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.