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

Sarcoma may be rare and complex, but that doesn’t stop City of Hope sarcoma surgical oncologist William Tseng, M.D., and his team from fighting every day to heal patients and bring hope. From high school biology club president to leading sarcoma specialist, Dr. Tseng is excited by the advances being made in this field. He knows that sarcoma is no longer a “one solution, one treatment” disease. His passion lies in spending time with his patients, educating and empowering them to understand their unique cancer journey. Dr. Tseng shares, "My vision, my goal would be to have every sarcoma patient get the right treatment through a sarcoma specialist, like what we have here at City of Hope."

City of Hope surgical urologist Diana Londo?o, MD's journey from personal loss to professional impact is a testament to City of Hope’s values of integrity and compassion. After losing her father to untreated prostate cancer, she transformed her grief into a mission: to advocate for patient dignity and accessible health care, especially within the Latino community. Born in Mexico City and now a urologist at City of Hope Los Angeles, Dr. Londo?o understands the importance of bridging cultural gaps and ensuring that every patient feels heard and respected. By honoring her roots and advocating for those who may feel marginalized, she exemplifies how personal experiences can drive meaningful change in the medical field. Read Dr. Londo?o’s story: https://bit.ly/4eEVVLC

City of Hope physician-scientist and computational geneticist Enrique I. Velazquez Villarreal, MD, PhD, MPH, is committed to improving health care for Hispanic and Latino communities. On Friday, October 11, at 9 a.m. PT, he will participate in a panel hosted by The Latino Cancer Institute to explore the critical intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and Latino health. Tune in to this important conversation and gain insights into how AI is shaping cancer diagnosis, interventions and care for Latino populations. Hear Dr. Velazquez Villarreal champion for more diverse voices and perspectives in the AI space. Register now to be part of this impactful discussion: https://lnkd.in/euN9qupr

We’re kicking off Diversity Week at City of Hope in all locations — City of Hope Atlanta, City of Hope Chicago, City of Hope Los Angeles, City of Hope Orange County, City of Hope Phoenix and at TGen! This week-long observance celebrates the beauty and significance of diversity in all its forms: the unique perspectives, experiences, talents and cultural backgrounds that employees and patients bring. It’s these differences that weave together to create a rich and vibrant tapestry, full of innovative ideas, insights and expressions. Much like the discoveries in science, the deeper we explore and embrace the richness of our diversity, the more we learn and make progress — side by side, as One City of Hope. Together, we become stronger and more capable of creating a better future. #CityofHopeDiversityWeek #CityofHope #DEI (Chalk art by City of Hope employee Gus Moran.)

Every year at our Atlanta, Chicago and Phoenix locations, City of Hope honors survivorship and a growing number of patients who reach a milestone marking five or more years since they began treatment. Celebrate Life is our way of honoring the strength, determination and spirit of survivors who entrust us with their care. Year after year, we are privileged to officially recognize a new class of celebrants. This year's events: - Chicago: October 11 - Atlanta: October 25 - Phoenix: November 8 More details: https://bit.ly/3Y6vcSm

Congratulations to Kristin Bertell, City of Hope’s chief philanthropy officer, on being recognized by Los Angeles Business Journal’s “Class of 2024” Leaders of Influence: Nonprofit and Philanthropy. This prestigious recognition celebrates trailblazers in the nonprofit sector — remarkable individuals who have forged powerful partnerships and developed strategies to meet the growing needs of our community and beyond. In her nine years as chief philanthropy officer, Kristin has been fundamental in orchestrating a philanthropic vision, building upon and growing City of Hope’s extensive grassroots network of philanthropic partners.?Today, while some nonprofits have experienced a steady decline in donor giving, Kristin has effectively tripled fundraising revenue to over $300 million since 2023. In fact, all research, investments, expanded access and compassionate care at City of Hope can be traced back to philanthropy. Currently overseeing more than 250 staff in executing a diverse portfolio of fundraising programs, Kristin led the charge in evolving the organization’s 100-plus-year fundraising platform into the industry-leading, mission-driven, philanthropic enterprise it is today. Kristin reflects on this honor, saying: "For more than 100 years, City of Hope’s mission has been deeply rooted in philanthropy. For me, it’s such an honor to be in this role at City of Hope, leading my amazing team and partnering with our extraordinary community of donors and volunteers to harness the power of philanthropy to yield tangible and meaningful results for as many patients as possible.” Read more: https://lnkd.in/erkCgTT7

Thanks to everyone who attended our sessions and presentations during the 2024 American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) annual meeting. Kristin Higgins, MD, chief clinical officer at City of Hope Atlanta, recaps key studies City of Hope presented.

In a rapidly evolving health care landscape, leadership development has become a critical need. Matthew Loscalzo, LCSW, professor emeritus in the Department of Supportive Care Medicine and founder of supportive medicine at City of Hope, has designed a unique leadership training series tailored for health care professionals. While the series is specifically crafted to address the challenges in health care, it is also open to anyone interested in building and enhancing their leadership skills, regardless of industry. We spoke to Loscalzo, Eleana Liou, Ed.D., M.P.A., PHR, program director in the Department of Supportive Care Medicine, and Karen Clark, M.S., director of Supportive Care Research and Training, to learn more about the Matthew Loscalzo Leadership Training Series, taking place via live webinars Oct. 8 through Nov. 14.

Congratulations to Colton Ladbury, M.D., assistant professor of radiation oncology at City of Hope Los Angeles and City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center, on receiving the inaugural ARRO Resident Educator of the Year Award from the Association of Residents in Radiation Oncology and the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO). The award was presented to Dr. Ladbury at the ASTRO annual meeting, where he also received the 2024 Quick Pitch Recognition Award. “I think one of the most important things we can do as academic radiation oncologists is help nurture the next generations of radiation oncologists, as it allows us to extend our impact even to other physicians patients,” said Dr. Ladbury. “It is a huge honor to be recognized for educational contributions to the City of Hope radiation oncology program (which I truly believe is a hidden gem and one of the top programs in the country). My hope is to continue to make educational resources and teaching more accessible to residents nationwide as a means of lifting up our specialty as a whole.” #ASTRO24