CTCA Founder to Receive Horatio Alger Award
Courtesy Horatio Alger Association
Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc., a nonprofit educational organization honoring the achievements of outstanding individuals and encouraging youth to pursue their dreams through higher education, has announced that Richard J Stephenson, founder and chairman of Cancer Treatment Centers of America, has been selected for membership in the prestigious organization. Stephenson, widely recognized for his philanthropic efforts, global business leadership, and establishment of a new standard in personalized cancer care, joins 10 other esteemed business and civic leaders from across North America in receiving this honor in 2017. For the last 70 years, the Horatio Alger Award has been annually bestowed upon admirable leaders who have succeeded despite facing adversity and who are committed to higher education and charitable efforts in their local communities.
Stephenson and the member class of 2017 were formally inducted into the Association on March 30-April 1, during the Association’s 70th Horatio Alger Award Induction Ceremonies in Washington, D.C. The annual three-day event honors the achievements of both Members and National Scholars, affording both groups the opportunity to meet and interact, exchanging stories of hardships and triumphs.
Stephenson grew up in Sheridan, Indiana, a small farming town of 1,200, and was raised with his brother, Michael, by loving and devoted parents who taught him to understand and follow a morally centered and principled way of life. Much of Stephenson’s childhood and early adulthood was devoted to caring for his brother, who faced many lifelong health challenges. His dedication to helping those around him remains a driving force behind everything he pursues. An entrepreneur from a very early age, Stephenson would help his father with his work at a pharmacy and later took on various jobs around town – mowing lawns, collecting trash, distributing milk and delivering newspapers. His business acumen expanded in college, as he created a handyman services and consulting company, hiring college friends as part-time employees. After graduating from Wabash College, he started his own merchant banking firm before receiving his juris doctor degree from Northwestern Law School.
Stephenson quickly developed a highly successful international merchant banking career, building businesses and employing many thousands around the world. While his business grew, his family always took center stage in his life. When his mother, Mary, endured a lengthy battle with cancer before succumbing to the disease, he witnessed firsthand through her painful journey the failure of healthcare providers to listen to her needs and put her care and concerns first. He noted, also, the lack of comprehensive, compassionate, innovative and integrated treatment options that took the whole person into account, and he vowed to change the face of cancer care in his mother’s memory.
In 1988, he opened his first Cancer Treatment Centers of America () hospital and committed this new chapter in his life’s work to delivering cancer patients and their families what he aptly coined the Mother Standard of care; the kind of care you would want for your loved one. Today, is a nationally recognized network of five regional medical centers providing a personalized, clinically outstanding, patient-centered Mother Standard of care throughout the United States. The hospitals are located in Tulsa, Philadelphia, Chicago, Phoenix and near Atlanta.
“My fellow Horatio Alger Members and I are pleased to welcome Richard to the Association,” remarked Byron Trott, president, Horatio Alger Association, and 2011 Horatio Alger Award recipient. “His entrepreneurial spirit and passionate commitment to caring for others are traits that both Scholars and Members can appreciate and strive to emulate. Richard’s entire career has been devoted to helping others rise above a different kind of adversity – cancer – providing them with the support, care and comfort needed to face this life-threatening challenge. We are confident that Richard will lend that same heart and dedication to the Association and we look forward to working alongside him.”
Stephenson also founded and supports five unique charities in each of the regions where his hospitals are located. The Assistance in Healthcare Foundations provide millions of dollars in important financial support to families in need of simple relief from “everyday” stressful expenses back home (i.e. rent, food, utilities). He is a Distinguished Eagle Scout in America, a 33? Scottish Rite Freemason, and a dedicated global philanthropist, offering his time, talent and treasure to many non profit organizations with a focus on liberty, private property, free markets and individual freedom. Additionally, in 1991, Stephenson created the Gateway for Cancer Research, setting out on a personal quest to transform cancer research and care by empowering patients with integrative therapies and innovative treatment options. Twenty-five years, 3,000 patients, 140 breakthrough clinical trials around the world and more than $70 million raised later, his personal quest has become transformative and a beacon of hope for those diagnosed with cancer.
“Receiving the Horatio Alger Award means a great deal to me and my family, and I am grateful,” said Stephenson. “My mother inspired my career and as a strong supporter of education herself, I know she’d be very proud as I receive this honor. The loving ‘wind beneath my wings,’ my five dynamite children, eight grandchildren, and beautiful wife, Dr. Stacie Stephenson, share in this pride. The Horatio Alger Association is all about lifting people up and providing hope and support during their most challenging times. This has been my life’s mission and I look forward to working with my fellow members to provide support for young people as they work to overcome adversity in pursuit of their dreams.”
Through its members, Horatio Alger Association aims to educate young people about the limitless opportunities afforded them by the free-enterprise system. To further this goal, the organization awards scholarships to outstanding high school students who are committed to pursuing higher education and giving back to their communities. Like Association Members, Horatio Alger Scholars have faced significant adversities, but have also displayed unmatched resilience in overcoming their challenges. Since the scholarship program was established in 1984, Horatio Alger Association has provided more than $125 million to students in need.
Scholarships are funded solely through the generosity of Association Members, Life Partners and friends.
For more information about Horatio Alger Association and its Member Class of 2017, please visit www.horatioalger.org and/or follow the organization on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Updated 04-05-2017
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