Donor Spotlight: Julia Koster

After Julia (Julie) Koster and her husband experienced cancer, she wanted to provide support to other cancer patients.

Julie and her husband Paul had their respective cancer journeys alongside each other. Paul was diagnosed with tonsil cancer in 2016 and again in 2017. Julie was diagnosed with rectal cancer 2019 and is currently cancer free. Both were treated at MercyOne Des Moines Cancer Center.

“The overall care we received was very excellent,” said Julie. “We can’t say enough about the nurses; they were tremendous through everything.”

Julie appreciated the care and compassion their nurses provided. She explained they were quick to help if something didn’t seem right, or if she or Paul reacted poorly to their treatments.

“They were on top of everything and were very kind,” said Julie. “I knew I could talk to the nurses about any concern I had.”

Julie is also grateful that she and Paul were able to be seen by the same oncologist, Tara Graff, D.O. of Mission Cancer + Blood at MercyOne.

“It was very nice that we could have the same doctor and it helped a lot because even though we were going through treatment it was nice we could be together,” said Julie.

Paul’s cancer was incurable, and his cancer journey came to an end in October 2020. Memorials for Paul were designated in support of the new MercyOne Richard Deming Cancer Center.

Memorial donations are a meaningful way to honor loved ones while making an impact in the different areas MercyOne Des Moines Foundation supports.

“My husband really liked how Dr. Deming would always take the time to talk with him,” said Julie. “I thought having memorials go to the Richard Deming Cancer Center would be a good tribute to my husband, Dr. Deming and his work as a doctor.”

After learning more about the Richard Deming Cancer Center, Julie decided to continue her impact and make another gift to the center. She is inspired by its multidisciplinary, patient-centered approach, which will enhance cancer care for patients.

“I am grateful that I am able to provide support for this project,” said Julie. “The vision for this center is awesome and I know my husband would have liked it too.”

“It feels good knowing this gift will help improve the overall experience future cancer patients will have during their journey,” said Julie

“The cancer journey is very overwhelming at first, and the Richard Deming Cancer Center will make that journey easier for the patient, which is so important.”

Julie hopes others will consider supporting the center, explaining that their gift will support a new system that enhances all aspects of cancer care and improves upon the excellent care patients already receive.

“I think of other people I know who have had their own cancer journeys, and the transformation of the Richard Deming Cancer Center is going to be great,” said Julie. “With this new system, I know if anything changes or if my cancer comes back, I will be well-supported.”

For more information about how you can support cancer patients through the MercyOne Richard Deming Cancer Center please contact MercyOne Des Moines Foundation Senior Director of Development, Joan Bindel at JBindel@mercydesmoines.org or 515-643-8020.