Donor Spotlight: Susan Fitzsimmons and Jake Christensen

Susan Fitzsimmons and Jake Christensen know firsthand the stress and pain that comes with the cancer diagnosis of a loved one. Cancer affects many people, more than just the ones who are diagnosed.

Jake, president of Christensen Development and Susan, vice president and general counsel for Christensen Development and MercyOne Des Moines Foundation Board member, have turned their experience with cancer into a mission to improve cancer care in our community.

Susan and Jake both serve on the committee for the Campaign for the MercyOne Richard Deming Cancer Center. This $16-million campaign will create a center of excellence, which encompasses innovative, multi-disciplinary, patient-centered compassionate cancer care for all Iowans in need.

“Cancer has touched our family in a pretty profound way which inspired us to get involved in this campaign,” said Susan.

Jake, who lost his father to brain cancer, expressed that in his experience, he saw how important it was to know that a loved one is getting the best possible care throughout their cancer journey.

“I think a lot of people don’t appreciate the number of patients that are treated at MercyOne Des Moines Cancer Center and the quality of the care that is currently available there,” said Jake. “To hear how Dr. Richard Deming wants to approach cancer care with the patient at the center is really moving.”

“So many Iowans are impacted by cancer and the Richard Deming Cancer Center will be a resource that we as a community need,” said Susan.

A cancer diagnosis is overwhelming and stressful in itself without the added stress of having to attend a myriad of visits to specialists and doctors, Jake explained. Through this campaign, Jake and Susan know other families who go through the cancer journey will be surrounded with excellent care and compassion rather than stress.

Recently, our world and community drastically changed with the onset of the COVID-19 global pandemic.

“The current pandemic has made it crystal clear that health care is a vital component of a resilient community,” said Susan. “Resources like the ones identified in the plans for the Richard Deming Cancer Center are vital because the COVID-19 situation will change and it will settle down but cancer has been in our community and will continue to be in our community.”

Susan and Jake encourage others to join them and support the Richard Deming Cancer Center.

“This campaign is certainly something that is near and dear to my heart,” said Jake. “Providing excellent cancer care is still so important and something we need to continue to work on.”

Learn more about the Richard Deming Cancer Center Campaign by visiting MercyOne.org/give/richard-deming-cancer-center.

Have you or someone you know been affected by cancer? For more information on how you can support cancer patients, please contact Joan Bindel at JBindel@mercydesmoines.org or 515-643-8020.