City of Hope

What an incredible weekend! Together, we walked for hope in Los Angeles, Orange County, Atlanta and Chicago.

A heartfelt thank you for everyone's generosity in joining our cancer-ending movement to turn hope into reality by funding lifesaving cancer research, access-widening advocacy and dignity-giving care for all.

Phoenix, we’ll see you on November 9!

Why do you walk?

Some walk for a loved one. Some walk in honor of their own journey. Others walk for a tomorrow when everyone can get the care they deserve. And while the reason may be personal, the impact is universal.

Today, Walk for Hope has grown into a nationwide, cancer-ending movement that makes hope happen by funding lifesaving research, access-widening advocacy and dignity-giving care for all.

This weekend, join us and Walk for Hope in Los Angeles, Orange County, Chicago, Atlanta or virtually. By walking, supporters contribute to City of Hope's unmatched momentum in the race to find cures.

More details: https://bit.ly/3znlEZq

City of Hope patient Keira Chang, now one year beyond her treatment, reflects with gratitude and hope: “As I step into the next chapter of my life, filled with dreams and plans for the future, I carry with me the strength and resilience from this journey. This experience will forever be a part of who I am, and I am committed to continuing the fight against childhood cancer.”

Last week, we celebrated our Hyundai Hope On Wheels with a handprint ceremony and check presentation, featuring the beautiful handprints of patients from City of Hope Children's Cancer Center, including Kiera.

Leo Wang, M.D., Ph.D., pediatric hematologist-oncologist, was awarded the 2024 Hope Scholar Grant ($400,000 over two years) for his project, CAR T cell acceleration of endogenous anti-tumor immune responses in pediatric brain tumors. City of Hope was also awarded a $100,000 Impact Grant to support our Childhood, Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Survivorship Program, which supports AYA cancer patients from their cancer diagnosis through survivorship.

We are grateful for Hyundai Hope on Wheels' support of childhood cancer research and our pediatric support programs.

Drumroll, please: This year’s Music, Film and Entertainment Industry volunteer and fundraising group’s Spirit of Life Gala will include a performance by Elton John! 🎉

This year, Jay Marciano, chairman and CEO of AEG Presents, will be presented with City of Hope’s prestigious Spirit of Life Award. Marciano will be recognized for his longtime philanthropic and humanitarian efforts.

A prominent figure in the live entertainment and music industry and widely known for his work leading one of the world’s largest live event companies that’s produced two of the most significant music tours in history — Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour and Elton John’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road — Marciano is focused on galvanizing the industry to accelerate cancer research at City of Hope so that more people around the world may benefit from its findings.

In its 50-plus year history, the Music, Film and Entertainment Industry has raised over $150 million to benefit City of Hope research and care programs.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4fIzPZN

We need your vote! Help City of Hope host a meaningful panel at South by Southwest (SXSW) to discuss cancer care equity.

Millions of Americans can’t access cancer care — meaning more patients lack resources to expertise, clinical trials and emerging therapies. From this discussion, we will talk about the challenges in cancer care and health inequity, understand how health care decision-makers can work together with cancer patients, and share solutions to expand access to lifesaving cancer care for every patient.

City of Hope's panel will be hosted by Harlan Levine, M.D., president of health innovation and policy, in collaboration with Bruce Scott, M.D., president of the American Medical Association, Gary Puckrein, Ph.D., president and CEO of the National Minority Quality Forum, and patient advocate Kommah McDowell.

☑️ Vote today! https://bit.ly/3SGZjgp

If you found yourself at City of Hope for surgery in Duarte, California, during the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a good chance you met the incredibly compassionate and kind Michelle Johann, D.N.P., R.N., who led the Hope Tours Program for patients and made the experience a little more comforting and reassuring.

Today, Michelle’s No. 1 priority continues to be her patients. She is constantly pushing forward ways to improve the patient experience and understands that “being present” with a person goes a long way.

“I want them to know that this is your home. You are accepted. You are embraced. You are loved. And you are a priority.”

Read more about Michelle's dedication and commitment to our patients at City of Hope: https://bit.ly/3Sp1NzO

Today, our CEO Robert Stone shared an Open Letter of Hope in the The Wall Street Journal and Los Angeles Times highlighting our ranking as top 5 in the nation for cancer care by U.S. News and World Report and thanking our employees, patients, donors and other supporters who are helping make hope a reality for more people.

Read the full letter: https://bit.ly/4fokBcq

How is it possible that a certain group of octogenarians, aka "super-agers" have the type of memory that is typically observed in young adults?

City of Hope neurosurgeon and scientist Rahul Jandial, M.D., Ph.D., shared his expert insight on KTLA 5 Morning News and talked about City of Hope's ranking as Top 5 in the nation for cancer care by U.S. News & World Report.

Unlocking the mystery of ‘Super Agers’ and their sharp minds As you get older, you may expect your memory to decline, but for a certain group of octogenarians, that’s not the case. These people are called “SuperAgers.” Scientists have been …

When Tiffany Jones learned that a bruise on her chest was actually a one-in-a-million type of cancer, she turned to City of Hope for help.

A Steep Hill to Climb: Adventurer Overcomes Rare Sarcoma Diagnosis After Tiffany Jones was diagnosed with a rare sarcoma called dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, she quickly pursued treatment. Learn more and how she’s doing now.

A 9-year-old boy, a 40-something ultramarathoner and a 62-year-old grandfather have one thing in common — sarcoma, a rare cancer with at least 70 subtypes and difficult to diagnose.

This cancer affects different people, different ages, different symptoms and different tumor locations. It usually presents itself in the body’s connective tissues: bones, fat, muscles, nerves, cartilage and blood vessels.

Three City of Hope sarcoma experts are sharing facts about this rare disease and discussing everything you should know, including symptoms, clues that may indicate a person is at risk for sarcoma and breakthroughs in treatment.

Sarcoma: What You Need to Know Sarcoma is a type of cancer that has a variety of subtypes. Read what oncologists have to say about this disease’s causes, risk factors and treatments.

City of Hope, one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States, is ranked top 5 in the nation for cancer care, according to U.S. News and World Report's 2024-25 rankings.

The recognition marks the latest milestone for City of Hope as it enhances its ability to make a meaningful impact on the lives of patients, families and communities nationwide.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3LqJshK

What a truly golden Friday! Let's give a warm welcome to Oliver Golden Therapy Dog, our newest therapy dog at City of Hope Atlanta. 🎉🐾

Fun facts about Oliver:
- Owns more than 160 handmade bandanas
- Loves to do zoomies
- Has made over 550+ therapy visits to date and counting

A big thank you, Oliver, for bringing so much joy and love to our wonderful patients. 💛

For City of Hope nurse Casey Thomas B.S.N., R.N., CCRN, BMTCN, going the extra mile is just part of who she is. Recently, she was honored with the Off the Chart award for nursing excellence by The Simms/Mann Family Foundation, a testament to her outstanding dedication and care.

City of Hope encompasses everything she holds dear: critical care, oncology, hematology and pediatrics. Her passion for working with children adds an extra layer of joy to her role, too.

“To see their resilience, the strengthening of someone’s soul and heart, to see kids who take those strong meds and don’t even flinch, to see how their small bodies are capable of so many things — sure, it can be heartbreaking, but it can also be beautiful, and to be chosen to be part of that is truly special.”

Casey, your compassion and dedication to your patients at City of Hope are truly incredible.

Read more about Casey's dedication and well-deserved recognition for her commitment to patients at City of Hope: https://bit.ly/45YiNCl

On a beautiful day in 1997, five breast cancer survivors sat around a card table crying tears of joy. It was the end of the very first Walk for Hope.

Nadine Mosk and the other four founders of the event had planned everything themselves, done their own advertising and used donated materials. “Only our friends and family came,” Nadine says with a laugh. “Talk about a grassroots effort.” The tears were because they raised $125,000, far surpassing their goals. Friends and family came — and they also came back the next year. And the next. They brought their friends and families. Local businesses organized teams.

From a little grassroots event nearly 30 years ago, Walk for Hope continues to grow and grow. This year is particularly exciting as in-person walks will take place at all five of City of Hope’s locations (Los Angeles, Orange County, Atlanta, Phoenix, Chicago) with the goal of raising funds to eradicate all cancers.

Read Nadine's story and register for a walk today: https://bit.ly/3WpRUo1

📞 For those times when you need to finish a conversation — place a call and let the wind carry your message to a loved one who has passed on. You can find the Wind Phone in the Garden of Hope at City of Hope in Duarte, California.

To visit the Garden of Hope, consider taking the shuttle to Lot D and walk over the bridge going west on Village Road toward Buena Vista Street. The garden will be on your righthand side.

When Samantha Marshall of New Orleans learned she might face bladder removal for an undetermined condition, she contacted City of Hope for a second opinion. Her dedicated medical team led by Kevin G. Chan, M.D., discovered that her tumor was different from what her original doctors had suspected. Instead of bladder cancer, Samantha was dealing with a muscle-invasive sarcoma occupying her bladder. Thankfully, it had not spread, making surgery her optimal option for survival.

Thanks to her compassionate care team at City of Hope, she received a personalized treatment plan that spared her from needing an external urine pouch. The caring team, which included occupational therapy and a supportive care specialist, assisted her through managing side effects — helping her regain her strength and well-being. She feels incredibly “lucky” to have found City of Hope.

Read more about Samantha’s journey to finding the best treatment possible at City of Hope: https://bit.ly/3VLnWsN

“Love and kindness have ripple effects which can pe*****te the toughest barriers and permeate the soul.”

Ellie Maghami, M.D., embodies these qualities in her daily patient care, with one of her goals being to alleviate pain and suffering and uplift the human spirit. She approaches everyone with a profound sense of gratitude for the opportunity to serve because “we are all interconnected in this universe ... it takes small acts of kindness to create an everlasting impact around us.”

As we move forward from Pride Month, she proudly honors everyone and believes it is essential for everyone to feel wanted and valued. Her wish, not just for June but all year round: “We must bring our best selves forward and come together in unity to embrace our diversity, love for humanity and desire for peace.”

Dr. Maghami, we are deeply thankful for your heartfelt dedication to City of Hope’s mission to bring hope to every patient and for celebrating inclusivity for all.

Stay Safe Under the Sun. 🌞

Frederick L. Durden Jr., M.D. from City of Hope Atlanta shares five easy ways to reduce the risk of skin cancer:

1. Use Sunscreen: Choose a sunscreen with a minimum of 30 SPF that offers both UVA and UVB protection. Remember to reapply every two hours.

2. Seek Shade: Avoid direct sunlight from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when the sun's rays are strongest. Enjoy the outdoors under a beach umbrella or relax indoors.

3. Cover Up: Protect your skin with sunglasses, a hat and protective swimwear.

4. Avoid Tanning Beds: Tanning beds and sun lamps emit harmful UVA and UVB rays.

5. Know Your Risk: While everyone is at risk of skin cancer, certain factors like fair skin, natural blonde or red hair, light-sensitive medications and immune system conditions can increase your susceptibility.

If you spend a lot of time outdoors and notice new or changing spots, patches or moles on your skin, consult with your doctor or see a dermatologist for a thorough evaluation.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4cYQpmb

Leading with compassion is a quality that Ashlie Munoz embodies wholeheartedly. As a recent graduate from the Irell & Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Ashlie never forgets her values even in the lab.

“I try to keep the patient and patient's families in my thoughts when doing my work, whether interacting with patients at the hospital or doing research in the lab.”

During Pride Month, Ashlie's dedication to supporting her community is truly impactful. She is passionate about being a mentor to the younger generation and participates in City of Hope’s employee resource group Pride in the City (California chapter).

Beyond her academics, Ashlie recently celebrated proposing to her fiancée, Jellyn, in July 2023. She feels incredibly grateful for the unwavering support of her partner throughout her program journey.

Thank you, Ashlie, for being your whole, authentic self and for celebrating inclusivity at City of Hope. Your kindness and dedication make a difference every day.

“When I go to the cancer center, I forget I’m sick,” said Patricia Gilleland, patient at City of Hope Atlanta, “I feel better. I feel well. And I feel like a lot of it has to do with my medication.”

City of Hope is at the forefront of leading-edge treatments and recently has had success with the latest Food and Drug Administration approvals on antibody drug conjugate treatments for bladder cancer.

Patricia was diagnosed with bladder cancer in April 2022 and experienced such a positive result with an antibody drug conjugate treatment — a form of targeted chemotherapy. Bamidele Adesunloye, M.D., her oncologist, is thrilled to have these additional treatments added to his "tool kit."

“Most of the time, your first-line therapy may be your last line of therapy," shares Dr. Adesunlove. "So you had better make sure you have a very good drug as your first line, because if you don’t have a good drug to control the disease, you may never have another option again. This really revolutionized the way we look at bladder cancer.”

As for Patricia, she is truly grateful for feeling like herself again so that she can live in the moment.

Read more about the antibody-drug conjugate that is expanding treatment options for bladder cancer patients like Patricia.

Evolution and Revolution in Bladder Cancer Treatment Antibody-drug conjugates represent a paradigm shift for patients with cancer and providers.