DES MOINES, Iowa — Legendary anchor Al Roker visited patients at the John Stoddard Cancer Center as part of the Rally Against Cancer benefit.

Rally Against Cancer is celebrating 25 years with a benefit for the John Stoddard Cancer Center, located in Des Moines. Ahead of the benefit, cancer survivor Al Roker stopped by to honor staff and comfort patients.

Matt Strawn, the 2025 Rally Against Cancer Co-Chair, wanted to bring everyone together to appreciate and recognize the incredible work done at the center, specifically, the staff that make it happen.

“We’re here to really celebrate the individuals that are behind the cancer at Stoddard Center,” said Strawn. “I know a lot of times folks want to talk about the medical treatments and the equipment, but what tonight really is it’s about the people. At the end of the day, that is as much a part of the care journey as the chemotherapy, radiation, or the surgery.” said Strawn.

A cancer survivor himself, Strawn is excited to see how many people care about celebrating and sharing the important done at the Stoddard center.

“We’re going to have over 700 people tonight celebrating the fact that we have something like Stoddard in our community that is providing care to patients like me who needed it to lead to that positive outcome,” said Strawn.

Al Roker visited the Stoddard center Saturday, sharing his story and providing comfort to those battling cancer, and the ones who support them.

“If we can be that ray of hope for families when they’re really at their most vulnerable, I can’t imagine a better voice, a cancer survivor himself, than Al Roker to help tell that story here in Des Moines,” said Strawn.

Roker, who knows the struggles and losses of cancer, felt that visiting people and bringing them just a little joy was a small way to pay it forward.

“This is important to me, I’ve had prostate cancer, both my parents had cancer, and I lost them both to cancer,” said Roker. “So, you know, I think to be able to bring a little joy, if you will, at least I’d like to think so.”

Roker was glad to talk with patients about their journey’s and share encouragement, but he also wanted to support those who work to make the miracles happen.

“It’s not just the medicine. It’s not just the treatment. It’s the people who bring the treatment, like these dedicated nurses and the doctors of the staff here,” said Roker. “Also, you know, being able to support those people with different therapies, different modalities, makes all the difference.”

Roker and Strawn said the John Stoddard Cancer Center is important because it provides incredible cancer care, right here at home.

“Many of them are from the Des Moines area and, you know, they’re here. A lot of people think, oh, you know, we’ve got to go to these big city places to get really good care. And there’s really great care right here,” said Roker.

Strawn hopes Saturday’s gala will encourage others to take advantage of local programs and support systems the center has to offer.

“For those families that are out there, just know that there is a community of support, not just with the medical professionals, but this is a wonderful community that lifts people up when they go through something like that. So, reach out,” said Strawn.

Battling cancer is a difficult road and those who have traveled it know that each day should be cherished and celebrated.

“I think we are really programed to look long term and to look at the big picture and to do all these things. I think the real trick is to take everything one day at a time, that you are going to try to do the best you can to thrive today,” said Roker.

To learn more about the Rally Against Cancer or the John Stoddard Cancer Center click here.