Transforming Moments
All of us can point to times in our lives when what once seemed impossible is now almost magically within reach.
These are unforgettable moments when hope becomes real. For cancer patients and all of us who fight on their behalf in Illinois, one such moment came in 2003 when The Duchossois Family Foundation made a transformational gift to the American Cancer Society, enabling us to create Patient Navigation Services™.
The family’s passion for the cancer fight ignited when their beloved wife and mother, Beverly, was diagnosed with the disease. Beverlys daughter Kim, a young mother herself at the time, struggled with the harsh realization that, even for those who can afford the finest medical care, fighting this disease is a confusing and overwhelming experience.
She and her family transformed their pain into a healing philanthropic focus that has benefited hundreds of thousands with cancer. Through The Duchossois Family Foundation, they made landmark gifts to support cancer research and to establish the Duchossois Center for Advanced Medicine at The University of Chicago, where patients from all over the world receive state-of-the-art cancer care.
But the family’s lifesaving vision didn’t end there. A series of gifts laid the foundation for Patient Navigation Services, a circle of care and compassion now available to everyone with cancer.
From the start, this comprehensive program did what no other support initiative had ever done, providing a full spectrum of free resources to help patients and caregivers understand their disease, their treatment options and, more importantly, to break down barriers that can inhibit quality care.
In Illinois, our navigators work with patients and caregivers to address their unique needs. For a husband struggling to get his wife to treatment appointments while he continues working, we can ease the strain by offering free transportation. For a woman weakened by chemotherapy, we can offer a surge of confidence by providing a new, custom-fitted wig or a free class to help her cope with physical changes during treatment.
A couple fighting cancer without health insurance may sleep a little better at night after they receive counseling to help them find resources to deal with medical costs.
In every case, we draw on the power of compassionate listening to offer real comfort for those facing cancer. This may mean introducing patients to survivors who’ve beaten the same form of the disease. Or having our skilled, licensed social workers sit down one-on-one to provide information and resources. Often, it’s simply being there to talk when a patient or caregiver needs us most.
It’s remarkable to think that hundreds of thousands of healing experiences like these began with the Duchossois family, who embraced our groundbreaking concept. From the moment of Beverly’s loss, through the creation and expansion of this lifesaving program, they have made hope real.
In recognition of their leadership, last November we awarded The Duchossois Family Foundation our highest national accolade, the Medal of Honor for Philanthropy.
After the ceremony in Atlanta, Kim reflected, “I’m at the same point in life my mother reached when she was first diagnosed. I’m grateful and energized because we’ve come so far, but I know there’s so much more to accomplish in this fight. We are in it to prevent cancer, to find new cures and help all patients and families dealing with this disease.”
Patient Navigation Services now reaches more than half of all new cancer patients and their caregivers in Illinois. As the movement that began here spreads nationwide, we’re helping hundreds of thousands more each year. But with more than 3,000 Americans diagnosed every day, including 180 in Illinois alone, the time to recommit ourselves is now.
If you’re fighting cancer or know someone who is, call us anytime at 800-227-2345. Together, with the Duchossois family and thousands more whose support makes Patient Navigation Services possible, real answers and real hope are within reach. Thanks to their generosity, all services are free.
Steve Derks is CEO of the American Cancer Society’s Illinois Division, where he leads the fight against cancer in partnership with Society staff and more than 100,000 volunteers statewide.
Steve Derks is CEO of the American Cancer Society’s Illinois Division, where he leads the fight against cancer in partnership with Society staff and more than 100,000 volunteers statewide.