Eugene Decker, DO, a family physician with Star Community Health’s Coventry Family Practice in Phillipsburg, NJ, has been recognized by Blood Cancer United for his outstanding commitment to fighting blood cancer and supporting patients and families.
Star Community Health is a Federally Qualified Health Center (“FQHC”) affiliated with the St. Luke’s University Health Network.
Dr. Decker was honored in January at a Blood Cancer United event in Orlando, where he was celebrated for both his clinical care and his extensive fundraising and advocacy efforts.
Over a nearly 40-year career in family medicine, Dr. Decker has diagnosed and cared for more than 175 patients with leukemia, lymphoma and other blood cancers. He works closely with oncology specialists to support patients from diagnosis through treatment and, in many cases, survivorship.
“These patients became part of me,” Dr. Decker said. “I’ve walked alongside them and their families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. That responsibility stays with you.”
Beyond the exam room, Dr. Decker has mobilized the community to make a difference. With the help of his wife of nearly 45 years, their sons and daughters-in-law, he organizes seven or eight fundraising events throughout the year. They include an annual 5K walk/run, tricky tray, a golf outing and restaurant-based fundraisers.
To date, these efforts have raised more than $200,000 for blood cancer organizations with all proceeds directed toward patient services such as medications, transportation and supportive care. “All of the money we raise goes back to the Lehigh Valley to area patients who might need an Uber ride to an appointment or help with medical bills,” Dr. Decker said.
As Medical Director at the St. Luke's Warren Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program, Dr. Decker also mentors future family physicians, modeling the importance of compassion, continuity of care and community engagement. While he cautions future physicians not to get too close to their patients, he still encourages them “to get involved with them.”
Dr. Decker said the first year he began fundraising for his blood cancer patients, he had four. Unfortunately, he said, his number of patients kept growing. Blood cancers (leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma) are a major cause of cancer-related mortality in the U.S. Blood cancer often ranks as the third or fourth leading cause of cancer deaths, according to Blood Cancer United, formerly known as The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Blood Cancer United’s recognition highlights not only Dr. Decker’s financial impact, but also his lifelong dedication to ensuring that no patient faces blood cancer alone.
