THE LEGACY OF JOHN STODDARD
John Stoddard was an engineer by training and a real estate developer and entrepreneur by profession. In 1990, his keen interest in medical care and compassion for others compelled him and his wife, Lilyan, to support Iowa Methodist Medical Center's new cancer center with a $4 million gift. In recognition of their generosity, the center was named the John Stoddard Cancer Center.
As the state-of-the-art center was constructed, John, an engineer, kept close watch. From the moment the first steel beams were erected, John saw "outstanding architecture" emerge. He gained a sense of satisfaction that came from supporting a facility specifically designed to offer feelings of life, health, and hope.
John was always a fervent ambassador for the cancer center, spreading his enthusiasm for the new and emerging technology, expert cancer researchers and caregivers and personalized family-centered care. Shortly before his cancer diagnosis, John said, "Once you see the center, once you see the remarkable work that's being done, that's what really motivates you to give. There's such an attitude of hope."
Through their ongoing gifts to the center, as well as significant provisions made in their estate plans, the Stoddard’s made gifts exceeding $35 million to the cancer center and the UnityPoint Health – Des Moines Foundation. Their generosity and spirit of hope will continue to benefit cancer patients and their families for generations to come.
