Richard J Stephenson

Richard J. Stephenson (born c. 1940) is an American entrepreneur, businessman, and the founder and chair of Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA). He is active in conservative politics.

Early life and education Stephenson was born in Sheridan, Indiana. He graduated from Wabash College in 1962, and while earning his J.D. degree from Northwestern University, he established International Capital Investment Company (ICIC), where he still serves as chairman.

Zion-Benton Hospital In 1975 he was one of a number of investors who bought Zion-Benton Hospital in Zion, Illinois, renaming it American International Hospital. Local press reports at the time indicated the hospital was using unproven cancer treatments.

Affiliations The Gateway for Cancer Research (Chicago), Assistance in Healthcare Foundations (Chicago, Tulsa, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Phoenix), International Capital Investment Company (Chicago), International Capital & Management Company (St. Thomas), Center For Learning (St. Thomas), International Private Bank (St. Croix), Stephenson Family Foundation, Celebrate Life Foundation, Cancer Nutrition Centers of America, Inc., Barrington Saddlery, L.L.C., and is a founding board member: FreedomWorks (Washington), RCP Advisors (Chicago), Sheridan Capital Partners, LLC (Chicago), Brown Legacy Group (Chicago), et al.

Philanthropy In 1991, Stephenson founded Gateway for Cancer Research, which to date has raised more than $85 million to fund more than 170 clinical trials around the world. Gateway spends 99 cents of every dollar donated to directly support research.

Gateway hosts an annual gala to raise funds for cancer research; in 2019 it raised $4.2 million. The funds raised at the event went to support Phase I and Phase II clinical trials for all cancer types.

In 1993, Stephenson founded Assistance in Healthcare (AIH). AIH provides financial support to patients undergoing active cancer treatment. They provide assistance for non-medical expenses. AIH has chapters in Zion, IL, Tulsa, OK, Philadelphia, PA, Goodyear, AZ, and Newnan, GA.

In 2017, after the United States Virgin Islands was devastated by Hurricanes Irma and Maria, he donated $5 million to relief efforts through the Stephenson Family Foundation.

In 2018 and 2019, Stephenson co-chaired Childhelp's annual gala with his wife, Dr. Stacie Stephenson, raising $4.3 million. Childhelp is the "nation's oldest and largest non-profit organization advocating for abused and neglected children."