Her husband’s retirement brought Bartonville, Illinois native and experienced cancer provider DeeDee Simmons to a farm in northeast Missouri. The move also brought DeeDee to Blessing Health System where she shares the skill and knowledge gained in two decades of providing cancer care to patients of the Peoria area.

“When people come to work in oncology, I don’t think they hardly ever leave. You get an understanding of how precious life is, and of the importance of offering grace and kindness and meeting people where they are.  It’s very important to me that when I meet a patient, they feel that they are my main focus. I‘m very calming, in that I bring a sense of peace and grace.”

DeeDee’s love of nursing and oncology began when she cared for three boys of an oncology nurse who worked the night shift.

“I admired her so much. I wanted to emulate what she was.”

When not walking along side her patients on their cancer journey, you may find DeeDee in another special place.

“You put me on the bank of a lake or river, or in a boat, and I turn into a fishing maniac.”