Cancer Care Specialists of IL

01/29/2026

Because of the generosity of our donors, the Cancer Care Specialists of Illinois Foundation was able to provide meaningful, real-world support to patients facing cancer-related hardships last year.

As a direct result of your donations:

7 patients were awarded grants to assist with car, rent, and utility payments
4 patients received help with gas and transportation
7 patients received assistance with food and groceries
23 patients received funds to help make Christmas possible

These moments of support eased financial stress and allowed patients and families to focus on what matters most — care, healing, and hope.

Thank you for standing with our patients. Your kindness truly makes a difference.

— Cancer Care Specialists of Illinois Foundation

01/09/2026

Look who’s “HO HO HOPING for CURE!” A very ”HO HO THANK YOU” & Happy New Year to Roger’s Home Appliance (and all family, friends and community members) who graciously donated gift cards to patients at CCSI Crossroads Cancer Center in Effingham during the holidays. Thanks for lifting our spirits!!

Pictured: Roger B. from Roger’s Home Appliance presenting gifts to office manager Amy at Crossroads Cancer Center for our patients!

01/05/2026

If you are a caregiver, we offer support though our Caregiver Connection - monthly meetings covering topics that can help you and help the ones you care for.

12/12/2025

❤Our Crossroads Cancer Center in Effingham had a wonderful group of students from the Cisne High School FCCLA who brought "goodie stockings" for our patients! Thank you so much for your kindness!

12/08/2025

❤ Wow, we can not say thank you enough for the generous donation of $3000 that the employees of Mueller raised for the CCSI Foundation! ❤

The CCSI Foundation, an Illinois Not for Profit Corporation, was formed with the mission of providing compassionate support to individuals battling cancer and/or blood disorder by alleviating financial burdens. We are dedicated to empowering patients and their families by offering financial assistance, resources, and guidance, helping them focus on their healing journey with dignity, hope, and strength.

If you are interested in supporting the mission of the CCSI Foundation, visit https://cancercarespecialists.org/ccsi-foundation/

12/02/2025

Dr. Mario Velasco 1st in US to Enroll a Patient in Inavo123 Study

Dr. Mario Velasco Jr., MD, FACP, is recognized as the first physician in the United States to enroll a patient in the Inavo123 study. --- From the INAVO123 November Newsletter: Site Highlight: Cancer Care Specialists of Illinois PI: Dr. James Wade The Inavo123 team extends a warm appreciation to the entire team at Cancer Care Specialists of Illinois for enrolling the first US patient into the study....

Dr. Mario Velasco Jr., MD, FACP, is recognized as the first physician in the United States to enroll a patient in the Inavo123 study. — From the INAVO123 November Newsletter: Site Highlight: Cancer Care Specialists of Illinois PI: Dr. James Wade The Inavo123 team extends a warm appreciation to the...

11/21/2025

CCSI Receives Re-Certification for High-Quality Cancer Care from the Largest Oncology Association in United States

Cancer Care Specialists of Illinois has received re-certification by the QOPI® Certification Program, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Association for Clinical Oncology (the Association) and an affiliate of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (the Society). The QOPI® Certification Program builds on the Society’s Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI®), providing a three-year certification for outpatient hematology-oncology practices that meet nationally recognized standards for quality cancer care....

Cancer Care Specialists of Illinois has received re-certification by the QOPI® Certification Program, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Association for Clinical Oncology (the Association) and an affiliate of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (the Society). The QOPI® Certification Progr...

11/20/2025

CCSI's Dr. Jacob Witt was interviewed on KSDK TV this morning.
Watch for some wise advice!

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, which is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among both men and women.

11/14/2025

Today was Staff Appreciation Day at CCSI Centralia Clinic!

11/10/2025

Congratulations to Dr. Mark Walshauser for being named a Fellow of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (FASCO). The title of FASCO is a recognition bestowed upon ASCO members who have shown extraordinary dedication for their voluntary efforts that benefit the Society, the specialty of oncology, and most importantly, the patients whom we serve. This distinction is given to members who have accumulated 100 or more points for volunteer service to ASCO and its philanthropic affiliate, Conquer Cancer, the ASCO Foundation....

Congratulations to Dr. Mark Walshauser for being named a Fellow of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (FASCO). The title of FASCO is a recognition bestowed upon ASCO members who have shown extraordinary dedication for their voluntary efforts that benefit the Society, the specialty of oncology...

11/10/2025

Best Wishes to Dr. Dolores Estrada-Garcia who will be retiring from CCSI in November 2025. Thank You to Dr. Estrada-Garcia for serving patients in our Decatur and Sullivan communities! We will help patients transfer to another CCSI provider to ensure a smooth transition of care.

Best Wishes to Dr. Dolores Estrada-Garcia who will be retiring from CCSI in November 2025. Thank You to Dr. Estrada-Garcia for serving patients in our Decatur and Sullivan communities! We will help patients transfer to another CCSI provider to ensure a smooth transition of care.  

11/01/2025

🎃Halloween Photos! Our Decatur, Effingham, Centralia & O'Fallon staffs all brought a smile to everyone yesterday! You are all such great people to work with! Thank you!