Newsletter Articles

The first anniversary of OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute will be February 22, 2025.  Saturday, February 24, 2024, was also a memorable day as it marked the public open house. At the time, the garden in the back of the building was a muddy mess due to ongoing construction, and nothing had yet been planted. But God loves this project as the night before Peoria had a very nice snowfall that provided a blanket of pure white snow. When visitors entered the OSF Cancer Institute for the first time, they were greeted by sunlight streaming through the glass wall overlooking the garden, a perfectly clear blue sky, and the pure white snow following the contours of the landscape.  Glorious. An update on our first year will be presented later this month.

World Cancer Day is February 4. This is a global day to raise awareness about cancer, improve education and encourage action to fight the disease. The day aims to improve access to cancer treatments and encourage individuals, organizations and governments to act.  Often, such global events seem unrelated to what we are doing at our individual sites, but reflection can show how these events can be helpful. The OSF Cancer Institute brachytherapy suite for advanced radiation implant work is now in use. This complex room was the last part of the current programming to come online because it is so advanced in its capabilities. Now known as the "Curietherapy Suite" after the work of the Curie family in developing and promoting brachytherapy, the OSF facility is being hailed by experts. In the current era, many hospitals are stopping brachytherapy due to the complexity of the work and a lack of physician expertise that it requires. This has led to a decrease in cure rates for some cancers while other cancers are treated by more costly alternative procedures. No other form of radiation treatment, including proton beam therapy, is more direct, more precise and more contained than modern brachytherapy. The Curietherapy Suite at OSF Cancer Institute makes these procedures available in the most convenient and pleasant ways possible. 

Why does OSF have such a fine brachytherapy facility when others do not? Well, World Cancer Day is organized by the Union for International Cancer Control whose educational mission led it to fund Dr. James McGee, founding director of OSF Cancer Institute, to obtain Brachytherapy Fellowship Training at the University of Paris in the 1980s. Through that experience came the connections and insights that led to the design and development of the physical plant and the unique equipment that modernized the field and made the OSF Cancer Institute a true destination center for brachytherapy.  

The OSF Cancer Institute is very pleased to announce that we will join with Midwest Communications and Mix 106.9 to host the first OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute Radiothon on Thursday, February 27. The event will engage the community with live and pre-recorded interviews with physicians, nurses, allied professionals and Mission Partners of the OSF Cancer Institute who will share stories about the amazing work taking place and the plans for future development. We anticipate hearing interesting stories from patients and families who have volunteered to paint a picture of the work and activities of the OSF Cancer Institute. The OSF HealthCare Foundation will be taking donations through online giving, text-to-give and, of course, in-person collections throughout the day. We are looking forward to engaging the community in opportunities to support the Mission of OSF through the work of OSF Cancer Institute. 

On January 9, Jaxson Brown did something remarkable for a boy his age: he voluntarily underwent his first colonoscopy at just 15 years old. This decision was born from a deep understanding of his family's medical history—his father was diagnosed with colon cancer at just 25 years old and Jaxson was advised to have a colonoscopy 10 years prior to the age of his father’s diagnosis. Jaxson's brave choice serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of early and proactive health screening, even for conditions traditionally viewed as affecting older adults.

Jaxson's mother, Angie Brown, shared, "As a family, we discussed the importance of screening, and Jaxson was determined to use his story to encourage others to prioritize their health." His physician, Dr. Daniel Martin with OSF Medical Group Gastroenterology in Peoria, applauds Jaxson's courage and believes his example could inspire adults to take colon cancer screening seriously.

"Colon cancer, if caught early (even if not caught at a polyp stage), is a very treatable condition. When in the early stages of the disease, more than 90% of those patients will be disease-free at five years," Dr. Martin says.

A Growing Concern for Younger Generations

Colon cancer is no longer just an older adult’s disease. Rates of early-onset colorectal cancer—affecting individuals between 25 and 49 years old—are surging worldwide. Many researchers suggest these cases are occurring at a rate of 14 to 17 per 100,000 people in many industrialized nations.

Dr. Andrew Boxer, a gastroenterologist, explains why early detection is critical:

"Colon cancer is tricky to diagnose because early stages often present with no symptoms. Even when symptoms like blood in stool, changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, or abdominal pain occur, they can be mistaken for other gastrointestinal conditions."

Doctors emphasize that prompt screening can catch abnormalities early, dramatically increasing the likelihood of successful treatment.

The Best Screening Test Is the One You Do

Various screening methods are available, from stool-based tests to colonoscopies, each with its own benefits. As Ryan Luginbuhl, Service Line Vice President for Oncology for OSF HealthCare notes, any screening is better than none. "Colonoscopy remains the gold standard but talk to your provider about what works best for you."

Jaxson’s story exemplifies that even younger individuals with a family history of colon cancer should take screening seriously. The decision to act now rather than later could save lives.

A Personal Plea

Jaxson’s journey is more than a medical decision—it’s a message of hope and responsibility. His bravery highlights the need to break the stigma around early cancer screening and encourages families to discuss health history openly.

"Seeing my dad go through cancer made me want to do what I can to stay healthy and help others understand how important it is to get checked," Jaxson said.

Whether you're 15 or 45, it’s time to prioritize your health. Speak with your doctor, get screened, and take charge of your future—because early detection can make all the difference.

For over 25 years, The Woods Foundation has quietly and profoundly shaped the landscape of philanthropy in central and eastern Illinois. Guided by the generosity and vision of its founders, Robert J. Woods and Joan Jarrett Woods, The Woods Foundation has been a steadfast supporter of causes that uplift communities and transform lives. The commitment – a $1 million gift in 2024 to support the OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute – demonstrates the depth of their passion for advancing healthcare and ensuring access to world-class cancer treatment close to home.

A Legacy Rooted in Quiet Philanthropy

The Woods Foundation was founded in 1998 as a way to extend the lifelong generosity of Robert J. Woods and Joan Jarrett Woods beyond their lifetimes. Robert, an attorney in Lincoln, Illinois, and his wife, Joan, were known for their quiet philanthropy, making significant contributions to local hospitals, colleges, libraries and other community institutions – almost always anonymously. Understanding the importance of sustaining this giving, their close associates, including their CPA Mike Abbott and business partner William B. Bates presented the idea of establishing a Foundation, ensuring that the Woods’ passion for giving would live on to serve and impact the community.

Since its inception, The Woods Foundation has sought to identify impactful opportunities for giving, with a particular focus on central Illinois. Unlike many foundations, it does not seek or raise money; instead, it exists purely to distribute funds where they are needed most. This approach has made the foundation a powerful yet quiet force in regional philanthropy.

Finding a Cause Worth Supporting: The OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute

The Woods Foundation’s journey toward supporting the OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute began with a simple conversation. Board member Dave Golwitzer, deeply involved in Peoria’s business community, learned of the Institute’s vision – a state-of-the-art facility designed to provide comprehensive cancer care, including cutting-edge proton therapy, clinical trials and a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. Recognizing the potential impact, the Foundation’s leadership embarked on a tour of the facility while it was still under construction.  

What they saw left a lasting impression and a strong desire to be a part of the good things to be generated through the OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute.

From the massive proton therapy machine – one of the most advanced cancer treatment technologies available – to the integrated, patient-centered approach that OSF was building, The Woods Foundation’s leadership knew they had found a cause that aligned perfectly with their mission. In 2024, The Woods Foundation made a transformational $1 million gift to support the OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute, furthering its commitment to improving health care in central Illinois and beyond.

"It wasn’t just the proton therapy machine; it was the whole concept. The research, the team-based approach, the fact that everything a patient needs – from radiation to dietary support – is all in one place. It was a no-brainer for us."

  - Bill Bates, President and Board member with The Woods Foundation

A Personal Connection to the Mission

The decision to support the OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute was not just a strategic one; it was deeply personal. Logan County, where The Woods Foundation is based in Illinois, has a disproportionately high rate of cancer cases. Many in the community, including board members of the foundation, have been directly impacted by cancer.

"My wife and I both had cancer," Board member Bill Bates shared. "Our oncologist in Springfield would tell us, ‘There’s something going on in Logan County – statistically, the number of cases we see from there is mind-blowing.’" Knowing that so many families in their community faced the same struggle, the Foundation saw the OSF Cancer Institute as an invaluable resource. With Peoria only a short drive away, having access to this level of care close to home could make an immeasurable difference.

The Impact and Future of Their Support

Nearly a year after their initial gift to the OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute, The Woods Foundation remains deeply committed to its mission. The transformation from a construction site to a fully operational facility delivering life-saving treatments has only reinforced their belief in the project. "To go from walking through the site with hard hats to now seeing it improving lives across central Illinois – it’s just incredible," they shared.  

While their contribution is just one piece of the larger puzzle, The Woods Foundation takes immense pride in knowing they played a vital role in bringing this world-class cancer care to the region. "We’re thrilled to be able to help in any way we can. This is one of the most significant projects we’ve ever supported, and its potential to change lives is enormous."

Looking Ahead: A Commitment to Central Illinois

Board members for The Woods Foundation (William B. Bates, president; David Golwitzer, secretary; William B. Bates Jr., director; Chris Golwitzer, director; and Christy Cross, director) continue to actively seek out causes that align with their mission of strengthening communities, particularly in central Illinois. Their recent expansion of the board to include a fifth member who has been involved with the Foundation since its inception, ensures that the Woods' legacy of thoughtful, impactful giving will continue for generations to come.

As they reflect on their journey, The Woods Foundation remains committed to its guiding principle: giving not for recognition, but for the genuine betterment of people’s lives. Their $1 million gift in 2024 to the OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute is just one chapter in their ongoing story of philanthropy – a story of quiet generosity, lasting impact and an unwavering belief in the power of community.

On a spring morning in 2023, Derick Stier was enjoying a cup of coffee while on his way to work. As he absentmindedly ran his hand through his beard, he noticed a lump on the left side of his throat. It wasn’t the first time he’d felt it – sometimes it would appear and then disappear. At first, Derick thought little of it, dismissing it each time. But as the months passed, the lump lingered in his thoughts.

Spring transitioned to summer and then fall, the busy harvest season for Derick, who lives in Wyanet and works in Walnut and is responsible for a fleet of grain and feed trucks serving rural Illinois farms. In addition to his truck-driving duties, Derick also helped his father manage the family farm. It was during a family dinner one evening toward the end of harvest season that the conversation took a turn. His wife, Danielle, mentioned that his cousin Jeff had shared on social media that he’d been diagnosed with cancer after discovering a lump in his throat.

That news hit close to home and prompted Derick to take action. He made an appointment with his primary care provider, Dr. Abby Vladika, who referred him to Dr. Jamal Ahmed for further evaluation. In December 2023, after a scope examination, Dr. Ahmed expressed a high likelihood that the lump was cancerous. A biopsy in February 2024 confirmed the diagnosis: cancer.

Derick’s cancer journey began in earnest as he met with his multidisciplinary care team at OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute. The team included Dr. Ahmed, Dr. Greg Hermann, and Jennifer Adedoyin, a dedicated cancer navigator, who worked together to develop a personalized treatment plan. Derick underwent surgery in March 2024 to remove his tonsils, part of his thyroid and a salivary gland. The next phase of his treatment included proton radiation therapy in April, which consisted of 35 sessions, as well as several rounds of chemotherapy.

However, just one week into chemotherapy, Derick experienced complications that revealed a heart issue. This new challenge required the placement of a stent to address the heart problem. Despite the unexpected setback, Derick described his journey as “seamless” in terms of coordination between his care teams. “From the doctors to the nurses, my care navigator, the dietitian, financial aid staff and even the social worker – everyone was focused on my health,” he said with a chuckle. “Then, throw in the heart issue, and now I have a whole new team — emergency room staff, a cardiologist and my local cardiac rehab team. It’s reassuring to know that my health is the priority for everyone involved.”

Thanks to the unwavering support of his care teams, Derick remained committed to his health and recovery. He found the strength to keep up with his work, only missing three days between his first surgery in March and his final proton therapy treatment on June 7, 2024.

Reflecting on his experience, Derick noted, “In those three and a half months, I aged significantly. My hair turned grayer, and my aches, pains, and strains were different. It was a lot, but I know I wouldn’t be here today if I hadn’t acted when I did.”

Derick’s advice to others: “If you don’t feel right, don’t ignore it. Call your primary care provider. A lump in your neck, no matter how small, is not normal. Early detection is key, and most health issues, if caught early, are 100% treatable.”

At OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute, we are committed to supporting our patients and the community with a variety of educational and wellness-focused classes. From cooking and lifestyle tips to informative sessions and supportive group discussions, our classes are designed to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to live well. Whether you're looking to improve your nutrition, learn new coping strategies or connect with others, we offer a range of opportunities to enhance your well-being. 

If interested in attending, please visit the calendar on our website.

Breast Friends… A networking group for those affected by breast cancer

4-5:30 p.m., Hope Conference Room, OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute.  

Planned meeting dates and topics:

• March 3 (Get to know your peers)
• June 2 (Menopause)
• September 8 (Bring your significant other along for Cooking Demo)
• December 1 (Holiday De-stress)

Combating Fatigue

4-6 p.m., OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute

Planned meeting date:  February 4

Elevate Your Plate (A cooking class)

10 a.m., CEFCU Teaching Kitchen, OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute

Planned meeting dates: February 4, March 11, April 8, May 13, June 10

Full Plate Living Healthy Lifestyle Program:  Small Steps … Big Health Outcomes

4 p.m., CEFCU Teaching Kitchen, OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute. For anyone who wants to learn how to eat enough fiber, have more energy and overall feel good. The program will help you add whole, unprocessed fiber to meals you already eat.

Planned meeting dates: February 5, February 12, February 19, February 26, March 5, March 12, March 19 

Laryngectomy Support Group

3:30-4:30 p.m., OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute

Planned meeting dates:  February 19, March 19, April 16, May 21, June 18, July 16, August 20, September 17, October 15, November 19, December 17

Lung Cancer Screening

8 a.m.-4 p.m., OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute

February 14: Call (309) 308-0200 and select “option 3” to make sure you qualify to receive a low-dose CT scan. No charge. Give yourself some love this Valentine’s Day!

Nourish & Flourish

2 p.m., CEFCU Teaching Kitchen, OSF HealthCare Cancer Center

Planned meeting dates:  February 27 (Sweets), March 18 (All about the Veggies), April 22 (Plant based Proteins), May 20 (All About Fruit; this date only will meet at 3:00P)

Post-Mastectomy Support Group: Body Image & Intimacy

5-6 p.m., OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute

Planned meeting dates: February 5, February 19, March 5, March 19

WHY I GIVE:  “Cured my wife’s cancer.”  Donor G.

WHY I GIVE:  “Husband had prostate cancer—now cancer free.”  Donor U.

WHY I GIVE:  “17-year survivor from cancer.”  Donor K.

WHY I GIVE:  “Husband passed to bladder cancer May 2022.”  Donor G.

WHY I GIVE:  “Wife lived 27 years after diagnosis with cancer.”  Donor A.

WHY I GIVE:  “Has inactive stage 4 lung cancer.  Multiple family members passed of cancer.”  Donor N.

WHY I GIVE:  “Mother passed to breast cancer.”  Donor S.

WHY I GIVE:  “Sister and brother had lymphomas.”  Donor S.

WHY I GIVE:  “Cancer runs in family.”  Donor B.

WHY I GIVE:  “Had cancer three times.”  Donor S.