SIU CANCER INSTITUTE NEEDS FUNDS TO “MAKE IT RUN”
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plans. The new facility will also provide space for research, as well as for outreach and educational services.

The SimmonsCooper Cancer Institute is a sizeable entity without a building, Robbins says, with roughly 70 professionals working in stations spread across Springfield.

“All of these programs are growing and moving forward,” he says. “You can imagine what a psychological boost it’s going to be. We’ll all be together.”

The SimmonsCooper Cancer Institute hopes to eventually receive its state funding appropriation, but in the meantime will continue to focus on fundraising. The institute recently hosted its inaugural spring butterfly release event and, on Oct. 9, will hold its ninth annual Denim & Diamonds fundraiser at the Crowne Plaza-Springfield.

Last year the event raised $280,000 for the institute; this year donations will support Side by Side, a program that provides psychological and emotional support to cancer patients and their families.

“Every year, we have exceeded the previous year, and so far, we’re on target to do that even though we’ve had a downturn in the economy,” Robbins says. “This tells me the community is getting behind us. They see the value for what they get in having this resource here.”

Contact Amanda Robert at [email protected].