Learn more about the Power of Hope campaign, watch campaign videos, read why friends and supporters believe in City of Hope or donate online at www.powerofhopecampaign.org.

The name “Hilton” is usually associated with luxury hotel accommodations. But the Hilton legacy reaches far beyond the hospitality industry through the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. The foundation provides resources to programs that improve the lives of disadvantaged and vulnerable people worldwide.

In December 2010, a $2.5 million gift from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation established the Barron Hilton Chair in Pediatrics at City of Hope. Pediatric hematologic oncologist Joseph Rosenthal, M.D., was named chair of the Department of Pediatrics and the first holder of the Barron Hilton Chair in Pediatrics in July.

The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation is a longtime supporter of City of Hope and previously donated $2 million to support the institution’s transfusion medicine center, which opened in 2009. The foundation also gave $1 million to City of Hope to establish the Conrad Hilton Research Building, which opened in 1986.

More than 10,700 children were diagnosed with cancer in 2010, according to the American Cancer Society. City of Hope’s Pediatric Cancer Program is among the top 10 providers of pediatric cancer care in California, and is known in particular for its work monitoring the long-term effects of childhood cancer and its advances in the treatment of musculoskeletal cancers.

“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 Steven Hilton, Conrad N. Hilton Foundation president and chief executive officer (CEO). “We believe this gift will enhance the excellent pediatric cancer program.”

The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation was created in 1944 by international business pioneer Conrad N. Hilton, who founded Hilton Hotels and left his fortune to help people in need around the world.

Barron Hilton, left, stands in front of a portrait of his father, Conrad Hilton, and is accompanied by his son, Steven Hilton. Barron Hilton serves as chair of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation board and Steven Hilton is president and CEO.

Joseph Rosenthal

Although Tony Markel’s connection to City of Hope started through his business, it grew deeply personal — inspiring him to become national chair for the Power of Hope campaign.

After helping to build the family business, Markel Corporation, into one of the largest property and casualty insurance companies in the U.S., he became involved with City of Hope in 2006 when the National Insurance Industry Council honored him with The Spirit of Life® Award.

Then, in 2007, doctors diagnosed his wife, Sue Markel, with ovarian cancer. Although she received treatment near their home in Virginia, they sought counsel from experts at City of Hope, including Michael A. Friedman, M.D., president and chief executive officer.

They were so impressed that they established the Markel/Friedman Fund for Research into Ovarian/Peritoneal Tumors at City of Hope to boost investigations into the disease.

“When cancer touches your life, it brings home the importance of research to defeat this disease,” Markel said. “City of Hope has amazing potential for breakthroughs against cancer, so I’m proud to support its mission.”

Sadly, Sue Markel died in 2008. When asked to serve as the fundraising campaign’s national chair, Tony Markel was quick to accept. He is an energetic advocate, traveling across the country to spread the word and raise funds.

“City of Hope has the chance to make progress like never before, and I want to do everything I can to help, so other women won’t have to go through what Sue did,” said Markel.

Tony Markel, Power of Hope campaign national chair

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF THE CONRAD N. HILTON FOUNDATION; P.CUNNINGHAM; WALTER URIE