Celebrating Leadership, Service, and the City of Hope Difference
For over 20 years, Kevin O’Connor has poured his heart into advocacy, not simply as a professional obligation but as a calling. As member of the International Home Furnishings Industry group (IHFI), including more than a decade as Chairman of the City of Hope Dinner committee of the Spirit of Life® gala, he has had a transformative impact.
His leadership has been a driving force in mobilizing the group. He has shaped programs, inspired colleagues, and, most importantly, cultivated a spirit of hope that resonates across every initiative he touches.
O’Connor’s journey is marked by resilience and a genuine desire to serve, ensuring that his impact is felt far beyond the boundaries of any single campaign. Recently, O’Connor was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at IHFI’s Spirit of Life gala, a celebration marking the culmination of IHFI’s 2026 Spirit of Life campaign, which raised $1.3 million this year. IFHI has raised more than $105 million since its partnership with City of Hope was established in 1965.
From Advocate to Patient
O’Connor says his work for City of Hope is “probably the most important thing I’ve ever done.”
His wife Madeline received treatment for breast cancer, and his daughter Christine fought the disease for 7½ years before passing away at 38. To honor Christine and spare others from similar pain, O’Connor became a committed advocate for City of Hope.
His story took an unexpected turn when he received a diagnosis that brought his lifelong advocacy into sharp, personal focus. Suddenly, he found himself navigating the uncertainty of patienthood, relying on the very principles he had championed — early detection, seeking second opinions, and trusting in specialized surgical expertise.
“It was surreal,” recalled O’Connor. “It’s a whole lot different when someone tells you, ‘You’ve got cancer’ as opposed to having a daughter who has cancer or a spouse who has cancer or a friend who has cancer. Kinda hits you hard.”
Through his experience with City of Hope’s exceptional care, he witnessed firsthand the compassion and innovation that sets the institution apart. His journey underscores the critical importance of vigilance and expert guidance, transforming his role from supporter to recipient and deepening his commitment to the cause.
Building Community
Throughout O’Connor’s journey, the theme of community emerges as a constant — binding together IHFI, City of Hope, and the broader industry. Community has always been at the heart of City of Hope’s founding and remains vital to its future.
O’Connor’s leadership has embodied this principle, connecting industry professionals, patients, and researchers in common purpose. From offering counsel to friends and loved ones navigating patienthood to providing industry counsel to City of Hope leaders, his greatest legacy lies in the community he has built and mobilized. Through his example, philanthropy has become a shared endeavor, marked by unity and a commitment to making a lasting difference.
“Kevin O’Connor represents the very best of our industry — an innovator, mentor and servant leader whose generosity of time and talent has made a lasting impact,” said Sharon Joyce, Managing Vice President, Transformative Giving at City of Hope.
Rallying Around Shared Purpose
O’Connor’s example reminds us that true leadership is measured by the ability to lift others and create opportunities for collective action. Support City of Hope by joining us in championing unity, leadership, and investment in lifesaving research. Together, we can build a stronger community and drive progress for patients everywhere. Explore how you can get more involved by visiting Ways to Give to City of Hope: Donate Online, Gift, Fundraise to learn more and get involved.
Pictured left: Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Kevin O’Connor was presented the award by City of Hope leadership, Robert Stone, CEO, Kristin Bertell, chief philanthropy officer, and former IHFI Spirit of Life Honorees and industry board members. Pictured right: Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Kevin O’Connor reflects on his City of Hope Journey during IHFI Spirit of Life event.