Simmons Cancer Institute

The Simmons Cancer Institute at Southern Illinois University (SIU) is a community-based patient care, research, education and outreach program established to improve cancer care. It is an effort made possible by the partners at Simmons Hanly Conroy and the Simmons Family Foundation who made a $10.2 million multi-year pledge to help fund the development.

About the Institute

The Simmons Cancer Institute opened its doors to patients in 2010.  Approximately 55 SIU physician faculty and support staff see nearly 1,750 patients each month. Patients have access to a chemotherapy infusion center, nearly three dozen exam rooms, minor procedure facilities and a cancer center for women with x-ray, mammography and ultrasound services. The institute is home to seven of SIU’s nine cancer care teams – breast, colorectal, gynecologic oncology, head and neck, hematology/oncology, prostate and lung.

Since its inception, the Simmons Cancer Institute has successfully achieved external grant funding of over $14 million to support cancer research. Physician faculty members also work with patients in clinical trials, allowing the development of new treatments and therapies.

Patients also have access to support groups and other wellness programs such as the weekly activities of yoga, Pilates, tai chi and more. Download the Simmons Cancer Institute’s informational brochure to learn more.

Learn More About The Simmons Cancer Institute

The Simmons Cancer Institute bears the name of John Simmons and the firm in recognition of the $10.2 million pledge made by Firm Partners as part of their commitment to helping fight cancer.

Download the SCI Brochure    

“Our ultimate goal as trial attorneys is the same goal of the doctors and nurses working inside the Simmons Cancer Institute. Prevent and alleviate the suffering of others. As a firm rooted in helping mesothelioma cancer victims, we are especially proud to be a sponsor of the institute.”

John Simmons - Simmons Hanly Conroy Chairman

 
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The Firm’s Continued Involvement

Simmons Hanly Conroy remains an active participant in the fundraising and research efforts of the Simmons Cancer Institute today. The firm is a regular sponsor of the Women’s Power Lunch against Cancer, which is held annually to raise funds for the Simmons Cancer Institute. The firm also sponsors the annual Denim & Diamonds fundraiser, which supports innovative research projects and enhances patient comforts.

Learn more about Dr. Aziz Khan and the endowment fund.

The Endowment Fund    

Funding for a Cure

As a mesothelioma law firm, Simmons Hanly Conroy has seen first-hand the pain a cancer diagnosis can cause patients and their families. Mesothelioma is classified as a rare or ‘orphan’ disease, which means it receives little government funding for research. This form of cancer receives less than one percent of all federal cancer research funding. Due to this lack of support, the firm is dedicated to assisting in the research efforts nationwide.

Learn more about the firm’s involvement in mesothelioma research.

Mesothelioma Research

Simmons Cancer Institute Endowment Fund

John Simmons’ family foundation and Simmons Hanly Conroy established a $2 million endowment fund as part of the initial $10.2 million pledge to SIU’s School of Medicine. This fund was set in place to ensure that the best doctors would be working at the Simmons Cancer Institute. In 2015, Dr. Aziz Khan, executive director of the Simmons Cancer Institute, was named the Endowed Chair of Excellence in Oncology for his professional achievements and knowledge in his field.

“We are grateful to the Simmons family and law firm for establishing this endowed chair. Because of their generosity, Dr. Khan will have the resources to lead a team to advance the scientific understanding of the disease process, provide new insights into the epidemiology of cancer and develop new treatments in clinical care for cancer patients.”

J. Kevin Dorsey, MD, PhD, Dean and Provost.

 
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The Simmons Hanly Conroy Editorial Team consists of journalists, writers and editors who strive to deliver accurate and useful information to families needing legal help. Our team works alongside the firm's attorneys and partners, as well as with medical professionals and other specialists, to keep all information relevant and helpful.