The cover of this edition of City News features William Fuller, the recipient of City of Hope’s milestone 10,000th bone marrow transplant, along with the faces of some of the many people who each played an important role in his care. As we celebrate this landmark, we note the years of life that are made possible through these transplants and reflect on the team effort that makes this sustained life possible.

For some patients with certain types of cancer — such as leukemia and lymphoma — the only hope for cure is through a bone marrow transplant. Every year of survival after transplant is a year that might never have happened without this procedure.

At City of Hope, patients are carried through intense therapies with the help of a caring, talented team of professionals. Doctors deliver lifesaving treatments and oversee care with help from physician assistants, nurses, pharmacists, research associates and nurse coordinators. Technologists and laboratory technicians help ensure that transplants offer the best match possible. Social workers, recreational therapists, spiritual care specialists and others provide patients and families with the support they need to address the full spectrum of their needs. Physical and occupational therapists help patients physically recover and prepare for daily living again.

These are just a few of the specialists critical to a bone marrow transplant patient’s return to health.

You are part of this lifesaving team. Whether you’ve been a bone marrow donor or given time or money, you have helped make 10,000 transplants possible. For that, I thank you.


Sheri Biller
Chair, City of Hope Board of Directors

The advent of bone marrow transplantation marked an important step forward in the battle against leukemia,lymphoma and other diseases of the blood and immune system. Today, these procedures offer hope to an increasing number of patients who would have had few options just decades ago.

City of Hope played a crucial role in the development of the bone marrow transplant. At a time when the procedure’s curative potential was largely unproven, our medical team helped pioneer the procedure. Our physicians, scientists, nurses, lab professionals and other team members laid the groundwork for care that has saved countless lives all over the world.

Thirty-five years later, our transplant program remains a world leader. City of Hope physicians and researchers continue advancing transplantation, making it more effective, safer and available to a wider range of patients than ever before.

In this issue, you will read about a milestone achieved by the team at City of Hope: its 10,000th transplant. Moments like this bring home the impact of our work — both on those who seek care from City of Hope and on the many more worldwide who benefit from our research.

These moments inspire us to redouble our efforts. There is much more to accomplish for patients battling cancer. Thanks to the generosity of the loyal supporters who fund our research, and the partnership of patients going through clinical trials, City of Hope will continue to lead the way in search of better treatments — and, increasingly, cures.


Michael A. Friedman, M.D.
President and Chief Executive Officer
Director, Comprehensive Cancer Center
Irell & Manella Cancer Center Director’s Distinguished Chair