Nearly a century ago, small groups of women and men united to help City of Hope bring care and dignity to people suffering from tuberculosis. These first local chapters reached out nationwide to like-minded people in their effort to support City of Hope in the fight against disease.

Today, chapters — dedicated groups of individual volunteers who raise millions of dollars to advance innovative research, treatment and education programs — remain a critical part of City of Hope’s fundraising efforts.

Phoenix — Fifteen City of Hope supporters raced in this year’s Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend in Florida to support research and treatment at City of Hope. The team raised more than $17,000 for critical programs at City of Hope.

Called Run for Hope, the team began training for the Jan. 8 and 9 running events five months earlier. The team included six children who participated in the Buzz & Woody Best Friends 5K, a special event that was part of the Marathon Weekend, while the rest of the team ran in the half-marathon or marathon.

Michele Shipitofsky, regional director at City of Hope’s development office in Phoenix, said she was inspired to run because of the work of Leslie Bernstein, Ph.D., professor and director of the Division of Cancer Etiology at City of Hope, who encourages daily exercise and a healthy diet to prevent childhood obesity and reduce the risk of several cancers. — Laura Kim

Los Angeles — Television personality Jimmy Lange from “The Contender” threw a punch at Mario Lopez, host of “Extra,” but for a good reason — the K.O. Cancer fundraising event to benefit City of Hope.

Sports enthusiasts, celebrities and philanthropists alike faced off against a common opponent — cancer — while honoring boxing greats Micky Ward, Jake LaMotta and Jackie Kallen at the April 6 event at the Beverly Hilton, which raised more than $120,000 for City of Hope.

More than 320 people were entertained by master of ceremonies Robert Shapiro, two heavyweight boxing bouts and the celebrity matchup between Lange and Lopez. City of Hope’s Board of Governors Chapter organized the fundraising event. It was co-chaired by Stanley Black and Bob Barth of Black Equities Group. — Christa Thomas

Palm Springs — Cancer survivors and their friends and family members, local residents and City of Hope supporters trekked through the scenic Indian Canyons on March 6 to benefit efforts against women’s cancers. More than 1,000 hikers showed their support for City of Hope at the 13th annual Hike 4 Hope, which raised more than $130,000.

About 100 hike leaders from the Coachella Valley and Desert Trails hiking clubs led participants through dramatic rock formations, blooming wildflowers and abundant wildlife.

“I’m grateful for the tremendous support and the determination of all volunteers and hikers to end women’s cancers once and for all,” said Debbie Long, director of development in City of Hope’s Desert Communities Regional Development Office.

At the end, participants contributed to a dedication tree honoring survivors and memorializing loved ones and were entertained by the Agua Caliente bird singers and dancers. In addition, more than 20 volunteers registered as potential bone marrow donors. — Laura Kim

Florida — More than 1,600 guests gathered at Florida Atlantic University’s Carole & Barry Kaye Performing Arts Auditorium to watch the star-studded 16th annual Show of Shows.

Hosted by City of Hope’s Southeast Region Phyllis Dropkin Chapter and produced by NYK Productions, the March 14 event raised $25,000. Performers included The Bronx Wanderers, Carol Woods and Karen Saunders, Robert Klein, Hal Linden, William Michaels, Sal Richards, Steve Solomon, Stewie Stone and other guest stars. — Laura Kim

Jay Leslie, on the saxophone, and Jimmy Fracassi of The Bronx Wanderers.

Florida — More than 300 longtime supporters gathered in Davie, Fla., for the third annual Southeast Region Tour of Hope to support City of Hope. Speakers at the April 8 event included Richard Jove, Ph.D., Morgan and Helen Chu Director’s Chair and director of Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, and patient Jim Ellis.

Several volunteers were recognized for their longtime dedication and commitment in the fight against cancer. The honorees included Sheila Berner, chair of the region’s annual breast cancer events and member of the Nob Hill Chapter; Nancy Moorman, author of “Too Many Cooks”; and Jaye and Roger Levy, donors to City of Hope’s Department of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation. Richard and Selma Ehrlich, members of the Bernice Chernove Wynmoor Chapter, were among several who donated to the Leslie & Susan Gonda (Goldschmied) Diabetes & Genetic Research Center Expansion building.

Power of Hope campaign participants and Legacy of Hope Society members from the region also were honored. More than 40 supporters in the region made pledge commitments beyond their normal giving, contributing $25,000 to the Power of Hope campaign. — Laura Kim

Richard Jove

PHOTOS: AMYCANTRELL.COM; DAVID MCGUIRE; ALBERT M. BARG PHOTOGRAPHY; P.CUNNINGHAM