CARTERVILLE – The SIH Cancer Institute Sunday celebrated its 10-year anniversary of opening its doors and transforming cancer care in Southern Illinois.
Before its launch, patients often traveled long distances for treatment, adding stress to an already difficult journey. Today, the SIH Cancer Institute provides world-class care close to home, offering life-saving treatments to thousands each year.
On March 2, 2015, SIH unveiled the 43,500-square-foot facility, consolidating essential services like medical and surgical oncology, radiation therapy, infusion and cancer rehabilitation under one roof.
The initial demand proved greater than anticipated, prompting a 20,000 square foot expansion just five years later. Construction began in May 2020 and was completed in December 2022.
“In the spring of 2015, we averaged 100 patients a day. Today, that number exceeds 300 daily,” said SIH President and CEO John Antes.
At the heart of the SIH Cancer Institute is a team of highly skilled and compassionate professionals. Dr. Suven Shankar, a surgical oncologist who has been with the SIH Cancer Institute since its inception, reflected on the past decade.
“It has gone by fast. The growth we have seen, both in the facility and in the number of patients served, is remarkable. I feel proud to be associated with an institution that provides such a special service to our community,” said Dr. Shankar.
Radiation Oncologist Dr. Michael Little shared similar thoughts when reflecting on his 10 years at the SIH Cancer Institute.
“Of course, we have the privilege of taking care of patients with cancer in our own community. My favorite memories are seeing patients outside the SIH Cancer Institute—at the grocery store or at a basketball game—living their lives,” Dr. Little added.
“It’s so meaningful to see the children of mothers who underwent cancer treatments while pregnant,” says SIH Cancer Institute Medical Director Dr. Muhammad Popalzai, hematologist and oncologist who has been with SIH since 2013. “Witnessing those kids grow and visit us is heartwarming.”
Southern Illinois poured support into the SIH Cancer Institute. Since its inception, the SIH Foundation’s Hope is Home campaign has raised $5.8 million from over 6,100 donors, helping fund expansion and patient support programs.
One of the most impactful initiatives is the Coach Kill Cancer Fund, established by former SIU Football Coach Jerry Kill. To date, the Fund has provided financial assistance more than 2,600 times, supporting over 1,300 patients—many of whom have received help multiple times—to ensure treatment-related expenses do not hinder access to care, according to SIH Foundation Director Jennifer Sigler, PhD.
During a January 2024 visit, Gov. JB Pritzker praised SIH’s impact on rural healthcare, saying:
“The SIH Cancer Institute is the embodiment and realization of our goal to eliminate rural health disparities and improve access to care. You are setting the highest standards for treatment, and your work is nothing short of heroic…And to the patients that are here today, you are fighters. You are resilient and relentless, an example to us all. And when you ring the bell, know that you will have 13 million Illinoisans celebrating alongside you.”
With continued advancements in treatment, an ongoing commitment to holistic patient care and unwavering community support, the SIH Cancer Institute is poised for another decade of excellence. As Dr. Popalzai put it, “Celebrating 10 years comes with a sense of pride and achievement, but the work is far from over.”
ABOUT THE SIH CANCER INSTITUTE:
The SIH Cancer Institute prioritizes a multidisciplinary approach, allowing patients to schedule multiple appointments in one visit. On-site services include:
• Medical, surgical and radiation oncology
• Infusion therapy and an advanced pharmacy
• Palliative care and rehabilitation
• The Journey Forward Support Group creating a community for patients and their loved ones
• A Resource Center for education and support
• The Green Leaf Café, offering cooking demonstrations and nutrition workshops
“Our goal is a seamless patient experience right here under this roof,” said SIH System Director of Oncology Services Susie O’Neill, DNP, RN, OCN.
In 2020, SIH joined the Siteman Cancer Network, an affiliation with Washington University’s Siteman Cancer Center in St. Louis. This partnership provides local patients access to:
• Leading-edge cancer treatments
• Genomic and genetic testing
• Clinical trials
“We’re thrilled about our affiliation with the Siteman Cancer Network. Their expertise is invaluable in key areas, particularly sarcomas, brain tumors, acute leukemias and patients who may need a stem cell transplant now or in the future,” said Dr. Popalzai.
