Richard J Stephenson & Stacie J. Stephenson
Stacie and Richard J Stephenson , both born and raised in the heart of the Midwest, believe that empowerment is a fundamental human right and that the strength of the human spirit knows no bounds. As philanthropists, entrepreneurs, and healthcare professionals, the Stephensons live by this ethic in everything they do. From their leadership of Gateway for Cancer Research , to their tireless support of global poverty, disaster relief, and child welfare organizations, to their commitment to advancing our understanding and treatment of neurological diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, among many other causes, Richard and Stacie are champions of organizations working to empower people with the information, resources, and tools they need to overcome adversity.
Richard and Stacie share both a commitment to fighting cancer and a core belief in patient-centered treatment and care. These are the founding principles of Gateway for Cancer Research, which Richard launched in 1991 to fund clinical trials for all types of cancer. Under his leadership as chairman and with Stacie by his side as a vice chairman , Gateway engages patient representatives at every level of the organization to ensure its investments put patients first, prioritizing clinical trials that enhance quality of life so patients can begin healing, today.
Stacie spearheads Gateway’s largest event – the Cures Gala in Chicago – and she is also the founder and chairwoman of Gateway’s flagship western region event, Vino con Stelle. Due in part to the successful launch of Vino con Stelle , as well as her passionate support of Childhelp , Celebrity Fight Night , and the American Heart Association’s annual Phoenix Heart Ball , in addition to many others, Stacie was named one of 2018’s most influential people by Arizona Foothills Magazine .
In March 2018, Richard and Stacie received Celebrity Fight Night’s National Humanitarian Award in recognition of their generous and unwavering commitment to the organization, and in celebration of the many other important causes they support. These include organizations such as the David Foster Foundation, the Andrea Bocelli Foundation, the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands, Wabash College, and the community of Barrington, Illinois, among many others.
Richard is the founder and chairman of Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA), a comprehensive cancer care network of hospitals and outpatient care centers in Atlanta, Chicago, Philadelphia, Phoenix and Tulsa. Prior to founding CTCA®, he enjoyed a career as a successful global merchant banker. Richard graduated in 1962 from Wabash College and, while earning his J.D. degree from Northwestern University, established International Capital Investment Company (ICIC) where he still serves as Chairman.
Stacie is a recognized leader in functional medicine with expertise in integrative, regenerative, anti-aging, and natural medicine modalities. In addition to her functional medicine and anti-aging board certifications, she is a Certified Nutrition Specialist® and doctor of chiropractic. “Dr. Stacie,” as she is known by her patients and friends, is the founder and CEO of a new health and wellness media venture, VibrantDoc , and serves as the Chair of Functional Medicine at Cancer Treatment Centers of America®. She is also a member of the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists, American Nutrition Association.
Stacie and Richard reside in Barrington Lakes, Illinois where they are active citizens of the local community. Together, they have made a lasting impact on the local school system, the city’s historical landmarks, and the institutions charged with preserving them.
While their work and philanthropic endeavors have them on the road frequently, the Stephensons remain true Midwesterners at heart, happiest when they are at home in Illinois. Avid equestrians and outdoor sports enthusiasts, Richard and Stacie enjoy western and English riding and are particularly fond of their Haflingers, a horse breed known for its hardiness and chestnut coat. Together with Richard’s five children and their families, all of whom share the same devotion to philanthropy, the Stephensons find time to relax and reenergize during summer weeks spent with friends and family in Leland, Michigan. During the winter months, Stacie and Richard enjoy time in Scottsdale, Arizona, working directly with CTCA’s and Gateway’s western region staff.
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DR. STACIE AND MR. RICHARD J STEPHENSON
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY BOB AND DAWN DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHY AND DESIGN
Mr. Richard J & Dr. Stacie Stephenson
In the heart of Barrington Hills, resides a power couple whose dedication to health, philanthropy, service, and community has left an indelible mark. Dr. Stacie and Mr. Richard J Stephenson are not just partners in life but also in a mission to transform health care and fund groundbreaking cancer research through Gateway for Cancer Research, of which they are Vice-Chair and Chair, respectively.
Brought together by a business meeting to discuss the impacts of integrative medicine on cancer patients, their joint passion continues to fuel amazing results. Richard J Stephenson, a visionary in health care and philanthropy, was captivated by Dr. Stacie’s intellect and passion for integrative medicine, as well as her evidence-based approach to health and wellness and her commitment to empowering individuals to take charge of their well-being through lifestyle changes. Dr. Stacie, former chair of Functional Medicine at Cancer Treatment Centers of America and two-time bestselling author, was captivated by his moral compass in patient care. Once they got to know each other, the couple realized they shared a common passion: to improve people’s lives, she through teaching about how to create true health through foundational lifestyle changes, he through philanthropic support of cancer research and the creation of game-changing health institutions and nonprofit organizations.
Together, they share a deep commitment to enhancing lives and creating health and healing for those around them. The rest is history.
Richard’s dedication to health care stems from a personal loss—the death of his mother to cancer—which inspired him to establish Cancer Treatment Centers of America in 1988. Later, recognizing the gaps in cancer research funding, he founded Gateway for Cancer Research in 1991. Gateway’s focus is exclusively on Phase I and II clinical trials, urgently bringing breakthroughs to the bedside for courageous patients and their families. Gateway has to date funded over 234 clinical trials worldwide, pushing the boundaries of cancer treatment possibilities.
The couple’s commitment extends beyond their professional endeavors. At the annual Gateway for Cancer Research Cures Gala: Tuscany Harvest of Hope, to be held this year on October 26, the Stephensons orchestrate an evening of finding, funding, and furthering innovative cancer research trials. The gala will highlight an elegant, black-tie evening hosted at their Barrington Hills estate with dinner, surprise headlining entertainment, and patient guests, as well as discussions on the top research in the field.
Every dollar raised increases the potential for hope and healing, and last year’s event raised more than $3 million in a single evening. This funding fuels transformative research that promises new avenues for cancer treatment, echoing Gateway’s mission to shape a world in which a cancer diagnosis is no longer feared.
Away from their philanthropic pursuits, the Stephensons cherish moments of tranquility amidst their bustling schedules. As mother and father to three small children, they enjoy quiet moments spent as a a family. They find solace in their equestrian lifestyle and indulging in carriage rides through Barrington Hills. Their love for nature and community underscores their profound connection to Illinois, a place they proudly call home despite their national philanthropic reach.
Dr. Stacie and Mr. Richard J Stephenson exemplify the synergy of passion, purpose, and perseverance. Their partnership transcends conventional boundaries, blending health care innovation with compassionate philanthropy. They will continue to navigate, with an unwavering dedication, the evolving landscape of cancer research and holistic health—a testament to the transformative power of their shared vision and commitment to humanity.
In a world where hope often battles adversity, the Stephensons stand as beacons of compassion, leading by example to create a brighter, healthier future for all.
For more information, please contact Natalia Mihilli, [email protected] .
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Richard J Stephenson
Philanthropist
Entrepreneur, servant leader.
Headshot of Richard J Stephenson
In his “public life”, Mr. Stephenson is a global private merchant banker and the Founder and former Chairman of Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Global (Boca Raton), Midwestern Regional Medical Center (Chicago), Southwestern Regional Medical Center (Tulsa), Eastern Regional Medical Center (Philadelphia), Southeastern Regional Medical Center (Atlanta), Western Regional Medical Center (Phoenix), Cancer Treatment & Wellness Center (Seattle).
He is the Founder and Chairman of Gateway for Cancer Research (Chicago), Assistance in Healthcare Foundations (Chicago, Tulsa, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Phoenix), International Capital Investment Company (Chicago), International Capital & Management Company (St. Thomas), Center For Learning (St. Thomas), International Private Bank (St. Croix), Tudor Oaks Farm, Inc., Stephenson Family Foundation, Celebrate Life Foundation, Cancer Nutrition Centers of America, Inc., Barrington Saddlery, L.L.C. , and is a Founding Board Member: FreedomWorks (Washington), RCP Advisors (Chicago), Sheridan Capital Partners, LLC (Chicago), Brown Legacy Group (Chicago), et al.
Professionally, Mr. Stephenson’s experience and expertise is in global merchant banking, finance, healthcare, and real estate, and he has served on the boards of many professional, political, service, civic and charitable institutions.
Mr. Stephenson understands, practices and advocates for the honored tenets of the Moral Code, is an avowed libertarian and a graduate of Wabash College, (A.B. Degree), a Juris Doctor degree from Northwestern University School of Law, and an honorary doctorate from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine. He was a Fellow in Political Economy at the Foundation for Economic Education, Irvington-on-Hudson, New York; Rampart College, Larkspur, Colorado, and the Investment Banking Executive Program, Harvard Business School. He is a 33° Scottish Rite Freemason, a Distinguished Eagle Scout in America, and a lifelong benefactor of numerous Libertarian, free market institutions (e.g. Hayek Institut, Ludwig Von Mises Institute, FreedomWorks, Foundation for Economic Education (from which he received their Lifetime Achievement Award), The Atlas Society, CATO Institute, the Institute for Humane Studies, Reason Foundation, Acton Institute, Mercatus Center, Pacific Research Institute, Heritage Foundation, et al.
In 2013 he was presented with the distinguished Clarence Jackson Award for Professional Achievement from his alma mater, Wabash College. In March of 2017, he was inducted into the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans (Washington, D.C.) for his entrepreneurial spirit and passionate commitment to the well-being of others, and in 2019 he was the recipient of the Hayek Institut and Austrian Economic Center Lifetime Achievement Award (Vienna, Austria).
He is a member of numerous social organizations; country clubs, the Yacht Club de Monaco, Chicago Yacht Club, et al.
A resident of St. Thomas, USVI, with homes in Illinois, Michigan, Colorado and Arizona, he is happily married to “best-selling author of Vibrant”, Dr. Stacie Stephenson and is the proud father of seven wonderful children; Dr. Christopher Stephenson, Ann Stephenson Hostetler, Shawn Stephenson, Jennifer Stephenson Keller, Shelby Stephenson, Richard J Stephenson II, Blake Stephenson and Gabrielle Stephenson, and nine dynamite grandchildren.
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