JWCI Research and John Wayne’s Legacy in the Fight Against Cancer

Successful entrepreneur Stephen Reeder has led the UCR Group in Redlands, California, as CEO since 2014. An active member of the community, Stephen Reeder supports several philanthropic organizations, such as Loma Linda Hospital and the John Wayne Cancer Society.

The John Wayne Cancer Foundation (JWCF) was established by the iconic film actor’s family in response to his triumph over lung cancer in 1964 and eventual death to stomach cancer 15 years later. The actor became passionate about cancer research and awareness during his lifetime, a legacy JWCF maintains through myriads programs and initiatives such as the John Wayne Cancer Institute (JWCI).

Established in 1981, JWCI has operated out of Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica since 1991. Blending the experience and insight of the JWCI team with the knowledge and resources of the hospital’s medical staff, the institute has established a reputation of excellence in areas of translational research and various methods of solid tumor treatment, ranging from surgical oncology to immunotherapy.

Nearly two decades after opening its doors, the institute remains committed to pursuing new avenues of research while at the same time drawing on traditional methods to prepare the future generation of medical professionals. While translational research occurs in many fields, common areas of focus include melanoma, prostate cancer, neuroendocrine cancer, and sarcomas. Important discoveries at JWCI include the sentinel node biopsy treatment, which has gone on to be accepted as the global standard of care for melanoma and breast cancer treatment.

More information regarding the strides being made at JWCI, as well as insight into other JWCF programs and initiatives, can be found online at www.johnwayne.org.

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