A $2.5 million gift from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation will establish the Barron Hilton Chair in Pediatrics at City of Hope. The gift will support recruitment of a department chair to lead research and treatment programs aimed at improving therapies and outcomes for children with cancer. 

Pediatric patients like Sofia Nowinakonopka may benefit from advances made possible through the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation’s recent gift. (Photo by p.cunningham)

The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation is a longtime supporter of City of Hope and most recently donated $2 million to support the Michael Amini Transfusion Medicine Center. The foundation also gave $1 million to City of Hope to establish the Conrad Hilton Research Building, which opened in 1986.

“This generous gift will help City of Hope recruit an outstanding pediatric cancer clinician and scientist to lead our efforts to bring new research discoveries quickly to the aid of children with cancer, both in the U.S. and worldwide,” said Michael A. Friedman, M.D., president and chief executive officer (CEO). “We are grateful for the continued support of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, which ensures that our outstanding pediatric patient program will be strengthened.”

More than 10,700 children were diagnosed with cancer in 2010, according to the American Cancer Society. City of Hope’s Pediatric Cancers Program specializes in research and treatment of cancers affecting children, teenagers and young adults and maintains an integrated Childhood Cancer Survivorship Program, which aims to prevent and treat long-term issues associated with cancer therapy.

“This generous gift will enable City of Hope to recruit a leader in pediatric oncology who will advance our research and teaching as well as the care of these young patients,” said Smita Bhatia, M.D., M.P.H., Ruth Ziegler Chair in Population Sciences and staff physician in the Pediatric Cancers Program.

A search for a new Department of Pediatrics chair is ongoing.

“We are pleased to establish this chair and support City of Hope’s efforts to improve treatments, shorten hospital stays and improve the overall quality of life for children facing cancer,” said Steve Hilton, Conrad N. Hilton Foundation president and CEO. “We believe this gift will enhance the excellent pediatric cancer program.”