Mackenzie Hoffmann, RN, BSN, Nurse Supervisor
Powell 3 Adult Oncology
John Stoddard Cancer Center
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My name is Mackenzie and I work on Powell 3 as one of the Nurse Supervisors. I joined the Powell 3 team as a floor nurse in January 2024. Although I am relatively new to Powell 3, I come with a variety of experiences including dialysis, pediatrics, and step-down transplant units.
I chose to pursue oncology after my sister was diagnosed with cancer. I wanted to better learn, understand and support patients/families going through their own unique journeys.
When I’m not at work, I love exploring new places, being outdoors, playing the piano, and working towards visiting all MLB stadiums!
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Stoddard Cancer Center is expanding its commitment to comprehensive, patient-centered cancer care with the opening of a new medical oncology and hematology clinic along with expanded chemotherapy infusion services on September 2. The clinic will have a team of experienced providers, including medical oncologists and nurse practitioners, ensuring patients receive high-quality, compassionate care.
Jon Rozenfeld, President of UnityPoint Health – Des Moines says, “This is a natural and necessary progression for Stoddard Cancer Center, allowing us to continue providing the full continuum of care in one convenient, centralized location.” For more information on the expansion click here.
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Podcast
Dish with Nish Podcast is a series exploring topics of interest in cancer prevention, the human spirit and how new ideas are changing cancer care. Dr. Andrew Nish, Medical Director at the Stoddard Cancer Center, hosts insightful conversations with doctors, health care workers and patients discussing various aspects of health and cancer care. To listen to his latest episodes, including the Role of Physical and Occupational Therapy in the Cancer Journey, click here. Scroll to 'Dish with Nish Podcast'.
| | | | Upcoming Classes, Programs & Events | | |
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, click here and contact the phone number listed for the group you are interested in attending.
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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.
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Art Therapy Support Group | Select Tuesdays through September
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
This support group is intended for cancer patients and survivors. Each session offers a different media and theme. The time together will encourage self-reflection and introspection, exploring one's own thoughts, emotions and personal narrative of cancer. This expansion of self-awareness brings a stronger foundation, resilience and personal growth. For more information contact Gina Mandernach at gina.mandernach@unitypoint.org or 515-241-8505.
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Breast Cancer Education Post Radiation | September 8
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. For more information contact Gina Mandernach at gina.mandernach@unitypoint.org or 515-241-8505.
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Light the Night | September 13 | DMACC Ankeny Campus
Stoddard Cancer Center is sponsoring this walk to benefit those with blood cancers. Click here for more information or to register.
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Prostate Cancer Awareness of Center Iowa Run/Walk | September 20 | Principal Park
Stoddard Cancer Center is sponsoring this run/walk to benefit those with prostate cancer. Click here for more information or to register. The website also includes information their awareness dinner on October 27.
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NOCC Together in Teal | September 27 | Raccoon River Park
Stoddard Cancer Center is sponsoring this run/walk to benefit those with ovarian cancer. Click here for more information or to register.
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Can Do Cancer Trivia Night | October 18 | DMACC FFA Enrichment Center
Stoddard Cancer Center is sponsoring this event to benefit those with breast cancer. Click here for more information or to register.
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Oncology Conference | November 6 & 7 | Iowa Methodist Medical Center
The Stoddard Cancer Center Oncology Fall Conference “On the Horizon of Oncology Care: Updates and Current Treatment in 2025”. Topics include: bispecifics, Gammatile, early rehab intervention in cancer patients, leukemia, AI and cancer care, post-traumatic growth, sepsis, oncology finances, and more! For more information click here.
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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.
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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. For a list of classes, click here.
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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. For upcoming opportunities, click here.
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Cancer Support Community
Offers online support groups for cancer patients, survivors and caregivers. Click here for more information.
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Congratulations to our latest ROSE Award winner, Darrah C., PCT, from Powell 3 at IMMC who was nominated by a team member for owning the moment during a critical patient situation.
“Darrah had worked an overnight shift with a heavy patient load. It was the beginning of shift change, and nurses were getting report. A patient needed to be cleaned up and Darrah took it upon herself to help this patient before going home. Darrah knew immediately something was not right and called for help. When the doctors and nurses arrived, she promptly explained the situation. A staff assist was started and with Darrah’s help, we were able to act quickly. Although the outcome was not what we hoped, Darrah’s use of critical thinking skills helped a patient get the appropriate resources in a timely manner.”
Way to go, Darrah!
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The Radiation Oncology and Brachytherapy Center at Stoddard Cancer Center celebrated their new linear accelerator! The Edge brings advanced technology to radiation treatment, expanding options for patients and enhancing care.
Thank you to donors of Stoddard Cancer Center who made this life-changing upgrade possible.
| | Thank you to Bras for the Cause for an incredible $10,000 donation to Stoddard Cancer Center. These funds directly support free mammograms for uninsured and under-insured Iowans. Your gift makes a powerful difference in advancing early detection and prevention of breast cancer. | | The UnityPoint Health – Des Moines Foundation is currently fundraising for two Amma™ Scalp Cooling Systems and a patient assistance fund to ensure this is an affordable option for patients. Scalp cooling reduces hair loss caused by chemotherapy, allowing patients to preserve their appearance and maintain a sense of control during treatment. Stoddard Cancer Center will be the first in Central Iowa and Des Moines to offer this option. Help bring scalp cooling systems to patients. | |
A new bench now sits outside the Stoddard Cancer Center – Radiation Oncology and Brachytherapy Center, honoring those who have left a lasting impact on the department. Inspired by the passing of a beloved team member, this peaceful spot for reflection was made possible through philanthropy. | | Mark your calendar for June 6, 2026. Rally Against Cancer presented by GreenState Credit Union is moving to spring and we can’t wait to see you there. This fun and impactful event will feature an incredible speaker, live music, food stations and most importantly, raises support for cancer patients at Stoddard Cancer Center. | | Stoddard Cancer Center staff members spent the morning of June 7 in the UnityPoint Health - Des Moines booth at the Downtown Farmers' Market answering questions, playing spin to win, and passing out giveaways. | | On June 27, UnityPoint Health – Des Moines celebrated its team members at an Iowa Cubs baseball game. Members of our team at Stoddard Cancer Center were featured in activities like the first pitch, hot dog guns and the 7th inning stretch! Radiation oncologist Dr. Sheybani also visited the press box to share information about the compassionate, expert care happening at our cancer center. | | On July 22, Dr. Adam Miller provided free skin cancer screenings for 20 individuals at Stoddard Cancer Center, helping our community take an important step in protecting their health. Watch for future screenings at johnstoddardcancer.org under "Classes and Events". | | The Get Moving corner on our Powell 3 Adult Oncology unit is helping patients stay active during their hospital stay! This dedicated space offers a NuStep machine for a low-impact, full-body workout, along with easy-to-follow handouts for upper and lower body exercises that can be done right from a patient’s room. | | Stoddard Cancer Center had a booth in Farm Bureau Park on August 16 during the Iowa State Fair. Free skin cancer screenings were provided, along with information and a spin the wheel game for prizes. | | Gnocchi with Roasted Peppers and Tomatoes | | |
INGREDIENTS
- 2 medium red, orange, or yellow bell peppers, seeded and coarsely chopped
- 2 pints (about 20 ounces) small tomatoes, like cherry or Sungold
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 (12- to 18-ounce) packages shelf-stable potato gnocchi
- ¼ cup pesto, store-bought or homemade
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
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DIRECTIONS
Heat the oven to 450 degrees. In a 3-quart, oven-safe dish (like a 9-by-13-inch pan or a Dutch oven), combine the bell peppers, tomatoes, ¼ cup oil, garlic, salt and pepper, to taste. Stir to combine, then place on the oven’s center rack.
On a sheet pan, break up the gnocchi and toss with the remaining 2 tablespoons oil (no need to boil first). Season with salt and shake into an even layer. Transfer to the oven’s bottom rack. Roast both the vegetables and the gnocchi until the vegetables are softened and charred in spots and the gnocchi is crisp underneath and still squishy in the middle, 25 to 30 minutes (no need to stir partway through).
Transfer the gnocchi to the roasted peppers, add the pest and stir until the gnocchi evenly coated. Top with fresh basil to serve.
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