INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Dr. Stephen Williams, who led Indiana University's Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center since its creation in 1992, has died of melanoma at the age of 62.
Williams, who died Sunday, was diagnosed with melanoma in 2006, and the cancer returned in 2008.
Under his leadership, the cancer center experienced tremendous growth and last year opened a $150 million facility at IU's medical complex in downtown Indianapolis, one of only 63 accredited cancer centers in the nation.
Dr. D. Craig Brater, dean of the IU School of Medicine, said Williams was successful in building the center because of his ability to focus people on common goals.
"He's just a nice guy," Brater said. "If somebody says they can't get along with Steve, you just instantly know it was their problem; it wasn't Steve's problem."
Williams wrote more than 150 medical articles. His research included ovarian and testicular cancers.
He was born in the central Indiana city of Shelbyville and grew up in Bedford. He graduated from DePauw University and received his medical degree and performed his residency and fellowship through IU.
Survivors include his wife, Kathryn, and their children, Thomas and Caroline.
A memorial service is scheduled for 1 p.m. Friday at Zionsville United Methodist Church.
Williams spoke about his fight against cancer as he received the IU President's Medal of Excellence in August when the Simon Cancer Center celebrated its expansion.
"In the last couple of years, I myself have become a cancer survivor and recently completed a very difficult treatment," Williams said. "As I reflect on the last few months and how difficult it has been for me, it is absolutely clear that treatment, while important, is not good enough. I can say definitely that it is easier to prevent and detect cancer than it is to treat it."
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Information from: The Indianapolis Star, http://www.indystar.com
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.
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