Richard J Stephenson and his wife, Dr. Stacie Stephenson

Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) chairman and founder, Richard J Stephenson, has been recognized by The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans for his entrepreneurial spirit and passionate commitment to the well-being of others. 

Standing: John H. Scully, John A. Elway, Jr., Roger S. Penske, Harold B. Matzner, Lenard B. Tessler, Alain Bouchard; Sitting: Clarence Thomas, Byron Pitts, Valerie Montgomery Rice, Marcia G. Taylor, Richard J Stephenson, Mellody Hobson

For the last 70 years, the Horatio Alger Award has been annually bestowed upon admirable leaders who have succeeded despite facing adversity, and who are committed to higher education and charitable efforts in their local communities.

Stephenson’s entrepreneurial spirit began at a young age and inspired him in many of his business endeavors, including the one he embarked on in 1988 following his mother’s battle with cancer, when he opened his first CTCA hospital and committed to delivering cancer patients and their families with the Mother Standardof care – the kind of care you would want for your loved one. Stephenson also founded and supports five unique charities in each of the regions where the hospitals are located; in Phoenix, Arizona Assistance In Healthcare. Additionally, in 1991, Stephenson created the Gateway for Cancer Research, setting out on a personal quest to transform cancer research and care by empowering patients with integrative therapies and innovative treatment options.