Warren County physician honored nationally for decades of work supporting blood cancer patients
PHILLIPSBURG, N.J. (Warren County) — A Phillipsburg family physician has received national recognition for nearly four decades of caring for patients with blood cancer and raising funds to support those undergoing treatment.
Eugene Decker, a doctor of osteopathic medicine with Star Community Health’s Coventry Family Practice, was honored by Blood Cancer United during an event in January in Orlando, Florida, for his commitment to patient care, advocacy and fundraising.
Star Community Health is a federally qualified health center affiliated with St. Luke’s University Health Network.
Throughout his nearly 40-year career in family medicine, Decker has diagnosed and cared for more than 175 patients with leukemia, lymphoma and other blood cancers. He works closely with oncology specialists to guide patients from diagnosis through treatment and, in many cases, survivorship.
“These patients became part of me,” Decker said in a statement. “I’ve walked alongside them and their families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. That responsibility stays with you.”
In addition to his clinical work, Decker has organized numerous community fundraising efforts with the support of his family, including his wife of nearly 45 years and their children.
The events — which include an annual 5K walk/run, tricky tray, golf outing and restaurant-based fundraisers — have raised more than $200,000 for blood cancer organizations. According to Decker, the funds support patient services such as medications, transportation and assistance with medical bills.
“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,” he said.
Decker also serves as medical director of the St. Luke’s Warren Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program, where he mentors future physicians and emphasizes compassion, continuity of care and community involvement.
He said his involvement in fundraising began early in his career after treating several patients with blood cancer, a number that continued to grow over time.
Blood cancers — including leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma — remain a major cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, often ranking among the leading causes of cancer mortality, according to Blood Cancer United, formerly known as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
The organization said Decker’s recognition reflects not only the funds he has helped raise but also his long-standing dedication to ensuring patients facing blood cancer receive care and support.
