Supporting Cancer Scholars Through the Jonathan P. Groch Cancer Center at Illinois Scholarship

The Groch family in 2020 at the graduation of Jon’s daughter, Cameron. From left to right: Jonathan Jr., Cameron, Nancy, Jon Sr., and Renee. Not pictured, Jon and Nancy’s daughter Gemma.

Jon was first diagnosed with cancer in 2018. Like many people who have rarely been ill, he was shocked to be diagnosed with one of the rarest forms of lung cancer. Years prior, he had watched his father and sister face the disease, and now he was experiencing the frightening and life-altering diagnosis. He immediately wanted the facts. After major surgery and four rounds of chemotherapy, Jon returned to work, and this return to normalcy felt like a miracle.

In March 2020, the pandemic forced Jon to begin working from home, which was quite unusual for someone accustomed to weekly travel. He was concerned about his family and colleagues and how to continue to work with the disruption. By the end of 2020, Jon reached a significant milestone: two years free of cancer! However, he never felt entirely safe amid the backdrop of the pandemic. In early March 2021, Jon received his first COVID-19 vaccine, and the world felt a little easier to navigate.

In 2021, another cancer diagnosis hit Jon with a blow: Acute Myeloid Leukemia. After speaking to his doctors and analyzing the data, the news was grim. While he would follow his doctors’ advice, Jon valued his quality of life. Intense treatment began immediately. Every decision caused an evaluation of risk versus reward. He underwent countless bone marrow biopsies, a painful and often risky procedure to retrieve a sample of blood and tissue from the bone marrow. He withstood intense chemotherapy during his first 48-day hospitalization, followed by many rounds thereafter to prepare him for a stem cell transplant. This strategy was his best chance for a full recovery. However, he later received the devastating news that the stem cell had failed, and oncologists offered a new range of treatments to manage graft versus host disease (GVHD) and leukemia.

As the months progressed, Jon struggled to eat, walk, bathe, and even move from his bed to a couch. To survive, he needed to travel back and forth to the hospital many times a week to receive the platelets his body could no longer produce. He underwent brain radiation as the leukemia had spread to his spinal fluid, and he did not want to lose the ability to make crucial decisions. At that point, Jon believed the leukemia would never be controlled enough to undergo another stem cell transplant, and he decided to move to palliative care and finally to hospice care.

On June 2, 2022, Jon passed away. During long car rides to and from appointments, Jon had many discussions about healthcare with his wife, Nancy. They saw that Jon’s team of oncologists managed medical crises every day. To solve problems and make inroads in patient care, they needed more time, quick access to information, and innovative procedures. Through this experience, Jon came to believe that so much more could be done to help doctors identify cancer earlier, giving patients a better chance of survival.

Every day of his battle with cancer, Jon found something to take him out of his medical struggles and help him feel a little bit more normal, including staying up to date his beloved Chicago and Illini sports teams. Jon was a joyful presence in the lives of his wife and children, bringing them laughter each day. Jon is survived by his wife and four children, who miss his counsel, antics, love-in-action, and his never-ending bits of information. They wish to thank the medical professionals Jon encountered, whose dedication to their profession truly earned the respect of his family.

An Interview with Jonathan Groch’s Daughter

Jon’s daughter Renee Groch is a student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and she graciously offered a personal perspective on her dad’s fight against cancer and the legacy his family wishes to leave through this CCIL scholarship.

What do you want the CCIL audience to know about your dad?

I want people to remember my dad’s positivity. Even on his darkest days, he faced challenges with a quiet resilience, always showing me what it meant to persevere. Whether it was a kind smile or his constant “joking around” attitude, he never showed how much pain he was truly in. I also want people to remember how my dad made people feel seen and valued. He was the person who taught me how a smile can go a long way. He showed me on a daily basis that compassion and love are the greatest gifts you can give to others, and he lived his life by those values.

How did his fight with cancer affect him and your family?

My dad’s fight with cancer deeply impacted him, my family, and me in ways that are hard to put into words. For him, the illness was a battle that tested his physical strength, but it never diminished his spirit or his determination to be there for us. Even if he did not want to show it, I think that the long weeks in the hospital, endless amounts of treatment, and his deteriorating body made him very frustrated, as it would for anyone. This influenced his desire for changes in the field of cancer and research for patient care.

While he had to undergo harsh treatments, my family and I had to watch him struggle. As a family, we rallied around him and were drawn more closely than we already were. We leaned on each other more than ever before, learning to appreciate the little moments together. There were days of fear, exhaustion, and frustration, but there were also moments of love and connection that we’ll always cherish. My dad’s fight brought out a sense of unity in our family that made us stronger in the face of everything. For me, it was a life-changing experience. Seeing someone you love endure so much pain and uncertainty forces you to grow in ways you never expected. It taught me the value of resilience, the importance of family, and the fragility of life. It was incredibly difficult to watch my dad suffer, but I also gained a deeper appreciation for the time we shared. Even amid his illness, he showed me how to live with courage and grace. His fight with cancer and death will always be a defining chapter in my life, shaping who I am and how I approach the world.

How has your perspective on cancer shifted having watched your dad’s battle?

Before, I knew cancer as something abstract—a distant illness you hear about but don’t truly grasp until it touches your life. Now, I realize how deeply it affects not just the person fighting it, but everyone around them. Cancer is unpredictable, exhausting, and emotionally draining in ways I couldn’t have imagined. It’s not just about treatments or doctor visits—it’s about the fear, hope, and resilience that comes with each day. What I feel most now is a sense of urgency when it comes to appreciating life and the people we love. Cancer strips away the illusion of control and forces you to confront how fragile life can be. It also showed me the depth of strength people possess, both in fighting cancer and in supporting one another through it. I saw that in my dad, in my family, and even in myself. I believe now, more than ever, in the importance of support systems—for those who are battling cancer, for caregivers, and for anyone going through something difficult. Cancer is not just a medical condition; it’s an emotional journey, one that requires empathy and understanding from everyone involved. Cancer is a ruthless disease that deteriorates the body, and for my whole family, we would not have gotten through it without our family and friends who supported us. It’s made me more aware of how precious time is and how critical it is to be there for the people we care about, no matter how hard the road may get.

What does it mean to you that this new scholarship exists?

It means so much to me that this scholarship was created. I know that my dad’s love for this university never faltered. It represents a powerful legacy—a way to keep his memory alive by supporting others in a meaningful way. It’s incredibly comforting to know that his influence will continue through something as impactful as a scholarship. It’s a testament to the kind of person he was: someone who cared deeply about helping others and making a positive difference in the world. This will be a lasting reminder that even though he’s no longer with us, his values and spirit continue to inspire and support others. His story deserves to have a lasting purpose, helping students achieve their goals and perhaps find some hope and encouragement in their own journeys. It’s a beautiful way to honor his memory and ensure that his legacy of kindness and support lives on, touching lives in a way that would have meant so much to him. Knowing that his name will be associated with such a meaningful initiative is a source of comfort and pride, and it gives me hope that his influence will continue to make a difference long after he’s gone. I, obviously, will always remember my dad, but it is so comforting that this was created to outlive him and our family.

What do you hope happens in cancer research through this new scholarship?

I hope this scholarship helps invent innovative procedures that focus on less invasive techniques that maximize comfort and results. It was heartbreaking to see how the treatment left my dad. I know it may have been his only chance at survival, but by the end he was so weak.

For you and your family, what is significant about the cancer research happening at the CCIL?

For my dad, the CCIL’s research represents a continuation of the fight against cancer, aligning with the values my dad held dear. Knowing that his name and memory contribute to efforts seeking to overcome cancer provides a meaningful way to honor his legacy. The work being done at the CCIL reflects the kind of progress he wished to see in the fight against cancer, making it a poignant connection to his own battle. For my family, seeing significant research and advancements offers solace and a sense of purpose amid our grief. It reassures us that there is ongoing work to address and ultimately conquer the disease that impacted our lives so profoundly. For me, the CCIL’s research feels deeply personal, as it embodies the hope and determination that my dad’s memory inspires. It’s a way for me to contribute to the ongoing battle against cancer and find meaning during loss. Being connected to such research motivates me to advocate for continued support and engagement in cancer research, channeling my experiences into efforts that can make a difference for others facing similar challenges. Overall, the work being done at the CCIL resonates deeply with us—offering hope, honoring my dad’s memory, and reinforcing our commitment to advancing cancer research.

Editor’s notes:

This story was written by Jonathan King, CCIL Communications Specialist

For questions about how you can advance cancer research, support cancer scholars, remember loved ones, and create a family legacy at the Cancer Center at Illinois, please contact David Dibble, Director of Advancement, at dddibble@illinois.edu or 217-333-3789.