At City of Hope, our approach to philanthropy is personal, purpose-driven and profoundly human. We pride ourselves on building lasting relationships that align our donors’ values with bold ideas that accelerate progress.
It’s this chemistry — between our supporters and science — that makes real, life-changing work possible.
Take The Kemper and Ethel Marley Foundation, for example. The Phoenix-based family foundation has supported our Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) for more than 20 years.
In 2003, The Kemper and Ethel Marley Foundation was one of the first to invest in TGen and the promise of genomic medicine and technology. Having lost two loved ones to pancreatic cancer, the Marley family was especially interested in advancing early detection for this deadly disease.
Since then, TGen has grown into an international powerhouse that is harnessing insights from our DNA to defeat cancer and other serious illnesses. The Kemper and Ethel Marley Foundation has been with us every step of the way. Thanks to their grants, our scientists have developed new methods to identify people at high risk of pancreatic cancer and even developed “the Marley equation,” a calculation that can help doctors better detect and safely remove pancreatic tumors. Today, this lifesaving work continues with a profound impact on patients across the country.
There are so many examples of philanthropic partnerships like this at City of Hope. Recently, investments from two longtime supporters helped us recruit a top lung cancer expert to City of Hope. Generous philanthropy also funded a groundbreaking Type 2 diabetes study that is opening new pathways to diagnosis and treatment. Other gifts are advancing the next generation of immunotherapies for all kinds of cancer, including brain cancer. And thousands of corporate partners, including cancer survivor Barb Gargano, are rallying their colleagues to support City of Hope.
Here, philanthropy is not transactional; it’s transformational. It’s not about dollars and cents but lives improved and lives saved.
The collaborative spirit of our partnerships makes all the difference. When we ask people to give to City of Hope, we’re inviting them to start a journey with us. Some of those journeys are just beginning. Others span decades. All are having a profound impact.
As we start the New Year, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your commitment to our mission. I also want to invite each of you to continue this shared journey to defeat cancer and diabetes.
Hope is a choice — and we’re so glad you chose us.
In gratitude,
Kristin J. Bertell
Chief Philanthropy Officer