Jill Bennett, Experience Specialist 

Medical Oncology & Hematology Clinic

John Stoddard Cancer Center

My name is Jill Bennett and I am an Experience Specialist at the Stoddard Cancer Center Medical Oncology & Hematology Clinic. I grew up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a bachelor's degree in public health. I was a member of the UNI Track and Field team for five years. I recently moved to Des Moines in the summer of 2025 to start a new job by helping start up the Hematology & Oncology clinic! It has been a very unique experience to help start up a clinic and to see how fast we are growing. I feel like I am a key part of this clinic as I take on the scheduling of our in-clinic patients as well as infusion appointments such as chemotherapy and iron infusions. I love working with our incredible providers, nurses, and staff. Helping patients coordinate their care is important to me and will help me in the future with my plans for a career in public health! 

With the addition of the John Stoddard Cancer Center – Medical Oncology & Hematology Clinic, the central Iowa community now has access to comprehensive care delivered by a multidisciplinary team, covering the full continuum of cancer care services, from diagnosis through survivorship, all under one roof. This expansion allows us to provide an even more seamless and coordinated experience for you. 

After 12 years of dedicated service and leadership, Dr. Andrew Nish will retire from his role as Medical Director of UnityPoint Health – John Stoddard Cancer Center, with his final day being June 12, 2026.

Throughout his tenure, Dr. Nish has made a lasting impact on the patients, families and team members he has served. His unwavering commitment to advancing cancer care, supporting our team and improving the patient experience has helped shape John Stoddard Cancer Center into the exceptional program it is today.

As medical director, Dr. Nish has served as an important link between our physicians, clinicians and care teams, helping lead discussions around quality, clinical trials and enhancements to patient care. Throughout his career, he has been recognized not only for his clinical expertise and innovation, but also for his deep commitment to whole-person care and improving health outcomes for the individuals and communities we serve.

Before joining the John Stoddard Cancer Center leadership team, Dr. Nish spent 27 years as an interventional radiologist at Iowa Methodist Medical Center, where he introduced numerous advanced procedures that expanded treatment options for patients across Iowa. His dedication to continuous learning later led him to complete a fellowship in integrative medicine through the University of Arizona, further strengthening his focus on whole-person health and wellness.

While Dr. Nish is retiring from his leadership role, he has graciously agreed to continue supporting several key initiatives and projects through the end of the year, helping to ensure a smooth transition and continued success for our cancer program.

Please join us in celebrating Dr. Nish's remarkable career and contributions.

Retirement Reception for Dr. Andrew Nish

Wednesday, June 10, 2026

3:30 – 5:00 p.m.

John Stoddard Cancer Center Board Room

Light refreshments will be served.

We hope you will stop by to thank Dr. Nish for his years of service and wish him well in retirement.

Celebrate Cancer Survivors Day with us!

Cancer Survivors Day 2026 | June 28

12:00-4:00 p.m. | Principal Park

To celebrate, Stoddard Cancer Center and Blank Children's Hospital would like to invite all cancer survivors and their families, friends and caregivers to enjoy an Iowa Cubs baseball game. A cancer survivor refers to anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer, no matter where they are in the course of treatment or survivorship. Anyone who has ever faced a diagnosis of cancer, past or present, is welcome! Register for Cancer Survivors Day.

Now on Sale in the Plaza Gift Shop and Amazon:

Writing Circle Mondays: Reflections on Life & Cancer

Writing Circle Mondays: Reflections on Life & Cancer is now available for purchase for $15. This anthology features personal reflections and stories from members of the UnityPoint Health – John Stoddard Cancer Center Writing Circle Mondays group, offering meaningful insights into life, healing and the cancer journey. Proceeds from book sales support the Charlie Cutler Healing & Wellness Program at John Stoddard Cancer Center.

Hybrid Support Groups

Stoddard Cancer Center has transitioned most support groups to hybrid meetings, so participants have the option of attending in-person or virtually. For information on when groups meet and how to join, view the support group listing and contact the phone number listed for the group you are interested in attending. 

Meals That Matter at Home

This program offers four weeks of weekly delivery of fruits and vegetables to the homes of cancer patients and survivors. If you are a patient of Stoddard Cancer Center, you can receive your pantry and produce boxes free of charge with a scholarship from the Charlie Cutler Healing and Wellness Program. To learn more or register, visit johnstoddardcancer.org and look under "Classes and Events" for current offerings.

Stoddard Cancer Center at the Downtown Farmers' Market | June 13

7:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | Downtown Des Moines at 3rd and Court

UnityPoint Health is the presenting sponsor of the Downtown Farmers' Market. Stoddard Cancer Center will have staff on hand to answer questions, pass out information and play spin the wheel for a prize.

Cancer Related Cognitive Dysfunction | July 7

5:30 - 7:00 p.m. | Virtual

Stoddard Cancer Center and UnityPoint Health Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Services – Penn Avenue are pleased to offer "Cancer Related Cognitive Dysfunction." This class is offered free of charge to cancer survivors affected by cognitive changes caused by a cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Participants in the class will:

• Be educated on what CRCD is

• Learn to identify and recognize one’s own symptoms of CRCD

• Practice strategies to improve memory

• Learn exercises to train the brain

• Learn how to get more help if needed

A link will be sent to registrants prior to the class.

Register for Cancer Related Cognitive Dysfunction or call (515) 241-8505 for more information.

Breast Cancer Education Post Radiation | July 13

12:00-1:00 p.m. | Stoddard Cancer Center, Suite 450

This class is free of charge and intended for individuals who have completed radiation to the breast tissue within the past 6 months. The class will provide general information regarding arm and chest movement following radiation therapy, along with basic information on monitoring your tissue and safe return to activity. Register for Breast Cancer Education Post Radiation or call (515) 241-8505 for more information.

Prostate Cancer Awareness of Central Iowa Golfing FORE a Purpose | July 15 | 6:45 a.m.-2:00 p.m. | The Legacy Golf Club, Norwalk

Stoddard Cancer Center is proud to sponsor this event to benefit those with prostate cancer. Register for the golf event or get more information. They also offer other events throughout the year found on their website.

Stoddard Cancer Center at the Iowa State Fair | August 22

9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. | Farm Bureau Park, Iowa State Fairgrounds

Visit Stoddard Cancer Center staff in Farm Bureau Park for a free skin cancer screening from 9:30 to noon, along with a spin the wheel game, a chance to ask questions and pick up information on prevention, screening and cancer topics.

Get Your Rear in Gear | August 29

7:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | Raccoon River Park

Stoddard is proud to sponsor this walk/run to benefit those with colorectal cancer. Register for Get Your Rear in Gear or get more information.

Bras for the Cause B4 Ride | August 30

Stoddard is proud to sponsor this event to benefit those with breast cancer. Register for the B4 Ride or get more information.

Black Women 4 Healthy Living

Black Women 4 Healthy Living (BW4HL) hosts the Black Women’s Health Coalition at Corinthian Baptist Church on the third Saturday of each month. The focus is on Black women and their health and wellness. Health Assessments are given monthly to measure progress. The group engages in some low-impact physical activity and discusses a health-related topic unique to Black women. These events are completely free, and ALL Black women are welcome to join. For more information or to register, visit www.bw4hl.org.They also host a breast cancer support group for black women.

Rooted in Nature

UnityPoint Health - Des Moines partners with Polk County Conservation to create health and wellness programs that are focused on improving health with a connection to nature. View Rooted in Nature's list of classes.

Intertwined

Forest bathing (also called forest therapy) is a wellness practice rooted in scientific research that helps individuals engage with the natural world using all the senses in order to reap positive physiological and psychological benefits. It’s more than a walk in the woods; it’s an immersion into the full experience of the forest and nature. View Intertwined upcoming opportunities.

Cancer Support Community

Offers online support groups for cancer patients, survivors and caregivers. View information on the Cancer Support Community.

LifeServe Blood Center

DID YOU KNOW students can earn scholarships and recognition with LifeServe Blood Center? LifeServe is the main blood supplier of UnityPoint Health hospitals in Iowa. Students who host a blood drive between Memorial Day and Labor Day can earn up to $500 in scholarship funds. Additionally, high school students who register to donate blood three times before graduation or host a scholarship blood drive will earn the honor of becoming a LifeServe Donor of Distinction. As a Donor of Distinction, students will be awarded a special red honors cord to wear at graduation! Find out more information about the Donor of Distinction program.

Kudos

Congratulations to Iowa Lutheran’s Infusion Center for earning the highest NRC Net Promoter Score (NPS 100 – 100th percentile rank) for ‘Likelihood to Recommend Facility to Family and Friends’ in Q4 2025! Thank you for your clinic’s commitment to providing the best patient experience possible!

Congratulations to Jerry C., RN, Infusion Center for being this year's Nightingale Grit Award recipient because of how well he serves patients and other team members.

On March 11, staff from Stoddard Cancer Center attended the Harkin on Wellness Symposium 2026: The Treatment and Prevention of Cancer. During the symposium, Dr. Andrew Nish shared about our Meals that Matter and Meals that Matter at Home programs. We’re proud that these programs were recognized with the Harkin On Wellness Award, honoring efforts that make a meaningful impact in the prevention and treatment of cancer.

Congratulations to Rachel Fyfe, AYA Program Coordinator and leader of the EMPOWER Boutique and Salon at Stoddard Cancer Center. She was nominated in the Confidence category of the Inspiring Women of Iowa Awards, presented by the Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa.

New Volunteer Opportunity: Infusion Center

Join our volunteer team and bring light to a patient's day! Help our patients and staff in the Infusion Center (located at John Stoddard Cancer Center) by:

• Creating a welcoming enviroment
• Providing friendly conversation and social support for patients
• Offering comfort items such as blankets or refreshments
• Assisting staff with small errands

We encourage our volunteers to take their time with patients. Your presence can make a meaningful difference in someone's day. Sign up for volunteer opportunities.

2025 Gratitude Report

The 2025 Gratitude Report showcases the impact you make across UnityPoint Health – Des Moines. We invite you to read and reflect on what your support makes possible. Through all your many moments of generosity this past year, one thing is clear – we couldn’t be more grateful for you. View the Gratitude Report.

A huge thank you to Prostate Cancer Awareness of Central Iowa for supporting the Oncology Navigator Program at Stoddard Cancer Center. Their generous $8,000 gift will provide essential resources, services and personalized care to patients navigating their cancer journey.

At Stoddard Cancer Center we are proud to be recipients of two grants – $50,000 from National Breast Cancer Foundation for navigation and $15,000 from the American Cancer Society for transportation. Both grants assist patients in so many ways!

A big thank you to Raccoon River CrossFit for raising more than $8,200 for Stoddard Cancer Center at their second annual Fred Grote Cancer Screening Awareness Row-A-Thon! Their community collectively rowed 403,789 meters to support cancer detection and prevention.

In the News

Jenny Cataldo, oncology nurse navigator at Stoddard Cancer Center, joined Hello Iowa in March to talk about the importance of screening, recognizing symptoms and the resources available to support patients and families through every step of their colon cancer journey. Watch the interview.

Oncology navigators Pamela Banning and Jacqui Webber-Douglas recently did an interview with KCCI on financial toxicity and its effects on cancer patients. Watch the interview.

Sarah Zeidler, Executive Director of Stoddard Cancer Center, was recently in the Business Record to share how we address cancer prevention, cancer screening, cancer treatment and survivorship. Read the article.

Dr. Amankwah was part of a panel at the Black Women for Healthy Living Women's Health Prevention Community Conversation on March 14. The discussion focused on proactive healthcare, early detection and whole-person wellness, equipping attendees with the knowledge, resources and confidence to prioritize screenings, navigate life transitions and support themselves and their loved ones.

Black Bean Burgers

Rachel Vanni for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Spencer Richards.

By Mark Bittman

Yield: 8 small burgers, 4 supersize

Total Time: 35 to 45 minutes with cooked beans

Be the reason cancer patients get to treatment. Volunteer to drive through the American Cancer Society. To learn more and to volunteer visit cancer.org/drive or HIRTAHelps.org.

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Ideas for the newsletter? Send your ideas and suggestions to Gina Mandernach at gina.mandernach@unitypoint.org.