CONTACTS
Ashley Furniture
Caitlin Carnahan
ccarnahan@ashleyfurniture.com
City of Hope
Letisia Marquez
lemarquez@coh.org
TAMPA, Fla. and LOS ANGELES — Ashley Global Retail (Ashley) is joining forces this National Diabetes Month with City of Hope, one of the largest cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States and a leading research center for diabetes, to raise awareness and funds for the disease. Ashley is spotlighting City of Hope’s pioneering diabetes research with the goal of educating consumers on the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes and City of Hope’s approach to developing next-generation therapies, tackling complications and, ultimately, uncovering cures.
Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects millions of people worldwide and can cause serious and life-threatening complications over time. Diabetes incidence is growing in the United States, and there is an urgent need for better prevention, treatment and cures. City of Hope is a global leader in diabetes — its scientists created the technology that led to the development of synthetic human insulin, now used by millions of people with diabetes — and its Wanek Family Project for Type 1 Diabetes, established by a cornerstone donation from the Wanek Family, has helped City of Hope make monumental advancements since 2017, including 36 new discoveries, 21 patents, six clinical trials and over 385 publications. These findings have revolutionized the way diabetes is understood around the world.
The co-branded campaign with Ashley aims to feature City of Hope’s expertise and groundbreaking milestones, as well as solicit funds toward new medical advancements. Through a mix of digital and in-store promotions, consumers will be able to test their knowledge as they learn about how the disease affects people in the United States. They will also be able to make donations to accelerate City of Hope’s four-pronged approach to better treatments and potentially cures for diabetes: promoting prevention, stopping progression, restoring function and addressing complications.
“The work that City of Hope is doing is groundbreaking. Its research has revolutionized the understanding and treatment of diabetes and is going to improve the lives of many affected by this disease,” said Todd Wanek, president and CEO, Ashley Furniture Industries, LLC. “We are honored to partner with City of Hope, and we hope the campaign will educate others on how this disease affects people we know and love, and how we can rally together to find a cure.”
“Through the generosity of the Wanek family and gifts from additional donors and foundations, City of Hope has advanced key areas of research in the treatment of type 1 and prevention of type 2 diabetes,” said Debbie C. Thurmond, Ph.D., director of City of Hope's Arthur Riggs Diabetes & Metabolism Research Institute. “City of Hope’s areas of research include identifying biomarkers that help predict and prevent diabetes, using immunotherapies to stop the attack on beta cells, gene editing to prevent diabetic complications and tapping into the knowledge of a team of experts who are studying the intersection between cancer and diabetes.”
“We are deeply grateful to the Wanek family for their generosity and look forward to continued collaboration,” said Kristin J. Bertell, chief philanthropy officer, City of Hope.
Ashley Furniture Industries will host the awareness campaign across its North American facilities, engaging over 15,000 employees in learning more about diabetes, research efforts and prevention measures. The facilities will also provide diabetes checks at on-site wellness clinics.
Follow the campaign on Ashley’s Instagram or website, where you can learn more and donate toward City of Hope research and medical advancements or visit your local Ashley store. You can also follow City of Hope’s Facebook and Instagram or visit CityofHope.org/diabetes-Ashley.
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About City of Hope
City of Hope's mission is to deliver the cures of tomorrow to the people who need them today. Founded in 1913, City of Hope has grown into one of the largest cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S. and one of the leading research centers for diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses. As an independent, National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center, City of Hope brings a uniquely integrated model to patients, spanning cancer care, research and development, academics and training, and innovation initiatives. Research and technology developed at City of Hope has been the basis for numerous breakthrough cancer medicines, as well as human synthetic insulin and monoclonal antibodies. A leader in bone marrow transplantation and immunotherapy, such as CAR T cell therapy, City of Hope’s personalized treatment protocols help advance cancer care throughout the world.
With a goal of expanding access to the latest discoveries and leading-edge care to more patients, families and communities, City of Hope’s growing national system includes its main Los Angeles campus, a network of clinical care locations across Southern California, a new cancer center in Orange County, California, and Cancer Treatment Centers of America. City of Hope’s affiliated family of organizations includes Translational Genomics Research Institute and AccessHope. For more information about City of Hope, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn.