Celebrating Our Patients’ Stories
What unites us at Illinois CancerCare is our pledge that no one in central Illinois should ever battle cancer alone. Each patient’s journey is unique. Our care teams work diligently to ensure the highest level of care, access to clinical research and treatments close to home. Yet, it is our patient’s that continue to inspire as they show perseverance, resilience, and strength.
At Illinois CancerCare, you are never alone.
There is a legacy of hope before you…
Dan’s Story
No One Fights Alone
Some people walk in the rain… Others just get wet.
Kelsie’s Story
It is Breast Cancer.
I remember saying out loud, “I don’t want to die”. I wanted to tell people that I was afraid, but that I still had hope.
Dr. Ruff’s Story
One Day at a Time
Dr. Jake Ruff tackled stage four lymphoma one day at a time with Illinois CancerCare.
Karrie’s Story
Stronger Together.
Karrie Redeker discovered she had breast cancer days after her team, the Illinois Central College Cougers, learned they were playing in the national tournament. Beating the disease became Karrie’s personal game to play over the next year, but she was never alone.
Connor’s Story
Hope Close to Home.
Facing a rare kidney cancer, Connor found comfort in community, family, and world-class care just minutes away.
Jennifer’s Story
Surrounded by Love
Jennifer’s journey shows the power of family, friendship, courage, and finding life after cancer.
Angela McCubbins
Patient & Fundraiser
An avid sewer, quilter, and all-around crafter, Angela began donating the proceeds from the sale of her creations to the Foundation in 2018 in memory of her father-in-law, who was treated at Illinois CancerCare. When the pandemic hit, she turned her skills to mask-making, raising $3,200 for the Foundation.
The gift was even more personal by then. In 2019, Angela was diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia. Her Physician, Dr. Greg Gerstner, son of the man who treated her father-in-law. “Clearly this is where I belong. Learning about all they do, and that it’s all right here in our community, made me even more passionate about giving back.”
Peggy Smock
Although Peggy Smock says that pickleball saved her life, she also gives credit to her faith, family, and the team of compassionate providers of Illinois CancerCare. Shortly after Peggy and her husband Craig got hooked on pickleball, she was hit by an errant ball while playing — and was surprised at how much it hurt.
She soon realized she had more than just a mark from the ball, she felt an actual lump. Her primary care provider missed the lump; she had a clean mammogram in March of 2021 and the lump was discounted at an appointment in August. Peggy recently completed her 16th (and final) chemotherapy treatment. She had been keeping her eye on the prize, which was to ring our PATH of hope Celebration Bell on August 3rd — which she joyfully did surrounded by family and dear friends after completing her last chemo appointment!
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