Hinshaw Law

Scott's Philanthropic & Charitable Leadership

Scott, a trial lawyer and commercial litigator, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in his mid-30s. His wife, Charlene, quickly turned their fears into determination and resolve. She lost many friends and family members to cancer over the years. But when her husband was diagnosed with cancer, Charlene said, "No to cancer. I am not going to let cancer take my husband! We will fight back every day in every way!"
Charlene and Scott embarked upon their mission of curing cancer and helping people impacted by the disease over twenty five years ago. Their determination has only grown over the years as they have met countless wonderful people who are battling cancer in all of its horrible manifestations.
Cancer is an indiscriminate and out-of-control killer, a terrorist that lives within all of us. Cancer patients, survivors, and their families must not only respond and fight back, but also take the lead in raising awareness, helping people with cancer, and pushing for better treatments and cures. We are committed to curing cancer during our lifetime. We believe that a six-prong attack is required: organization and leadership, public awareness and education, patient advocacy, public policy advocacy, a nationwide government-funded effort employing some of the same tools as Operation Warp Speed, and private fundraising and philanthropy-supporting cancer research. The last point is the most important effort needed to eradicate cancer. Private philanthropy drives cancer research and leads to impactful, out-of-the-box, think-big research. We must raise money to find more efficacious, less toxic treatments and cures, and we must invest that money wisely in cogent research.
Among other things, Scott co-founded the Chicago Chapter of the Lymphoma Research Foundation, was a recipient of the Lymphoma Research Foundation's Inaugural Tribute Award, and delivered the keynote address for the American Forum on Lymphoma in Los Angeles. He is a Founding Member and Executive Board Member of the Hippocratic Cancer Research Foundation. He co-chaired its Wings to Cure Gala in 2022. Scott co-hosted the “Battling and Beating Cancer” radio show on the Blog Talk Radio Network and the “Battling and Beating Cancer” television show on CAN TV. The shows featured physicians, researchers, advocates, and patients. Scott is also involved in civic engagement, participating in and promoting public and community service. He was a member of the National Board of Selectors of the Jefferson Awards for Public Service, was co-chair of Jefferson Awards Chicago, was one of the leaders of a national student leadership training and philanthropy program, and was a member of the delegation delivering reports to the White House and U.S. Senate on the state of volunteering in America. He has served on numerous boards and committees.

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Tenth Annual HCRF Wings to Cure Gala

Join us on Saturday Evening November 2, 2024 for the Hippocratic Cancer Research Foundation's Tenth Annual Wings to Cure Gala at Navy Pier Grand Ball Room. This year's Chair Couple are reality TV Stars Shaina Hurley (Love is Blind) and Christos Lardakis. Our emcees for this star studded event are Chicago Lou Canellis (Fox News), Dawn Hasbrouck (Fox News), and Jane Monzures Clauss (Emmy Award Winning TV Personality). Join us as we raise money for think big, out of the box, impactful cancer research. Here is an interview I conducted with Shaina and Chris at the cocktail party kickoff.
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Conquering and Curing Cancer The Cancer Survival Book

Available In Hard Cover, Paper Back, & E-Book

Reviews

"The authors are true humanitarian and philanthropists who have directly experienced the pain and anxiety of a cancer diagnosis. They have found ways to use their experience to help others, becoming strong advocates for cancer research. This book reflects the commitment and persistence of the authors in the fight against the pain and devistation of cancer. This committment has led them through a trermendous effort to collect and provide accurate and up to date information to help others. The book is exceptionally well written and will be helpful to anyone who wants to learn and understand more about cancer and do something about it."
Leonidas C. Platanias, MD, PhD Director Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University Jesse, Sara, Andrewm Abigail, Benjamin and Elizabeth Lurie Professor of Oncology Professor of Medicine (Hematology-Oncology and Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics)
“Warren Buffet once said, ‘Someone’s sitting in the shade today becausesomeone planted a tree a long time ago.’ That person was Scott Seaman, a Bartlett resident who was recently honored for planting trees for cancer patients throughout Chicago. Seaman and his wife, Charlene . . ., were recently honored at a dinner for starting the first Chicago chapter of theLymphoma Research Foundation.”
Bartlett Press
Charlene “helped start the Lymphoma Research Foundation’s first local chapter outside New York . . . . The Cardinal event to catch on elsewhere has been the Lymphomathon, a 5K walk-run Charlene spearheaded in 2003. What began as 400 people at Montrose Harbor has turned into an annual event in 16 cities. Charlene is devoted to helping patients and families with health problems . . . . Her activities and efforts in organizing charitable organizations, educational events, and fundraisers have had a tremendous impact on the lives of countless patients and families living with Cancer in the Chicagoland area and on a national basis.”
NBC 5 Chicago
"Scott and Charlene have an inspiring story and one that all people impacted by cancer should read. This is an important book that contains helpful information and tips from the perspectives of a cancer survivor and a caregiver who have become champions for people battling cancer. It is our privilege to know Scott and Charlene - the cancer warriors! We thank them for their inspiration, devotion, and leadership!
Henry Chi Hang Fung, MD, FACP, FRCPE Chair, Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapies Fox Chse Cancer Center Linda Collins
“Lymphoma Research Foundation is pleased to announce that Charlene .. . has been awarded a 2008 Jefferson Award for Public Service. Charlene is a founding member and past president of the Chicago Chapter and has spearheaded the Lymphomathon effort. Charlene was honored for being a champion for lymphoma and other cancer patients through her patient advocacy, public policy and fundraising activities. The prestigious Jefferson Awards were founded in 1972 by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, U.S. Senator Robert Taft, Jr. and Sam Beard to establish a Nobel Prize for public and community service. Once again, congratulations to Charlene."
Lymphoma Today
“Astounded by the lack of information available to them at the time, the Bartlett couple began a crusade with the mission to eradicate lymphoma and educating people along the way.”
Daily Herald
“[A]long with her husband, Scott Seaman, Charlene’s enthusiasm and dedication helped the chapter reach new heights in 2007 through their record breaking Lymphomathon, which raised nearly $425,000 and the addition of chapter staff—a first for LRF. Her commitment to patient education and maintaining strong relationships with healthcare professionals led to LRF’s ability to expand its programming . . .”
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
"Over the years, it became clear to me, as I am certain it will be for you, Scott and Charlene are more than just advocates; they are 'mentors of advocates' . . . This book comprehensively explains cancer and cancer treatments. It guides cancer patients and caregivers on how to advocate and pursue what they deserve, the best personalized cancer treatment plan. The authors encourage people to not just have any game plan but to formulate a survival equation. Scott and Charlene show us how this is possible to do, even if you know nothing about cancer or medicine. They give us the reassurance that it is acceptable to ask questions, demand the right information and expect the best care. They inspire us to be "checkers" like Charlene. Although I am very knowledgable about cancer, this book taught me more ways to help optimize and individualize treatment plans and I learned new ideas for empowering cancer patients and caregivers. . . . Scott's and Charlene's invincible spirit will not be surppressed by cancer. They continue to be outstanding advocats for cancer patients. Their altuistic stance is not only of faith, but of knowing that it is possible to 'live' after cancer."
Nicole Liadis, PhD Educator, molecular biologist, cancer researcher, cancer foundation board member, cancer patient advocate
"“Scott and Charlene not only share their wisdom and resources for dealing with the difficult challenges of cancer, but they also share their experiences from the heart, and inspire people to fight and believe. They are truly a living example of how positive attitude, gratitude, and giving back, are all part of the healing.”
Sergio Rojas NBC 5 & Corporate And Community Fitness Expert
"Charlene and Scott are big supporters and advocates for fighting cancer. They have educated people by speaking out through their many social and media platforms. They support preventative medicine and the treatment and cure of all types of cancers. They are also actively involved in promoting a healthy diet and daily exercise, and helping to reduce the rate of obesity in school children - which in turn will decrease the rate of cancer and other diseases. Charlene is one of our nation's leaders in supporting the efforts of doctors and scientists in eradicating cancer. . . . Together, Charlene and Scott wrote an amazing book, Conquering and Curing Cancer: The Cancer Survival Book. This book provides a vehicle for them to communicate with everyone affected by cancer by providing accurate, transparent information. It also provides a place to share important insights and events with them since they have firsthand traveled down the path of conqueing cancer. They keep telling me that their wish is for everyone to join their mission and see their vision for a cancer-free world. This book highlights an inspiring story of a couple fighting cancer together. It provides a poignant look at cancer from the perspectives of patient and caregiving, covering the highs and lows from diagnosis to surgery to chemotheraphy to radiation to follow-up visits to gaining back strength. It also serves as an important survival resource for patients and families battling cancer. It's a compelling story of two people continually fighting for themselves and for the millions of Americans impacted by cancer. . . . Charlene and Scott - both founding board members of the Hippocratic Cancer Research Foundation - have inspired the entire board to become proactive about our mission and work toward advancing our goal to fund 'out of the box' research to eradicate all types of cancers. Charlene and Scott emphasize the importance of uniting together. They continue to say, 'If doctors, scientists and philanthropic leaders join forces, we will save the world from tears, heartache, and grief.' I can't help but think they are absolutely right." Eleni Bousis Author Bold Resilient Women Chair, Hippocratic Cancer Research Foundation

The Importance Of Public Service, Philanthropy, & Leadership

American Cinematheque Awads