Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU School of Medicine

10/26/2025

Every breast cancer journey is unique -- and so are the treatment paths.

SIU surgeons Dr. Melanie Barnard and Dr. Nicole Sommer discuss common questions from breast cancer patients with Dr. Maura Quinlan, women’s health advisor at IDPH. Barnard is medical director of SIU Medicine’s Breast Center, and Sommer leads the Institute for Plastic Surgery at SIU.

Listen and learn about surgical options, reconstruction advancements and how care teams work together to support each patient's recovery. https://loom.ly/WrOk72E

10/24/2025

Thank you to Springfield Plastics Inc. for helping advance cancer research right here in our community through Drain for the Cure! Learn more and donate today at drainforthecure.com

This October, when you donate to Drain for the Cure for Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU School of Medicine , Springfield Plastics will match that donation (up to $40,000 total)! Learn more and donate today at drainforthecure.com!

10/23/2025

Behind every treatment plan is a pharmacy team ensuring precision, safety, and hope. This National Pharmacy Week, we’re grateful for our cancer pharmacy team and their impact on every patient journey. 💊💉💜

10/20/2025

💗October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a reminder that early detection saves lives.💗

Hear from Dr. Christopher Smyre, SIU family medicine physician and Dr. Maura Quinlan, women’s health advisor at Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), as they discuss the latest screening guidelines, risk factors and how IDPH is helping make screenings more accessible across Illinois.

Suggestion: Hear from SIU Family Medicine physician Dr. Christopher Smyre and Dr. Maura, Quinlan, women’s health advisor at IDPH as they discuss screening guidelines, risk factors and how IDPH helps make screenings more accessible across the state.

Watch the full conversation here https://loom.ly/-jhhcjU

Join us for a conversation with Dr. Christopher Smyre, Family Medicine Physician at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, interviewed by Dr. Maura...

10/17/2025

🔔Congratulations Elizabeth!🔔
The strength and resilience it takes to fight cancer can make for an emotional journey. We are so glad to share that Elizabeth's chemo journey has reached its end.

10/16/2025

Share with those you know and love. Genetic testing and knowing your family history can save your life.

Join us for a conversation with Dr. Edem Agamah, Oncologist at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine as he is interviewed by Dr. Maura Quinlan, IDP...

09/30/2025

💎 Win big at Denim & Diamonds!

The Getaway with J&J Raffle offers a $10,000 dream vacation package, including $6,500 in travel accommodations with Effingham Travel Agency and $3,500 in vouchers for food, shopping or entertainment. Raffle tickets are 3 for $50 and you do not need to be present to win.

Then join us for Denim & Diamonds on Saturday, October 11 at the Crowne Plaza Springfield. Enjoy dinner, auctions, raffles and entertainment while supporting Simmons Cancer Institute’s cancer research and patient programs.

Get your event and raffle tickets today at aesbid.com/ELP/SIUDD25

09/29/2025

🔔"I've been through it four times. If I can make it, so can you."🔔
Congratulations to Helen on finishing her chemo and ringing the bell. Thank you for inspiring us all!

09/25/2025

When Noreen was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, she began a treatment plan that once would have meant hours of IV infusions. Today, thanks to medical advances, that same drug is available as a simple daily pill. ‘Lord willing, I’ll hit remission — thank you SIU for everything you’ve done to get me here.’

Denim & Diamonds funds the research and innovations that make breakthroughs like this possible.

Get tickets or donate today at https://aesbid.com/ELP/SIUDD25

09/22/2025

🔔My treatment's done, my course is run, and I am on my way!🔔
Congratulations to Rebecca for ringing the bell and completing her chemo!

09/19/2025

Clarence first noticed something was wrong while driving his bus route. After scans and tests, he was told he had stage IV cancer. With faith, family, and the care of his doctors, he continues to fight. His advice is simple: ‘Get yourself checked. If a loved one asks you to take care of yourself — do it.’

Denim & Diamonds helps patients like Clarence by funding research and compassionate care close to home.

Get tickets or donate today at https://aesbid.com/ELP/SIUDD25