John Simpkins, Senior Director of the Physician Practice Administration and Cancer Service Line, and Chief Administrative Officer of the Cancer Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), has been honored with the Alex’s Lemonade Stand 2025 Pitcher of Hope Award. The award ceremony took place on May 30 at CHOP’s Hub for Clinical Collaboration in Philadelphia.
The Pitcher of Hope Award is given to a CHOP employee who has made significant contributions to pediatric oncology and shown dedication to caring for children with cancer. Stephen Hunger, MD, Chief of the Division of Oncology at CHOP, remarked, “John is in many ways the heart and soul of the Cancer Center. John works tirelessly to support our team and allow us to deliver the best care possible to patients and their families. He demonstrates exceptional leadership through operational efficiencies in the Cancer Center while keeping our goals on track and supporting the growth of our team.”
Simpkins has been with CHOP for 25 years, serving as Chief Administrative Officer for a decade. His leadership approach is influenced by his personal experience with his mother’s battle with cancer.
Alex’s Lemonade Stand is an annual event held in collaboration with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) where lemonade stands are set up across CHOP’s Philadelphia campus for donations. The event includes a ceremony where the Pitcher of Hope is awarded. ALSF was founded in memory of Alexandra “Alex” Scott, who passed away in 2004 at age eight after being treated at CHOP’s Cancer Center. She initiated a lemonade stand to raise funds for research by her doctors. To date, ALSF has contributed approximately $18 million to CHOP through donations and research grants. This year marks the 21st annual Alex’s Lemonade Stand event at CHOP.
