financial hardships. They wanted to do something about it.
The Lynns were inspired by Dr. Sholi and the Hillman team to make a gift to the cancer center. They established the Benevolent Cancer Care Fund to help patients financially as they undergo treatment. The fund started helping patients in January 2025 and is dedicated to helping those in financial need get their medical treatment without delay. The Benevolent Cancer Care Fund put their compassion into action.
“My late husband and I have always tried to be attentive to those less fortunate than us,” says Joyce. “Giving back to the community has been very important.” Peter was a lifelong philanthropist and Lycoming College chair emeritus of the board of trustees. The couple has roots in the Williamsport area and care deeply for the people who live there. While Joyce and Peter felt blessed that they could afford access to medical care, they were dismayed to learn how many patients in the community could not.
Tragically, just a few months after deciding to give their generous donation to create the Benevolent Cancer Care Fund, Peter was diagnosed with cancer himself. In June 2023, he passed away from his illness. His generous legacy carries on through the financial support now available through the fund to the cancer center’s most economically challenged patients.
Words of Advice from a Fellow Cancer Journeyer
Living with cancer as both a patient and caregiver, Joyce is aware of the daunting journey cancer patients face. She does not want anyone to give up hope. “My advice would be to speak with your oncologist to learn about the means available for financial aid and support groups for families experiencing stress and strain. Your oncologist is there for you as a doctor and an advocate. Don’t be afraid to ask for the help you need.”
The mother of two, grandmother of five, and newly minted great-grandmother of one also reminds families dealing with cancer to live and love fully each and every day. “The journey can be long sometimes, as in my case. You just have to live each day to the fullest and do the best you can,” says Joyce. “I always try to keep a positive attitude and a smile on my face.”