City of Hope

City of Hope, one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S., has received a historic $150 million gift from entrepreneur and philanthropist A. Emmet Stephenson Jr. and his daughter Tessa Stephenson Brand to fund pancreatic cancer research. The gift is the single largest in City of Hope’s 111-year history. The centerpiece of this gift is the $1 million Stephenson Prize, one of the largest privately funded awards for scientific investigation, which will be awarded annually to a leading scientist or team making the most promising advancements in pancreatic cancer research, treatments and cures. The prize is open to individual investigators and teams driving innovation at institutions around the world. The Stephensons are entrepreneurs who believe in groundbreaking innovation and City of Hope as a pioneer driving transformational change in cancer care. We are honored to receive their visionary gift, which will bring new hope to patients and their families. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3XJXEJJ

Congratulations to City of Hope’s Susan Brown, Ph.D., M.S.N., R.N., for being named among America’s Top Chief Nursing Officers by Becker's Healthcare. The Becker’s editors noted what we at City of Hope already know: Dr. Brown is a leader who puts our values into action every day. She is deeply committed to advancing nursing’s role in innovative clinical trials, bridging research with direct patient care. She also emphasizes education, collaboration and inclusion. Whether she is developing new strategies for nursing’s future or engaging in an organization-wide listening tour, Dr. Brown has significantly advanced the role of our nurses, who are truly at the heart of City of Hope’s exceptional care and outstanding outcomes. Well done, Dr. Brown! Learn more: https://bit.ly/3UPqx5B #NursingLeadership

We’re excited to celebrate Beatrimar Zuniega, B.S.N., R.N., one of our compassionate nurses, who was recently honored with the DAISY Award! Beatrimar was nominated by a grateful patient who wanted to recognize her for the outstanding care she delivers. Here’s what the patient had to say: “Bea has been an awesome person in every possible way you can imagine. Her genuine care, sincere concern and innovative suggestions about my health issues are unbeatable which show her compassion and integrity towards her patients. From day one, she has been helpful to guide me through every step of this challenging journey to ultimate victory for this cancer battle.” Congratulations, Beatrimar! #DAISYAward

What an unforgettable evening at the 2024 Music, Film and Entertainment Industry Spirit of Life Gala! We were proud to honor Jay Marciano, chairman and CEO of AEG Presents, for his leadership and commitment to our mission. The campaign has raised an incredible $7.5 million to date, with fundraising continuing to support City of Hope’s groundbreaking cancer research and youth survivorship programs. The night was filled with remarkable performances by Elton John, David Blaine and a surprise appearance by Celine Dion, all dedicated to amplifying hope and healing for those affected by cancer. Relive the magic and see how we’re making a difference in the lives of cancer patients through our event recap video. Together, we are building a future where hope prevails. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3zY2gDa #SpiritOfLife

A year ago, Eric Flores walked into City of Hope's Children’s Cancer Center in dire need of a bone marrow transplant. Despite the tremendous toll his leukemia diagnosis and treatment took on him, the teen was determined to keep going. Eric walked out City of Hope's doors as a cancer survivor and the proud owner of a special title: record-holder of the most foot charms earned during one admission. Each colorful foot charm, often worn proudly around Eric's neck, represents a mile walked. Eric walked more than 220 impressive miles during his recovery — a testament to his resiliency and strength. Now, the 20-year-old has dreams of returning to City of Hope — a place he credits with saving his life: this time, as a nurse.

Richard T. Lee, M.D., City of Hope's Cherng Family Director's Chair for the Center for Integrative Oncology and medical director of supportive and integrative medicine at City of Hope Orange County, believes in treating the whole patient — focusing on who they are and what they need. His practice blends the best of Western medicine with integrative therapies, such as mind-body techniques and acupuncture, all supported by research. As co-chair of the 21st International Conference of the Society for Integrative Oncology, taking place Oct. 25 to 27, Dr. Lee is spearheading efforts to bring together scientific and medical experts in evidence-based integrative oncology. This conference will spotlight innovative treatments and research for cancer patients, including naturally derived therapies, acupuncture, mind-body practices, the use of artificial intelligence in oncology and more. On Saturday, Oct. 26 at 11 a.m. PT, Dr. Lee will present novel data on the potential risks of drug interactions with cannabis use — research that has been partially funded by the generous $100 million gift from Panda Express Co-CEOs Andrew and Peggy Cherng. Learn more about City of Hope hosting #SIO2024: https://lnkd.in/ebdC28nE

Last week, Marcel van den Brink, MD, PhD, president of City of Hope Los Angeles and City of Hope National Medical Center and the Deana and Steve Campbell Chief Physician Executive Distinguished Chair, took the stage with STAT’s Gideon Gil at this year’s #STATSummit for a lively discussion about how City of Hope’s pioneering research is being translated into accessible treatments – ensuring communities and patients across the country benefit from leading-edge cancer care. The duo discussed three important points: - The importance of City of Hope’s national expansion, which means 86 million people across the U.S. live in communities with local access to a City of Hope location. - Why City of Hope has one of the largest and most successful CAR T cell therapy and BMT programs in the nation. - The importance gut microbes can have on our general health and how they can impact the outcomes of therapies both in terms of efficacy and toxicity. Check out the full conversation: https://bit.ly/3Uk6FqK

City of Hope patient and entertainment anchor for FOX 11's "Good Day L.A." morning show, Amanda Salas, celebrated a double victory. After courageously battling a rare form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2019, she not only rang the cancer survivor bell but rang in a new chapter of love, which was also the same day of her five-year anniversary of being cancer free! Amanda's cancer journey led to survivorship thanks to the compassionate and expert care of her "hematology hero," Alex Herrera, M.D. Moved by his dedication, she asked him to officiate her wedding. In her words, "He knows how to KNOCK OUT cancer." Congratulations to the newlyweds, Amanda and Randy, or affectionately called, Mandy and Randy! We wish you a lifetime of happiness and health. Photo by OKeefe Photography.

City of Hope is uniquely positioned at the intersection of cancer and diabetes, using advanced molecular tools to explore how obesity, cancer, diabetes and treatment complications are connected. As one of the largest cancer research and treatment centers in the U.S. and a leader in diabetes research, City of Hope’s Arthur Riggs Diabetes & Metabolism Research Institute hosts the annual Connecting the Dots Symposium on November 14, now in its fifth year. We recently spoke with Charles Brenner, Ph.D., Alfred E. Mann Family Foundation Chair in Diabetes and Cancer Metabolism, to get his insights on this year's event and what he finds most exciting. 

City of Hope believes in leading-edge, equitable cancer care for all, which is why we were honored to participate in HLTH USA’s HLTH Inc. Event 2024. There, City of Hope’s President of Health Innovation and Policy Harlan Levine, M.D., participated in the “The Cancer Conundrum” panel alongside Aparna Parikh, Tomasz (Tom) Beer and Karin Tollefson. Moderated by Brenton Fargnoli, M.D., the group discussed the rising cancer incidence in young adults and explored how we can reimagine our approach to screening, early detection and care.