City of Hope's Music, film and entertainment industry raises more than $4.3 million to improve disparities in cancer care

The celebration was loud and joyful for Lyor Cohen, global head of Music at YouTube and Google, and for 50 years of partnership between City of Hope and its Music, Film and Entertainment Industry (MFEI) fundraising group. Cohen was honored with the MFEI group's Spirit of Life^® Award at its annual Spirit of Life Gala at the Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles. 

Evan Lamberg, MFEI board president and president of Universal Music Publishing Group welcomed the 900 guests in attendance which included Jay-Z, Diddy, Ludacris and other notable artists; past Spirit of Life honorees (Sir Lucien Grainge, Sylvia Rhone, Jon Platt, Monte and Avery Lipman; and several high profile industry executives. "Cancer doesn't take a break and neither does City of Hope and its Music, Film and Entertainment Industry group," Lamberg said.  "Lyor Cohen and his team have done a phenomenal job on this year's Spirit of Life event, and for that we are so very grateful."  Watch a short clip of highlights from the evening. 

Led by Cohen, this year's fundraising campaign focused on the challenges that underserved populations face in accessing quality health care, especially cancer care, and raised over $4.3 million to benefit City of Hope's efforts in this area. 

The Power of Partnership to Help Everyone Get the Best Care

Robert Stone, chief executive officer and the Helen and Morgan Chu Chief Executive Officer Distinguished Chair at City of Hope, underscored the importance of the 50-year partnership with MFEI and this year's campaign in helping City of Hope reach more people: "As we aim to close the care gap and eliminate inequity between the innovation taking place at the top cancer centers and the people who can access these medical breakthroughs, collaboration helps make this possible."

"It's incredible to see so many members of the music community gathered in one place with the single purpose of fighting cancer for all," said Kristin Bertell, chief philanthropy officer at City of Hope. "The legacy of philanthropy and partnership with the music and entertainment industries has supported City of Hope in making great strides to expand access to top cancer care, and we are so grateful."

After celebratory remarks for the industry and Cohen, Stone introduced John Carpten, Ph.D., director of City of Hope's comprehensive cancer center, director of Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, chief scientific officer and the Irell & Manella Cancer Center Director's Distinguished Chair.

"Too many people needlessly suffer due to the lack of access to the latest medical innovations and systemic barriers that prevent them from getting the best cancer care," Carpten said. "At City of Hope, we are working to carry out solutions that increase the likelihood that every person living with cancer —  regardless of race or region — can get the best care."

The Unique Perspective of Patients and Families

The evening also included a series of powerful, true stories shared by City of Hope patients and family members who have faced cancer head on:

• Sean Frankenheimer, founder of Difference Entertainment and co-president of City of Hope's Future Hope, spoke of his mother's experience at City of Hope: "City of Hope provides innovative cancer treatment and compassionate care that often results in the greatest gift of all — time.
• Katie Robinson, head of marketing at Elektra Entertainment and survivor of Hodgkin's lymphoma, recalled the difficult moment of her diagnosis: "I wondered, 'How am I going to be there for my 3-year-old daughter?' But the fear disappeared for me the moment I walked into City of Hope. From the 24-hour, seven-days a week hotline to the patient liaison I could reach out to at any time, I was never alone." 

  

• "It's undeniable that my access to cancer screenings and treatment options saved my life, but sadly that's not the reality for far too many who share my background," said Jonathan Azu, founder and CEO of Culture Collective and MFEI board member. "This is precisely where City of Hope comes into play, showcasing their commitment to reducing disparities within the Black community."

Tributes from Hip-Hop Legends

The sold-out event featured performances from several hip-hop legends whose careers were shaped by Cohen, an innovator and icon in hip-hop music, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. LL Cool J and DJ Jazzy Jeff were special guest performers. The evening also included a specially curated "Pass the Mic Live" segment from DJ Cassidy, with performances from artists such as Public Enemy, Kurtis Blow, Dru Hill, EPMD, Ja Rule, Redman, Slick Rick, Swizz Beatz and many others. 

 
In accepting his award, Cohen reinforced the evening's theme of health equity: "To City of Hope and all the doctors, nurses and employees — let's end cancer, and on the way, let's make your magic more accessible to people of color by investing in ways to reach them. We CAN close the gap."

Building on the theme of eradicating cancer, he asked the crowd, "Wouldn't it be incredible if we could also eradicate hate?" Cohen spoke passionately about the events in Israel. He expressed gratitude for his family and a lifetime of colleagues, industry partners and the more than 100 artists he has worked with.