Born out of love and operating in altruism to aid those in need, Cancer Treatment Centers of America is making strides in the way cancer is treated and in how hospitals impact community. CTCA was founded in 1988 by Richard J Stephenson following the death of his mother, Mary Brown Stephenson, from cancer. To keep his mother’s spirit alive, Stephenson vowed to change the face of cancer care. He created a new model of care that changed the way oncologists, surgeons and other clinical professionals treat patients with cancer. Stephenson often reminds staff of their mission by simply stating, “It is always and only about the patient!” This whole-person cancer treatment approach combined with a compassionate, nurturing environment is now known as the Mother Standard® of care and provides a patient-centered approach to cancer treatment.
As the organization has grown, so too has CTCA’s understanding of how it might develop communities through powerful partnerships and genuine philanthropy. Through its five locations, including its Arizona location in Goodyear, it makes strides to positively impact how society combats cancer and collaborates to improve lives. Each hospital site has its own community outreach programs and teams that determine the charities it partners with. CTCA’s goal is to meet the needs of its local communities while focusing on how to support cancer organizations in their direct areas.
Still, each location has a very aligned agenda. It aims to help cancer patients treated at any hospital with non-medical expenses, including things such as daycare, groceries, rent, mortgage and other basic needs, all in the vein to ensure that patients can focus on what is most important: getting better. CTCA recognizes that cancer impacts not only the health of those impacted but also their well-being and ability to stay afloat while battling this devastating disease.
Through many successful partnerships, CTCA is joining forces with other likeminded organizations to treat the impacts of cancer holistically. One such program has been entitled H.O.P.E. This program allows those patients being treated at the Goodyear facility and Valley-wide clinics to meet up for weekly group dinners and outings. Offerings such as pro sporting games get the patients out of the hospital and out of their hotel rooms so they can focus on the fun of living.
Yet another high-profile partnership that CTCA created is one with Phoenix Children’s Hospital. As PCH was preparing to build a Southwest Valley urgent care center, the two organizations aligned their goals when PCH shared that many children had to travel to their main hospital for chemotherapy treating cancer and other ailments. With vision from PCH advisory board member and CTCA vice president of Marketing and Hospital Growth Molly Stockley, the organizations together funded the build-out of the Phoenix Children’s Southwest Valley Urgent Care chemotherapy area so patients could have chemo closer to home.
Perhaps the most impressive of partnerships takes place with the Assistance in Healthcare Board. Through this organization, CTCA receives emergency calls from patients being treated at other hospitals who must choose between paying for their necessities such as electricity or paying for their much-needed medicines. CTCA takes a proactive approach in that it will cut a check to those in need so they don’t have to make these impossible decisions.
CTCA also understands the importance of activating its team members to make a positive impact. Through its many sponsorships, team members can commonly be found at local events. CTCA employees participate in walks, galas and luncheons, and are often found sharing their wealth of knowledge through speaking engagements. CTCA believes that building communities and combating cancer is about much more than just writing a check; it seeks out opportunities to aid causes in every way it possibly can. It is Phoenix’s CTCA President and CEO Rob Gould who perhaps states this best: “CTCA is known for its exceptional clinical care and the compassionate way in which Stakeholders [as its employees and staff are known] take care of patients and their families.”
THE CTCA PROMISE
You and your healing are the center of our hearts, minds and actions every day. We rally our team around you, delivering compassionate, integrative cancer care for your body, mind and spirit. We offer clear information, powerful and thorough treatment options, all based on your needs. We honor your courage, respect your decisions, and offer to share your journey of healing and hope
Tyler Butler (“Tyler Butler | Giving in Style”), founder and CEO of 11Eleven Consulting, is a corporate social responsibility practitioner and expert leader in the corporate citizenship space. She has served on numerous national and local boards and is often cited as a subject matter expert by Forbes, Entrepreneur, U.S. News & World Report and more.
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