About the Foundation
Dr. Howard H. Kirtland III, a Board Certified Hematology Specialist in Venango County and his wife, Barbara G. Kirtland, established the Kirtland Cancer Foundation in 2005. The Foundation brought to fruition their dream to give back to the community by helping those individuals dealing with cancer. They realized there was a need to provide quick financial assistance to those undergoing cancer treatments.
From the time the Kirtland’s came to Franklin, Pennsylvania, Dr. Kirtland dedicated himself and his practice to serving the community. Dr. Kirtland graduated college from Georgetown University and then from the Cornell University School of Medicine. Barbara attended Juanita College, and then graduated from Cornell University School of Nursing with her Bachelors of Science in Nursing.
After completing his residency at the University of Virginia, Dr. Kirtland enlisted in the United States Army where he proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. Upon his honorable discharge from the Army, he returned to the University of Virginia to complete an internship and then a fellowship in hematology where he earned his board certification in internal medicine. Dr. Kirtland then joined the staff at the University of Virginia where he began his medical career.
On August 2, 1969 Dr. Howard H. Kirtland III, married the love of his life, Barbara G. Kirtland. In 1979, the Kirtland’s moved to Franklin where they raised their four children. Dr. Kirtland started working in internal medicine and later focused his practiced on oncology and hematology. In the late 1990s, Dr. Kirtland relocated his practice to 1339 Liberty Street in Franklin, PA.
The Kirtland’s established the Kirtland Cancer Foundation in 2005. The Foundation's purpose was to give back to the community by helping individuals diagnosed with cancer and their families to alleviate their financial burdens.
The Kirtland’s believed in helping the community and supported many charitable organizations and events. They believed it was their obligation to give back and help those in need. Dr. Kirtland’s passion was working and caring for patients and throughout his life’s work, he continuously maintained a selfless devotion to his patients. He was always available to help any patient and made sure he put patient care first. It was from these beliefs the Kirtland’s created the Kirtland Cancer Foundation.
Dr. Howard Kirtland III passed away on July 17, 2017. Barbara G. Kirtland, devoted and loving wife, passed away after a long and courageous battle with cancer on July 26, 2017.
A patient who over the years was treated by Dr. Kirtland for a blood disorder, commented following his passing, “I was to have an appointment with Dr. Kirtland this morning and I am still crying. I just loved him so much. He saved my life numerous times. He meant so much to so many people. He was my Guardian Angel.”
The Kirtland Cancer Foundation will continue to serve and help the people of the Venango County Area with financial burdens resulting from cancer treatments.
Board of Directors
Kathy Horner, Executive Director is a registered nurse - retired in 2018 after 30 years at Sugar Creek Station. After serving on the Kirtland board for several years, she took on her new position as the Executive Director. Diagnosed with cancer in 2013 ~ she has some insight to the needs of these newly diagnosed clients. She is very active in St. Patrick’s church and loves to travel. Her favorite role is mother of two and grandmother of two boys.
Barton Barnes is a retired Executive Director of the PA Department of Public Welfare. He and his wife Janet are the parents of three children and enjoy traveling to visit family. Bart enjoys golfing and hunting. He is past state president of the PA Elks State Association.
Michelle (Shelly) Hartle is the Branch Manager of the Seneca office of Farmers National Bank and lives with her beautiful daughter, Kristina, in Franklin. She is a Board Member of the Franklin Industrial & Commercial Development Authority (FICDA), Board Member of the United Way of Venango County and is herself a cancer survivor. Shelly is founding organizer of the Pink Splash for the Cure event (benefitting breast cancer research) held in Franklin each year since 2008.
Julie Hovis is a registered nurse, born and raised in Franklin by incredible parents. She has two children and three granddaughters. Julie has spent the last 18 years working as a full time nurse in oncology at the office of Dr. Howard Kirtland.
Matthew T. Kirtland, Esq. is currently a district judge in Venango County, where he was born and raised. He also serves as a board member for the Venango Area Riding for the Handicapped Association (VARHA), and the Venango VNA Foundation. He is proud to serve on the board of this foundation to help fulfill his father's dream.
Ward Kirtland, CPA grew up in Franklin and currently resides in LaGrange, Kentucky with his wife and daughter. He works as a CPA at Myers & Stauffer LC in Frankfort, Kentucky. His hobbies include golf, cheering on the Steelers, watching his daughter play soccer & basketball, and spending time with his family.
Beverly Lake, retired after 20 years as Executive Director of a multi-county American Red Cross Chapter. She then took on the Executive Director of the newly formed Kirtland Cancer Foundation in 2008 until 2018. She has remained on the board. She lives in Franklin with her husband Denton and enjoys walking, tending to her flower garden and bird watching. Her family is the love of her life.
Ann McCauley is a retired FASD music teacher having taught 37 years. She lives in Franklin with her husband Roger and they have two grown daughters. She is involved in her community, presently serving as a buyer for UPMC-NW Auxiliary Gift shop and very actively involved in the music ministry of her church. She enjoys decorating, reading and volunteering
Michael Schleifer is a registered nurse, recently retired after 43 years in nursing. He lives in Franklin with his wife. Together they share 5 children and 6 grandchildren. Michael is an active member of St Patricks in Franklin. His hobbies include hunting, fishing, golfing, gardening and attending his grandchildrens sporting events.
Board of Directors Memorial Wall
Marie F. Cenedella
Terry M. Peterson