Programs Supported

Oncology Navigators

John Stoddard Cancer Oncology Navigators are specially-trained oncology nurses and social workers who understand both the medical and emotional aspects of the cancer journey. The oncology navigator works hand-in-hand with the rest of TeamStoddard to help patients and their families understand and utilize all of the resources available to them within John Stoddard, UnityPoint Health - Des Moines and the community. Their familiarity with the process allows them to identify and prepare patients for what is coming next, as well as equipping them to identify and meet needs as they arrive.

The main goal of each oncology navigator is to walk along with patients and families and guide them through the process, providing support and hope. The oncology navigator service is available to all patients at no cost. It is funded through philanthropy and represents Stoddard's commitment to providing comprehensive care to its patients and families. 

The video below perfectly showcases the impact Oncology Navigators have on our patients and their families. 

Adolescent Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Program

Cancer is the leading cause of disease-related deaths for adolescents and young adults between the ages of 15 - 35. John Stoddard Cancer Center and Blank Children's Hospital have joined together to provide this group with specialized coordinated care.

Philanthropy helps provide these individuals and their care team with the resources they need to remain focused on the goals of delivering individualized care plans, increasing enrollment in clinical trials, providing access to resources, raising awareness and, as a result, improving outcomes for these patients.

Compassion Fund

The John Stoddard Cancer Center Compassion Fund provides additional support to patients and families beyond what the hospital is able to provide. This assistance is based on financial need and is designed to respond to the unique medical needs of patients and their families, which can include gas cards for those that travel far distances, overnight accommodations and special treatment-related dietary needs.

The Charlie Cutler Healing and Wellness Endowment

The Charlie Cutler Healing and Wellness Endowment recognizes cancer treatment involves the mind, body and spirit. This Endowment will be used to help patients, caregivers and their families maintain quality of life when faced with a cancer diagnosis. This may include resources on fitness as well as complementary therapies such as massage, yoga, acupuncture, guided imagery, and music and art therapy. The Endowment seeks to empower people who face cancer to maintain a high quality of life, and the tools to live each day fully.

The Charlie Cutler Healing and Wellness Endowment will empower patients and caregivers facing a cancer diagnosis by providing tools to help them live every day to its fullest potential and enhance their quality of life.

Charlie said it best, "Life is full of peaks and valleys. It's all about how you get out of those valleys and climb to the next peak. This is where keeping a positive attitude and a forward thinking mindset is crucial."

Team Stoddard

To successfully tackle cancer, it takes an entire team working together to coordinate care and develop individualized game plans. At the center of every play is the patient, the family and the caregiver, who are surrounded by a dedicated team of nurses, physicians, oncology navigators, volunteers and support staff.

Team Stoddard is made up of surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, dietitians, nurses, oncology navigators and counselors along with other important team members; all of whom are focused on ensuring our patients receive coordinated and technologically advanced cancer care close to home. 

In recognition of their hard work and dedication to their patients and families, Team Stoddard was proud to receive the 2013 Commission on Cancer's Outstanding Achievement Award.  John Stoddard Cancer Center is also accredited by the Commission on Cancer and the National Accreditation Program for Breast Cancers. 

History

Rally Against Cancer was created out of the love for a mother, Helen Hampton, who lost her battle with cancer in 1997. Her daughter, Kim Johnson, was so impressed with the treatment, compassion and overall coordinated care that her mother and her family received during Helen's battle with cancer that she approached the John Stoddard Cancer Center about establishing an event to raise money and awareness for the patients and families at John Stoddard Cancer Center.

This annual fundraising event includes a silent and live auction, dinner and presentation by a special guest speaker. Since 2002, Rally Against Cancer has netted over $3.1 million to support the programs and services John Stoddard Cancer Center provides to patients and families to help improve their quality of life throughout treatment and beyond.