On Saturday, February 20, 2016, more than 550 distinguished guests, including many of the region’s most influential physicians, community and business leaders, came together at the Marriott Lincolnshire to celebrate, honor and support Assistance in Healthcare (AIH) at its 30th Annual Sweetheart Ball. Assistance in Healthcare is comprised of volunteers who raise money for cancer patients and their families. Funds are granted to alleviate non-medical expenses, such as rent/mortgage, utilities, and groceries, while patients are in active treatment.

Mr. Richard J Stephenson, Founder and Chairman of Cancer Treatment Centers of America, and his wife, Dr. Stacie Stephenson, served as the Honorary Chairs. Mr. Stephenson created Assistance in Healthcare, a non-profit charity, in 1983 when he recognized that patients in active treatment were struggling to pay their everyday bills. This financial worry left patients unable to be fully engaged in their treatment. Therefore, Assistance in Healthcare was launched to help patients, who have become financially challenged as a result of their cancer, with non-medical expenses.

This sold out event was a huge success, raising more than $700,000 for cancer patients in need. The event included live and silent auctions, a Fund-a-Patient Campaign, cocktails, dining and dancing. The event kicked off with the National Anthem, sung by Michael Lynch, ending the song with Challenger, a bald eagle perched on the top of the stage! Other performances included William Joseph, Caroline Campbell, Kelly Levesque, Fernando Vincero and the Ken Arlene Evolution Orchestra.