John Stoddard Cancer Center

04/24/2026

Rally With Us! 🎉

Rally Against Cancer. June 6. Get ready for an exhilarating night making memories while making a difference! 💃 💙 Get your tickets now at stoddardrac.org!

✨ P.S. Your support of this event directly impacts cancer patients at John Stoddard Cancer Center, helping fund critical programs that wouldn't exist without donor support!

04/23/2026

In this clip from our latest Dish with Nishp episode, Dr. Nish and Mary Charleton explore how cancer rates can vary between different communities—and why those differences matter.

Watch the clip below, then tune in to the full episode to learn more about what the latest Cancer in Iowa Report reveals. https://www.buzzsprout.com/1819658/episodes/19015854?fbclid=IwY2xjawRXZAhleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEercuVJGU-wK_nCaxdbk2HuHH7TzriUNZ-saHxALMDQI3qWKJDoM3An4jxIuc_aem_r92p_54Gs-rrkGVuWB2KOg

04/21/2026

We love the sound of the bell at John Stoddard Cancer Center. It means another patient has completed their treatment!

Earlier this month, we had a bit of an unusual request from a Stage 4 colon cancer survivor from Pleasant Hill. Ron Fritz has been in remission for three years and is back living his life, but he says he didn’t feel his cancer journey was complete because he never got to ring the bell. Well, today he did.

04/20/2026

Libby Wilson, PT, DPT, is a physical therapist and a valued member of your trusted care team at Stoddard Cancer Center! With a passion for supporting those affected by cancer, Libby helps patients throughout their rehabilitation journey, focusing on restoring function, building strength and improving overall quality of life. She is a certified pelvic and lower extremity cancer specialist through PORi, bringing advanced expertise to the care she provides.

04/16/2026

Stoddard Cancer Center is pleased to offer free skin cancer screenings on April 29 from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.!
Appointment times are limited and will be filled on a first come, first served basis. Learn more:

Discover events from UnityPoint Health

04/14/2026

Iowa continues to rank among the highest in the nation for cancer incidence, and it’s one of the few states in the country where rates are still rising.

What's behind the numbers?

In the latest episode, Dr. Andrew Nish is joined by Mary Charleton, a professor of Epidemiology and the Director and Principal Investigator at the State Health Registry of Iowa and the Iowa Cancer Registry to break down the Cancer in Iowa Report 2026 and what it means for Iowans.

Iowa continues to rank among the highest in the nation for cancer incidence, and it’s one of the few states in the country where rates are still rising. What's behind the numbers?In the latest episode, Dr. Andrew Nish is joined by Mary Charle...

04/13/2026

Alisha Henry, RN, BSN, OCN, is an inpatient nurse on Powell 3 as well as the unit based educator. Alisha provides specialized, compassionate care to those hospitalized for cancer treatment, as well as for complications and side effects along the way. In her role as unit-based educator, Alisha is dedicated to supporting her fellow nurses, ensuring clinical excellence and helping maintain the highest standards of safe, quality care for every patient.

04/10/2026

✨ Shine Your Light ✨

Each year at Rally Against Cancer, we shine our lights to honor those who have been impacted by cancer. Cancer has affected us all, but it can never take away the light we all shine from within, or the light left on this earth by those we love. 💙

Join us in shining your light at Rally Against Cancer on June 6. Your support funds programs and services that help patients on their cancer journey. Buy your tickets now: stoddardrac.org

04/09/2026

A cancer diagnosis looks different at every age, and for adolescents and young adults, the challenges can be especially unique.

If you or someone you love is navigating cancer between the ages of 15–39, you know it’s about more than treatment. It’s about school, careers, relationships, fertility and what the future holds.

At John Stoddard Cancer Center and Blank Children’s Hospital, our Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Program is designed to support patients through it all - with care tailored to this stage of life.

From counseling and fertility education to nutrition support and survivorship programs, patients have access to resources that meet them where they are and help them move forward with confidence.

To learn more about the support and resources that are available talk to your care team.

04/08/2026

Fatigue, weakness, pain or limited movement due to cancer treatment can make everyday tasks harder than they should be, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. Our certified oncology rehabilitation specialists at UnityPoint Health Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Services – Penn Avenue help patients regain strength and get back to what matters most.

At UnityPoint Health Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Services – Penn Avenue our experts provide compassionate care as your partners in health in the Des Moines area. Whatever stage of life you’re in, our goal is to make your care easier and more personal.

04/06/2026

Brad Cook, CMD, RTT, is a certified medical dosimetrist and a valued member of your trusted care team at Stoddard Cancer Center! As a medical dosimetrist, Brad works closely with radiation oncologists, medical physicists and radiation therapists. His primary responsibility is to design radiation treatment plans that deliver the prescribed dose to the tumor, while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues and organs.

04/03/2026

📣 Special Announcement: A Message from Dick Vitale!

Don't miss your chance to hear from special guest, Dick Vitale, at this year's Rally Against Cancer presented by GreenState Credit Union! 🏀 🌟 Join us Saturday, June 6 and see your favorite basketball broadcaster live as he shares about his personal cancer experience and broadcasting career.

🎟 In Vitale's words, "Get those tickets now, baby!" Buy now at stoddardrac.org.