Late Husband’s Care Inspires Giving
After a fortuitous introduction during a Kansas City Royals game at the old Yankee Stadium in 2008, Linda and Craig Shriver married 2 years later. The couple bonded over a shared love of sports and looked forward to their life together in the Kansas City area.
However, their future took a very unexpected turn in 2014 when Craig went to see a doctor about a noticeable bulge around his eye. He was then referred to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor, who ordered a CT scan. The results came back and Craig was diagnosed with adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC).
According to the Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Research Foundation, ACC affects only around 4 out of every 1 million people.
“You never think that cancer is going to hit you. Especially a terminal cancer, where it completely changes your whole life,” Linda said.
'It completely changes your whole life'
The ENT doctor referred Craig to The University of Kansas Health System for consultation with an otolaryngologist, who determined that the tumor was inoperable.
Craig then saw Christopher Lominska, MD, a radiation oncologist at The University of Kansas Cancer Center, whose clinical specialties include head and neck cancer. At the time, the specific radiation treatment Craig needed wasn’t widely available. Knowing when and where to refer, Dr. Lominska referred Craig to an oncologist at the University of Washington in Seattle for treatment.
Craig and Linda made Seattle their home base for several months while Craig received daily radiation treatment.
After the Shrivers returned home from Seattle, the healthcare team at The University of Kansas Cancer Center continued to do everything they could to treat Craig’s cancer. During his treatment, the couple spent a great deal of time in Westwood, Kansas. To this day, Linda looks back fondly on the extraordinary care the nurses provided her husband.
Craig went through several clinical trials and a round of chemotherapy. He passed away while in hospice care, at 61 years old, in March 2019.
Cases like Craig’s spurred the development of the Proton Therapy Center at The University of Kansas Cancer Center. The new center enables patients to receive advanced radiation modalities closer to home.
I couldn't have asked for more, when he passed away, I just felt like I wanted to do something." Linda Shriver
'The more we can research it, the more we can help somebody'
Linda describes Craig’s care at The University of Kansas Cancer Center as top-notch. “I couldn't have asked for more,” she said. “When he passed away, I just felt like I wanted to do something.”
Linda said she asked those grieving Craig’s passing to donate to the cancer center. The response was a testament to Craig’s memory with generous contributions made by friends and family.
After Craig’s death, his outstanding care along with recognition of the need for more research on rare cancers such as ACC, inspired Linda to become a monthly donor to the cancer center.
“I feel very strongly about research. The more we can research it, the more we can help somebody,” she said. “More people can have the opportunity to be treated, and they'll be able to extend their life. They'll have a better quality of life while they're going through it.”
'A chance at life that Craig didn't get'
As the years passed, Linda began to think about how she could extend her impact beyond her lifetime.
She spoke with her family, who understood the importance of making a charitable gift through her estate. They wholeheartedly supported her decision, knowing the lasting good her contribution would make.
Working closely with her estate planner and The University of Kansas Health System, Linda created the Craig Shriver Nursing Award – an annual honor recognizing an outstanding nurse at The University of Kansas Cancer Center.
Linda has a special appreciation for those in the nursing profession. Craig’s younger daughter became a nurse, and his oldest daughter also works in healthcare. “Seeing what their dad went through drew them both to that field,” Linda said. Linda’s mother was also a nurse, so healthcare has always held a special place in Linda’s heart.
Linda encourages others to contribute to The University of Kansas Health System, noting that gifts of any size can make a positive difference. “Even before he got sick, Craig and I had always contributed to different organizations,” Linda said when asked about her philanthropy. “I like to help people and make their lives better,” she added. “And I want other people to have a chance at life that Craig didn't get.”
“A legacy gift like Linda’s turns deeply held memories and values into lasting impact,” explained Rob Wyrick, development director of gift planning. “It’s not just about a future gift, but about honoring a life well lived and carrying a family’s story forward for generations to come. It was an honor to help Linda find the best way to deepen her impact and ensure her generosity continues to make a difference.”
Gifts from our supporters make a vital impact on exceptional healthcare and medical research at The University of Kansas Cancer Center – the region’s only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center. Please reach out to us by email or contact one of our gift officers to learn more about how you can make a contribution.