MAYWOOD, Ill. -- Superheroes revealed themselves at the Loyola University Health System (LUHS) annual benefit, Spring Into Action, on May 19. The nearly $140,000 raised is being used to renovate the hospital’s inpatient oncology treatment facility. Like a beacon of hope, the Loyola Center for Health at Burr Ridge was transformed into a glittering headquarters where people found their own “super” side.
Featured that evening was Olympic gold medalist Scott Hamilton who gave a heartfelt talk about how struggles in his life have shaped him into the man he is today. The well-known men’s figure skater showed extraordinary powers on the ice. His heroism and strength also shined through as he bravely battled cancer and came out victorious.
While sipping on Kryptonite cocktails and striking heroic poses for photos, attendees learned about Loyola’s internationally renowned cancer program. Loyola’s multidisciplinary approach to treating cancer brings together a wide range of board-certified medical experts who evaluate a patient’s condition and provide a comprehensive treatment plan, often on the first visit.
“We are so grateful to the people who joined us for this event that highlighted the needs of our patients. Daily we help them battle cancer and the importance of partners in the struggle can’t be overstated,” said Larry Goldberg, president and CEO of Loyola University Health System.
Generosity flourished during a live auction that raised funds to install a patient exercise room in the oncology treatment facility. The new treatment facility also will have 39 private rooms, each with a fitted HEPA-filtered air system to minimize infections. The rooms will feature a daybed for a family member to spend the night and enough space for visitors. To create a more homelike feeling, the unit will include a kitchenette and laundry area, a café space, great room, family activity area and meditation area.
Lavish treats, a complimentary bar and a hero-in-training program allowed guests a chance to mingle and enjoy learning about each other’s superpowers.
For media inquiries, please contact Evie Polsley at epolsley@lumc.edu or call (708) 216-5313 or (708) 417-5100.
About Scott Hamilton:
Born in 1958 and adopted by Ernest and Dorothy Hamilton, Scott contracted a mysterious illness at about the age of 2 that cause him to stop growing. For the next six years the doctors prescribed a variety of unsuccessful treatments. He was taken to Boston Children’s Hospital where his ailment began to correct itself.
He decided to try skating after watching his older sister, Susan. From the beginning, Scott skated with confidence and uncommon speed. His illness disappeared and he began to grow again. At 13, he left home to train for national competitions. His mother went back to school and became a college professor to help finance his training, even as she was undergoing cancer treatment. When she died, Scott resolved to become a world champion.
By 1980, Scott had captured third place in national competition and won a place on the U.S. Olympic squad. In 1981 he won National and World Championship titles and won every national and world competition for the next four years, capping his career with a gold medal at the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo.
Frustrated by the lack of opportunities for male skaters, Hamilton created his own ice revue, which evolved into the well-known touring show, Stars on Ice.
In 1997, Scott’s life and career were again threatened by illness. But after successful surgery for cancer, he was back on the ice within a few months. He and his wife, Tracie, make their home in Nashville and have two sons, Aidan and Maxx.